On the evening of Jan. 24, students and faculty received an email from Student Leadership & Service encouraging BYU–Hawaii students and faculty to wear red the next day in support of Tonga because of the devastating volcanic eruptions and subsequent tsunamis off the islands’ coast on Jan. 14.
Student Leadership & Service’s intent was to “unite the student body in these times of trial,” the email reads.
Support for those affected
Lina Feinga, a senior from Tonga majoring in information technology, said wearing red was an expression of love “to … families back home.”
When Feinga found out her family was safe, she said it was a relief. “I felt inner peace knowing they are good.” Feinga recalled it was really scary until she knew they were safe.
She said she is appreciative of her fellow students for wearing red “even though some of them don't know or haven't heard of or know anyone from there.” She said knowing there are people filled with so much love “really touches [her] heart.”
Connected by love
Ian Carroll, a freshman from Waianae, Hawaii, majoring in psychology, said, “I think it’s super cool considering [the BYUH community] all come from different parts of the world and no matter what, [they] are still connected by [their] love for each other.”
He said he wore red “to let people know they're not alone. I don't need a reason to love and support someone, I just love them enough to care for them.”
Ivy Ghiz, a social work major from Virginia, said, “It gives me hope … [people are] all willing to support and love each other no matter where [they’re] from.”
Lila Vaiaoga, a junior from the San Francisco Bay Area in California majoring in social work, said she wanted to be part of the community that supports Tonga. She said outside of wearing red to support Tonga, people can pray for those affected.