BYU–Hawaii senior students will have to celebrate Fall 2020 graduation virtually because of COVID-19. Students from the Pacific said not having a traditional graduation ceremony will not prevent them from celebrating it with families and friends.
“Put the Lord first, and everything else will fall into place,” Sadie Halahingano, a senior from Australia majoring in exercise education, said. She stated she is excited about graduation and is ready for the next chapter of her life.
Kayla Kaimarama, a senior from the Cook Islands studying political science, cultural anthropology, and Pacific Islands Studies, shared on graduation day, she will do a virtual graduation ceremony with her family, embracing the “new norm.”
“I will miss the tight-knit community, the diversity, spirit of aloha, the temple, and PCC. For the past four years, this has been my home away from home,” she shared.
Kaimarama said, “It’s a bummer I will not be having a graduation ceremony or have families over to celebrate this accomplishment, but that’s okay. We will celebrate when I return home.”
Halahingano echoed how disappointed she is not having a traditional graduation ceremony taking place. She said, “Four years of studying and not having a graduation ceremony is tough, but everything happens for a reason.”
“Four years of studying and not having a graduation ceremony is tough, but everything happens for a reason.”
She added, “It is sad to not have my family here to celebrate it, but I am grateful for modern-day technology that allows me to celebrate it virtually.”
Despite not having families over for graduation or walk, Aveamanuulelei Peseta-Au-Paese, a senior from Samoa majoring in exercise sport science and wellness management, stated instead of being sad over it, she is filling that void with adventures and memories before she leaves. She shared she will virtually celebrate her achievement with her family back home.
She expressed her gratitude to everyone who helped her get through the four years in school. “I’m mostly grateful to the man upstairs for the strength and knowledge, my family for their endless prayers, my older sister who’s my go-to person whenever I need help with my classes or anything.”
Peseta stated the Samoan border still being closed and having no graduation ceremony will not stop her from being happy.
Halahingano said, “I want to give special thanks to my parents, siblings, friends, and especially my husband for the love and support.” She stated her family would move back to Australia to build the kingdom of God after her husband graduates in Winter 2020.
Peseta said, “I am delighted I am able to make my family happy and proud.” She stated she tries to live up to her name, which means “becoming a great nation or to be a good role model for others.”
She stated her gratitude extends to all her professors and anyone who made her time here at BYUH a fun experience. She shared she misses walking to classes and the memories she made at work. “Mahalo nui loa for the wonderful experience BYU–Hawaii,” she said.
As the first in her family to attend college, Kaimarama said she loves learning and trying to get out of her comfort zone. She shared her love for remote learning and how it benefited her in so many ways. “Don’t let distractions get in the way of your success,” Kaimarama said.
Peseta quoted Kevin Hart, who said, “Make sure people don’t just stop at the cover of your book. Have them read it and know it.” She explained she learned a great lesson from him. She said, “I believe we are destined for so much more, and we shouldn’t waste our time feeling sorry for ourselves but rather write a book of our own that we can be proud of and pass it on to those who come after us.”