Students share their current experiences and their hopes for BYUH’s future
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The spiritual emphasis, diversity, values and caring professors are what make the university experience great, said two BYUH students. Despite these advantages, they said the connection between university staff and students could be improved.
Sinisa Bourne, a sophomore from New Zealand majoring in construction facilities management, said he studied chemical engineering in a local college for a year before coming to Hawaii. At the same time, he was also teaching high-risk youths in a secondary school. He said coming to BYUH was a complete change of environment. “I was in an environment where the spirit was not present most of the time, but now, the temple is nearby and the spirit is all around.” He also said he was able to serve in the temple and in the church. “I didn’t think I would ever be helping others out in the ward,” he shared.
Studying at BYUH, Bourne said he learned more and gained more friends than he would have if he stayed in New Zealand. He said meeting people from all over the world, talking to them, and learning about where they are from and their culture allowed him to apply these values to himself. “I’ve been able to grow in every way … that is possible because of BYUH.”
Tateana Le Brun, a freshman from Wisconsin, majoring in communications, media and culture also said diversity is the greatest strength of the university. Living away from the culture you are comfortable with is hard, she said. “But what’s great about it is your experience would be much richer if you can push yourself outside of your comfort zone. It’s because there are so many people to learn and associate with,” she continued.
I’ve been able to grow in every way … that is possible because of BYUH.
BYUH values
“One of my favorite things the university is trying to teach us is balance,” Bourne shared. He said besides having classes and work, students have church callings, social life and more. “If you do not balance it, things fall apart.” He said he appreciates the university’s push and emphasis on this specific attribute to have a balanced life.
Bourne said BYUH values such as honesty and humility have helped him become a better version of himself. “I love following what’s expected of me,” he said. The university values are the expectations they hope the students will embody, he explained. “It’s the outcome they want for you … If you allow it to work through you, you’ll have a good experience."
Bourne said he had good experiences with his professors, who influenced him to become a better person in many ways. He said his professors share their testimonies, prioritize their students’ well-being, make students feel important and guide them to success. “They had set expectations that were achievable but still challenging,” he added.
Contrary to what Bourne shared, Le Brun said she didn’t have the same depth of connection to some of her professors. “But the ones who did had made a big difference and motivated me to put my best effort forward.” She said being acknowledged for her efforts makes her feel that what she does matters. “When [professors] show that they care, it feels different,” she continued.
Culture and identity
Having parents who have Hawaiian and New Zealand background, Le Brun said she was able to reconcile with her cultural identity by learning and experiencing her culture in the university.“That is something I really appreciate about BYUH,” she added. She explained that she felt inadequate to claim her heritage because she grew up outside her parents’ culture. She also said it was comforting to meet others who had the same feelings about their cultural identity “You realize that you are not the only one who struggles,” she added.
Bourne also said working as the student manager at the Kumuwaiwai Sustainability Farm is a big part of his life because he learned more about his identity and culture being Hawaiian. “This is probably one of the biggest changes coming here … but since working at the farm I’ve learned a lot,” he continued.
Bourne said he is excited to come back to New Zealand or wherever he may end up to apply and share the things he has learned from BYUH. “I truly believe in the mission of the university,” he said. “I think it’s a really good thing to come to a place with the spirit, especially when you are walking where Jesus has walked,” he said.
For the future of BYUH
I hope we can continue to make BYUH a place where people can develop strong cultural connections and help others who are trying to do the same.
Le Brun also hopes that opportunities to serve outside the campus are more visible for students who want to participate.
Bourne also said he hopes BYUH maintains the values they encourage the students to live by. “I hope they continue recruiting students from all places in the world and pushing them to do good, even if some may disagree with it.” It’s better to leave knowing that the school cared enough to encourage students to do good, he continued.