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Leiani Brown

Multimedia Journalist
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Graduate Jay Reid's class project social media account highlights the lives of Polynesians all over the globe

By Leiani Brown
July 26, 2022
Started on Instagram as part of a class project, The Polynesian Effect shares the stories of business owners, artists and illustrators, genealogists, editors-in-chief, educators and more, who all have one thing in common: ties to Polynesia.
13 Min Read
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Mothers share their experiences and challenges as also wives and full-time BYUH students

By Mahana Tepa
July 07, 2022
Lily Simpson said she always wanted to follow Heavenly Father’s commandment to procreate and receive the eternal blessing of a family.
8 Min Read
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Campus & Community

Hauula resident and volunteer Kenzo Furukawa says it’s up to the individual to create their own space

By Leiani Brown
July 01, 2022
Hand painted onto the circular ceiling of longtime Hauula community member Kenneth Kenzo Furukawa’s three-story house are these words in Hawaiian: “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” The words encircle an angelic scene Furukawa said he decided to paint after seeing many majestic ceilings on his trips to Europe.
6 Min Read
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Campus & Community

Spring 2022 issue's Letter from the Editor-in-Chief

By Leiani Brown
June 30, 2022
There is nothing quite like this little corner of the world. From the early morning crowing of neighborhood roosters to the community members who bleed Red Raider red; from the world-famous surf and “ono” eats to the aunties and uncles whose quiet, little acts of service have shaped our whole world—we love it here. We count it a delight, a blessing and a privilege to study in such a place, especially among people whose North Shore upbringing guides their everyday life and teaches us how to be better.
1 Min Read
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Administrative assistant 'Aunty' Anna Kaanga retires after nearly 40 years at BYUH

By Leiani Brown
January 15, 2022
A red poinsettia and a small string of Christmas lights adorned the kitchen of our small, shared housing in Hauula. It was a simple act, one of many I witnessed over the last couple days I spent interviewing Anna Kaanga for the article announcing her retirement from BYU–Hawaii.
5 Min Read
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Art professor says the creative process of painting and drawing relates to God’s creation of the world

By Levi Fuaga
December 13, 2021
Creating artwork mimics God’s creative power, said Jeff Merrill, associate professor of visual arts in the Faculty of Arts & Letters.
2 Min Read
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BYUH Professor Joe Plicka says creative writing is all about helping others notice what is usually taken for granted

By Levi Fuaga
November 23, 2021
A year originally devoted to studying death became a celebration of life explained Joe Plicka, assistant professor in the Faculty of Arts & Letters, at a faculty forum on Sept. 9.
4 Min Read
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Campus & Community

Honoring Maori manaakitanga: Spontaneous haka performed after convocation embodies English professor’s speech on Maori hospitality

By Leiani Brown
October 28, 2021
As a sign of “tautoko,” Maori for respect or support, a handful of students of various Polynesian backgrounds performed an impromptu haka in response to this year’s convocation address, explained Te Manu Matenga, a junior social work major from New Zealand.
6 Min Read
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English Professor Christiansen acknowledges Māori ancestors, hospitality across history in upcoming Convocation

By Leiani Brown
September 27, 2021
Personal ties to the history and people involved, including her late mother, have made preparation for her upcoming address, “Manaakitanga Here and There: The Case of Eparaima Makapi,” difficult and meaningful, shared Dr. AnnaMarie Christiansen, an associate professor in the Faculty of Arts & Letters.
2 Min Read
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