A BYU–Hawaii student steps up to lead through service, reflecting the university’s mission of preparing lifelong leaders and disciples of Jesus Christ
Coming from a humble family, John Dominic Belda, a junior majoring in communications, media and culture from the Philippines, said leadership is making yourself irreplaceable through helping others to be better than who you are. “Don’t think about yourself. Think about how you can help others. That’s the formula for being genuine and a true leader,” he said.
First Facilities Management Services student assistant
Before finding his role on campus, Belda said he experienced several rejections while applying for jobs at the Polynesian Cultural Center and BYU–Hawaii. During that time, he said prayer helped him remain hopeful.
“After five rejected job applications, I was interviewed by BYU–Hawaii Facilities Management Services,” Belda said. “The supervisor asked what motivated me to apply to BYUH and later made me his first student assistant in the department.”
In that role, Belda helped oversee around 150 student employees in Facilities Management Services, one of the largest departments on campus. With little experience at first, he said he focused on encouraging coworkers by giving them responsibilities that would build confidence.
“Whenever I see those people, I want to help in whatever way I can,” he said.
Belda said leadership is both responsibility and influence. “If you can influence others and be responsible, the people you influence will also be responsible and influential, which creates leaders everywhere.”
Communication and leadership
Before coming to BYU–Hawaii, Belda worked as a writer for the Church Newsroom in the Philippines covering humanitarian efforts. He said a quote from President Gordon B. Hinckley helped guide his decision to study communications.
“President Gordon B. Hinckley said, ‘The Church’s business is communication,’” Belda said.
He said the quote helped him see how communication could serve both the Church and society. “Communication is especially important in this digital era,” he said. “You can’t replace in-person communication with artificial intelligence.”
Belda also founded and now serves as president of the Asia Pacific Communication Society (ACPS). He said the idea for the club came after praying for opportunities to serve others.
“Rely on God—go to the temple, pray and ask Heavenly Father about your goals,” he said.
Lessons in leadership
Through his leadership roles and academic studies, Belda said he has learned the importance of understanding others, especially during difficult conversations.
“People struggle with change because they’re used to things,” he said. “If you impose change without explaining why or understanding their concerns, it won’t work, even as a leader.”
Belda said his experience at BYUH is more than earning a degree — it is about developing leadership skills.
He encouraged fellow students to accept leadership opportunities even when they doubted themselves.
“Being here is already a call to leadership,” Belda said. “If you doubt yourself, you’re doubting the One who put you here. Trust God, and everything else will follow.”