Before coming to BYU–Hawaii, Kimo Burgess said he didn’t have many close friends. Now, because of the opportunities to meet new people at BYUH, he said he has “hundreds of friends” he considers family. He said he was careful to always be friendly and say aloha to his fellow classmates. He urged other students to do the same.
Elijah Hadley, a BYUH alumnus from Delaware currently serving a mission in Los Angeles, said he was introduced to Burgess through a mutual friend. He expressed his love for Burgess. “Kimo is one of the most Christlike people I know. He is kind, strong, hard-working and cares deeply about other people. I have never met the Savior face to face, but I’ve been privileged to meet a few people who emulate his characteristics. Kimo is one of them.”
I have never met the Savior face to face, but I’ve been privileged to meet a few people who emulate his characteristics. Kimo is one of them.
One day, Hadley said he was feeling down and began questioning his worth. He said he felt comfortable enough to talk with his good friend Burgess who showed him “kindness I did not think I deserved. I was very depressed at the time and could not muster any energy to be kind to myself. … I’m still amazed by the kindness and understanding he showed me.”
Burgess, a senior from Aiea majoring in political science, said after graduation he plans to apply the things he learned while serving the BYUH community to his new position on the local governance neighborhood board in Aiea.
The journey to BYUH
After attending a school fair and leadership conference while enrolled in Leeward Community College, Burgess said he undoubtedly wanted to apply for and attend BYUH. He said he was amazed by the University’s environment and community.
“I doubted I would be accepted and thought to myself, ‘Oh man, I’m not going to get in.’” Despite his doubts, however, he was accepted in September 2018 and began classes in January 2019.
Burgess said he was overjoyed to finally become part of the BYUH ohana and adjust to life on his own. Integrating himself on campus, he added, was unlike anything he had experienced before.
“It was a whole new chapter for me. This was the first time I ever became independent, and I learned how to live on my own. I really changed my mindset about meeting new people and everybody from around the world.”
Applying his education
Burgess said the knowledge, experiences and growth he has gained at BYUH will translate into his future career, life and family. “Gaining the knowledge here at the school and then using it to serve other people outside of school is very important.”
In February 2021, Burgess said he was elected to be a part of the local governance neighborhood board in his community in Aiea, which he will begin in August 2021. He said he will serve by using the knowledge he learned in his classes at BYUH to better his community.
Burgess said his new position in the local government will allow him to fully put the school’s motto, “Enter to learn, go forth to serve,” into place because he can impact people for good.
“While I serve in this new position, it will be as if I am also serving God and His people. What I want to do for my future work is to be serving others like I’m serving God.”
What I want to do for my future work is to be serving others like I’m serving God.
Burgess encouraged students to take their learning seriously so they can serve in their fullest capacity when they get a career. “For me, it’s all about serving or helping other people who need it most.”
One of his professors emphasized this application of knowledge. He said his professor told him, “Even if you like to get the grades or a high GPA, what really matters is how you use the knowledge you gained at the school after graduation.”
Friends for life
Burgess suggested students try to make as many friends as possible while studying at BYUH. “For the new students coming to this school, make as many friends as possible. Say aloha to everybody. Whenever you pass by somebody in the hallway, be a friendly face.”
According to Burgess, the students at BYUH greatly impacted his experience. “If it wasn’t for the remarkable students at this school, I would have struggled in my education. Everyone treats everybody here like family, making it such an inviting place to be and learn.”
Michael Waters, a sophomore from Oregon studying political science, said he admires Burgess’ openness. “Kimo is really firm in his own stance about the Church and political issues, while also being open to hearing the input of others. … He’s really willing to listen to other people’s views and doesn’t get caught up in thinking that he has all the answers.”
Waters added Burgess has inspired him to be a better student at BYUH. “I’ve learned about how to be a good student and a good friend. I sometimes struggle with remembering the importance of being a good student, but people like Kimo remind me that being a good student is worthwhile.”