Leonil Mosquera said he is feeling accomplished even though his commencement was canceled and there is a low chance he may get a job because of COVID-19. But he said he is putting his trust in the Lord and is looking forward to a brighter future, he shared.
Mosquera graduated summa cum laude with a double major in accounting and supply chain. He said he also minored in information systems and business enterprise systems and earned the SAP enterprise resource planning and Certified Association in Project Management certificates.
He married his wife, Marlene Grace Cuizon Mosquera, a recent alumna who graduated with a degree in psychology, in the Laie Hawaii Temple. They have a 2-year-old daughter, Manaia Lani Mosquera, and are expecting their second child, a son, in July 2020.
He said establishing a family, living close to the temple and having the opportunity to work and study at the same time were great blessings. “I learned many things that help me to succeed in this earthly life and also many spiritual principles that are necessary for my eternal growth.”
Learning from challenges
Leonil Mosquera said the hardest challenges during his time at BYUH were time management and financial problems. He overcame his challenges through hard work and faith in Christ, he said.
“When we got married, we didn’t have money to pay our security deposit for TVA and to do our wedding reception. Then my wife stopped working due to visa issues, and we had our first child,” Leonil Mosquera said.
“However, we trusted in God and did everything we [could]. We continued to keep the commandments and pay our tithing and [fast] offerings. All these experiences helped us to strengthen our testimony that Heavenly Father is trustworthy, and we can do everything in His power.”
All these experiences helped us to strengthen our testimony that Heavenly Father is trustworthy, and we can do everything in His power.
The Mosqueras shared their favorite scripture verse is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” They have this verse on their living room wall to remind them to trust in the Lord.
Leonil Mosquera played roles as a husband, a father, an employee, and a vice president for a service committee in the Philippines Club while he was studying full-time. He said time management and teamwork with his wife helped him to accomplish his duties.
According to Leonil Mosquera, he worked as a tour guide at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) and resident advisor lead at the BYUH Housing Department. He also did his internship as a junior internal auditor at the PCC.
Rita Falevai, a junior from Hauula majoring in elementary education, has worked with Leonil Mosquera for three years. “Leois a very hardworking and persistent person. He never gives up. He is obedient to rules and always tries to help people around him. He shows great examples of a good employee and a loyal disciple of Christ.”
Leonil Mosquera shared he is excited to go back to his home country after four years. “We have to find a job, a house to live and other necessary things to live. We trust in God and move forward with bright faith.”
Life outside of school
Leonil and Marlene Mosquera both served full-time missions. He served in the Philippines Angeles Mission from September 2012 to August 2014. He said he taught at the Philippines Missionary Training Center for two years before he came to BYUH. His wife, Marlene Mosquera, served in the Philippines Butuan Mission between September 2013 and March 2015.
The Mosqueras continued to serve God through their callings while they were studying. He served in the Elders Quorum presidency, and she served as a Primary secretary in the Laie Married Student 4th Ward. He said they have made many friends through their callings and ministering. “If you desire to follow Christ, your behavior will change too,” he added.
Tyson Hunter, a senior from California majoring in finance, is their neighbor. “They are great neighbors. He is also my ministering companion. He always takes initiative to do our ministering. We share our food sometimes, and they are very good at cooking.”
Leonil Mosquera said the last four years were not easy, but has he grown from it all. He shared a big part of his success was his wife. “I am proud of my wife because she went through pregnancy twice while she was studying, which I consider a big success. She also takes good care of our home and daughter.” He said if he had a misunderstanding with his wife, they always solve it before going to bed.
Marlene Mosquera said, “My husband always prioritizes his faith and family, so God helps him to be academically successful. I rely on him and ask for help a lot. He never complains. God blesses him with the strength to do his duties. He is a smart and hard working man. I am so blessed to have him in my life.”
Leonil Mosquera advised new students to grab every opportunity to serve and develop their skills. “Do internships as much as you can and accumulate work experiences. Work closely with teaching assistants to keep your GPA up. Four years is a very short time, so enjoy every moment of it.”