Madi Berry

Mia Boice, a Spring 2020 graduate from Georgia who majored in psychology, reflected on the family she has made during her time at BYU–Hawaii and offered advice to current students about the importance of making people a priority.

The plan of happiness has contributed to the lives of individuals through their missions and life experiences, and BYU-Hawaii students, alumni and professors shared the powerful impact embracing the plan has had on them.

While much of the world has experienced a temporary pause in work and regular routines, life has continued to move forward for mothers having children during this time. BYU-Hawaii student-mothers described their journey of what life looked like leading up to the hospital, their experience inside and life afterward with a newborn amid the restrictions.

Melissa Tomu, a sophomore from New Zealand majoring in social work, said, “On May 22, it [was] five years of being a member, and honestly, there are no regrets entering the waters of baptism ... The Plan of Happiness has helped me to realize families can be together forever, but at the same time, I kind of struggle with having parents who are both divorced. I had to pray and know that whatever Heavenly Father plans for me, I will see my family one day. Even though my family is not all members of the gospel, I do know I have a lot of work to do on this side and the other side of the veil, and the temple is what makes me happy. I have been blessed with wonderful families who love me. If I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. I am not perfect, but I strive to be a better person and to follow the Savior’s path.”

As a writer, I have been humbled as I experienced the depth of people’s culture through their voices. I believe every person has a unique culture of their own, and the only way to understand it is by listening to their voices telling their own stories. This school has taught me our differences unite us more than our similarities. I am grateful to be a part of this wonderful community and to celebrate others for being who they are.

Former professor of Special Education at BYU–Hawaii, Dr. Barbara Hong, and author of “Failing Up: A Professor’s Odyssey of Flunking, Determination, and Hope,” shared she believes knowledge has helped her find happiness throughout her life. Hong talked about her hard upbringing in Singapore and how she overcame obstacles to her education.

Charlotte Day, a Spring 2020 graduate in psychology from California, shared BYU–Hawaii gave her a chance to learn about the world, and its cultural influences made her feel like she was in a gathering place for God's children.

Laina Leota, a Spring 2020 graduate in exercise and sports science from Australia, shared the aloha felt here in Laie is a unique spirit that made her want to do better and be better. As she reflected on her time at BYU–Hawaii, she offered advice to students on being willing to learn and grow.

Preparation and humility were the keys to Rebecca Udoh’s success as a General Conference translator, according to Udoh and her friends. An interaction with a professor put Rebecca Udoh, an alumna from Nigeria, on the path to become a General Conference translator. Udoh traveled to Salt Lake City for each General Conference and translated the talks given from English into her first language, Efik.