BYUH student Alden Kiel Joves shares how he turned personal struggles into motivation for his future
Before finding his voice and vision at BYU–Hawaii, Alden Kiel Joves, a senior majoring in biochemistry with neuroscience emphasis, said he quietly navigated life as a shy, soft-spoken student from the Philippines, unsure of how—or if—he would fit in. Beneath his reserved surface, Joves shared he was a determined scholar shaped by gospel-centered values, hardworking parents, and an inner fire to improve himself.
Through cultural challenges, academic pressure, and personal struggles with anxiety and perfectionism, Joves said he steadily transformed—from a first-time dishwasher to a graduate with a heart set on medicine and service. Now in his final year, he shared he remains confident in his purpose: To heal, uplift and lead with the same courage that once helped him rise.
From shy to driven
Before coming to the university, Joves said underneath his quiet exterior was a strong-willed competitor, especially in academics. “I am very ambitious when it comes to learning, and I am determined,” said Joves. “When I want something, I do my best to improve and accomplish it through spending more hours studying and finding available resources,” he shared.
Joves said this mindset was instilled early on by his parents. “My mom has always emphasized the importance of education. She encourages me and my siblings to do our best in school,” he said. “From my dad, I learned that not everything can be gained within the four corners of a classroom. That’s why I’ve always been open to learning from different experiences. I enjoy trying new things, learning from others, and I truly believe that everyone you meet has something to teach you,” he emphasized.
Joves said he also found strength in his spiritual foundation. “Most of my personal values are rooted in the gospel. I grew up a member of the Church, and my faith shapes who I am,” he said. That spiritual and intellectual hunger led him to BYU–Pathway in the Philippines in 2018, an experience that would later influence his decision to study at BYU–Hawaii, he shared. “It made me realize how much it aligned with my values—particularly my love for knowledge and faith. Eventually, I knew I wanted to receive my education in that kind of environment.”
Though he began his journey quietly, he said his determination and love for learning soon helped him grow into someone who takes on challenges with courage and a sense of purpose.
Facing the unknown
Joves shared his transition to college life in Hawaii came with unexpected problems. “There were a lot of challenges, especially when I first arrived,” he said. “Being in a different country, not knowing many people, and not being a native English speaker made it difficult for me to communicate and express myself. I often felt intimidated by others. There were times I questioned whether I belonged here. I even wondered if I should have just stayed in the Philippines. It felt like I was starting again from scratch,” he recalled.
In those moments, he said he leaned on his faith and his support system. “Since my family wasn’t here, I depended on my friends, my leaders, and my counselors. They were truly helpful and supportive.”
Through it all, he said he kept grounded by trusting the process. “Though I sometimes doubted my purpose in being here, I constantly reminded myself to trust the transition process—that things would get better if I just kept pressing forward,” he said.
Joves said his first job was washing dishes at a restaurant in the Polynesian Cultural Center. He said it was intimidating at first. “I had zero job experience,” he said. “I didn’t know what to do, and suddenly I had to deal with customers, supervisors, and managers. On top of that, I had a lot of school assignments waiting for me after work.”
But through perseverance and hard work, he shared he found growth. “Eventually, I became a lead in that job—even while I was still in my freshman year,” he said. “I started to believe in myself more.”
Progress, not perfection
Despite his accomplishments, Joves recalled his struggles with toxic perfectionism. “Before coming here, I struggled with expecting too much from myself,” he said. “But I’ve learned that I can’t be good at everything—and I don’t have to be. Just trying each day is already a form of success.”
He credited several experiences with refining his outlook. “First, my personal struggles,” he said. “I’ve suffered from anxiety and depression for many years. Each time I fall and get back up, my spirit feels more refined.” He shared while those struggles haven’t disappeared, he has learned to manage them better over time. The journey of coping and healing became an essential part of his personal growth.
“Second, my exams,” he added. “Even when I didn’t do well, I learned the answer isn’t to give up—it’s to keep going.” Studying biochemistry with a neuroscience emphasis, Joves said there were times he had to study for hours just to improve his scores. He said he faced difficult classes and tough exams, but he learned to exert more effort, ask for help, and talk to his professors. “Help is always available. You just have to reach out.”
And third, he said, a professor who challenged him. “He once said, ‘I’ve heard many good things about you—but right now, I still don’t see it.’ That really struck me,” Joves said. “Later, he told me, ‘If you want to become a doctor—which has always been your dream—you need to be assertive.’ That pushed me out of my comfort zone.” Inspired by that challenge, Joves said he took a leap and worked a public-facing role at Career Services, despite initially being introverted and unsure of his communication skills.
A lion’s heart
Joves recalled an encounter he had with a former statistics professor back when he was in junior high school. “Before I left high school, I had a conversation with my professor about where I should go after junior high school. I was considering transferring to a different school, where they offered me a scholarship, but maintaining it would require me to do really well. I expressed my doubts, unsure if I could succeed,” he said.
Joves said the professor looked at him and said, “Alden, you're like a wounded lion. You're a lion who got wounded. The more you get wounded, the fiercer you become.” He said his professor’s words stuck with him, reminding him that despite his doubts and challenges, he had the strength to overcome obstacles and push himself even harder.
Looking ahead
Now in his final year, Joves said he looks forward with clarity and confidence. “This university prepared me to serve better—in my community, in my chosen field, and within my family,” he said.
He shared he dreams of becoming a doctor who serves both in the Philippines and abroad. “I want to use the intercultural understanding I gained here to help patients from all walks of life,” he said. “I also want to keep serving in the Church, build a family, and become a good husband and father.”
Reflecting on his time at BYU–Hawaii, Joves said he recognizes how much the challenges and experiences have shaped his goals. He said he no longer sees obstacles as setbacks but as stepping stones that have refined his spirit and prepared him for the future. He said his vision for serving others has evolved to encompass not only his professional aspirations, but also his personal commitment to nurturing relationships and making a meaningful impact on those around him.
Additionally, Joves emphasized the lessons he has learned about perseverance, empathy, and growth will continue to guide him as he moves forward, both in his medical career and in his personal life. “The connections I’ve made here, with both professors and fellow students from diverse backgrounds, have broadened my perspective. I’m excited to take that intercultural understanding and use it to better connect with people in all aspects of my life,” he said.