The BYU–Hawaii New Student Experience hosted a Ho’olaule’a Dinner on Jan. 3, filled with games and performances from different clubs for new and returning Winter Semester 2020 students. Those in attendance said the event provided useful information about the university and gave students an opportunity to socialize in a new environment.
This dinner and performance event has been a part of the New Student Experience activities for more than eight years. However, this time the dinner was held in Hale Ohana at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Maurice Mo'o, a manager of BYUH Admissions, said they wanted the new students to experience Polynesian cuisine and a fire knife dance, so they chose this location.
Isaac Meline, a returning sophomore from South Dakota majoring in information technology, said he enjoyed every part of the event. He shared, “I felt at home, welcomed and accepted. It makes me feel my contribution is appreciated on an individual level. It makes me feel like I am living.”
During the dinner, Seasider Sports, the Service Center, and the leadership of the clubs introduced their departments briefly and gave away prizes to new students. The New Student Experience team also answered questions. Throughout the night, there was a dance competition and a fashion show.
Modesty fashion show
BYUH Student Advisory Council (SAC) presented an Honor Code modesty fashion show to promote modest dress and grooming. Tihani Langkilde, a senior from Samoa majoring in exercise and sports science, is a student manager of the SAC.
Langkilde said they wanted to help new students visualize what is appropriate to wear on and off campus for church, class, sports, the beach, and so on. They also demonstrated how to wear a lavalava properly for men and women.
Lava Semi Tuineau, a freshman from Tonga majoring in marketing, said, “I was one of the models of the Honor Code fashion show. I also competed for the dance competition. Even though I didn’t win, I had fun. I feel like I am at home away from home. I will encourage my friends at home to come and study here.”
Showcasing culture
Tonga, Latin America, and the Philippines student clubs performed traditional dances. They invited new students to volunteer to learn their dances. Three young girls performed a fire knife dance as well. Jason Ava, the Admissions and Financial Aid technical analyst, sang a rap song, pumping up the audience.
Onon Enkhee, a freshman from Mongolia with an undeclared major, said, “I thought it was only a dinner, but it is very informative and full of surprises. I loved the island dances. I volunteered to learn in the Latin American dance. I also set a goal to learn Tahitian dance.”
Vilimaina Likuborebore, a senior from Fiji majoring in political science, participated in the Fiji dance presentation, adding, “The dance we performed is called the ‘Sacred Red Sea Turtle of Kadavu.’ It portrayed some parts of our culture, and we invite new students to learn more about our culture.”
A dancer in the Fiji presentation, Lora Tavuto, a sophomore from Fiji majoring in political science, said her passion for her culture has grown during her stay in Hawaii. She shared representing her culture gives her a sense of pride. She extended a warm invitation to all students to come join the Fiji Club and laugh and have a good time.
Welcoming all
Jared Mariano, a senior from the Philippines majoring in information technology, was one of the performers for the Philippines Club. “We want [new and returning students] to know they are welcome here, especially those Filipinos that are far away from home.”
Mariano said he enjoys being a part of the Philippines Club and has been a member since his freshman year. He encourages all his fellow Filipino and non-Filipino students to come learn and feel at home with the chapter.
Ralph Mallapre, a sophomore from the Philippines majoring in vocal performance, said they performed their traditional dance called “Tinikling,” which has been a part of the Filipino tradition for centuries.
Ganzorig Solibat, a freshman from Mongolia majoring in marketing, said, “I never expected to have a good orientation like this. I am starting my BYUH experience very fun.”
Truman Burgess, a transfer student from BYU majoring in TESOL, said the “food was absolutely delicious. I talked with people and made many friends. The hosts were telling many funny jokes … It is amazing to see new cultural dances.”