When did you graduate from BYUH?
“I graduated in December 1992 with double majors in elementary education and automotive technology. Later I received a fifth-year diploma (professional development) in education from BYUH as well.”
What was your career and educational journey after BYUH?
“I have been working for the Department of Education for 26 years in Hawaii. I taught 10 years at He‘eia Elementary School and 16 at Kahuku Elementary, where I was honored to be the social studies teacher of the year. I started as a third-grade teacher and then became a teacher for gifted students. Later, I taught sixth grade, third grade, first grade and am currently the computer teacher at Kahuku Elementary School.”
What is special about being a bishop of a married student ward?
“One of the greatest blessings of working with the students at BYUH is knowing in a few short years they will quickly become the leaders in their home countries, both in the Church and in the communities [in which] they reside.”
What special memories do you have at BYUH?
“I met my wife, Maria Kina Aniu Waite, at a Hawaiian Chapter activity. She is also an alumna of BYUH and majored in elementary education. I have been close with the BYUH community since I graduated. BYUH continues to be a place where everyone can grow and become responsible as individuals and as members of the Church of Jesus Christ.”
What advice do you have for students?
“The best advice I can give is to study hard, work all your hours, make plans as a family, include the Lord in your plans, keep the commandments and your covenants. Also be self-reliant, learn to serve the Lord, your family and those around you. If you do these things, God will find pleasure helping you prosper in every aspect of your life. Be good and do what’s right, and you will find happiness.”
“If you put effort with real intent, you can gain more than just a secular education at BYUH. You can develop the tools that will help you return to Heavenly Father. It’s good to keep in mind every day we walk on sacred ground: A place frequently visited by prophets of God, with a sacred temple that allows for higher forms of learning if we go there often and listen with a desire to learn.”
What does family mean to you?
“My family is my everything. My parents were both educators, so I carried their legacy. My father, Merlin D. Waite, was a religion professor at BYUH. He currently works in the temple as a sealer and serves as a stake patriarch. My mother, Lila McKay, was an elementary teacher at Hau‘ula Elementary School and now works at home, actively doing family history.
“My ancestors joined the Church in the early days of the Restoration and traveled with the pioneers to Salt Lake. Maria and I have seven children, beginning with the eldest, Spencer, Kristlynn, Brittany, Joseph, William, Rachael and Enoch. Four of our children served in full-time missions, and three of them graduated from BYUH.”
What was the most defining moment of your life?
“I served my full-time mission in the Guayaquil Ecuador Mission in South America between 1984 and 1986. My mission set me on the covenant path, a path of service. Ever since then, I [have] always tried my best to serve others and build the Church. I have served in six bishoprics. Today, I serve as a bishop of the Laie Married Student 4th Ward.”
What are your hobbies?
“I like outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming, camping and fishing. I love sports as well. I used to play for the BYUH basketball team for two years when I was a student.”
What is your future plan?
“In the next few years, I hope to retire and serve a mission with my wife. I want to do all I can to build the Church of Jesus Christ here in Hawaii.”
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