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Lisi Tiafau
Husband and wife duo, Jack and Lise Taleni, both BYU–Hawaii alumni from Samoa, said the challenges and lessons they learned at BYUH helped them grow and excel in their personal lives. Today, they are both leaders at the Church College of Pesega and Pesega Middle School in Samoa where they encouraged students to pursue an education at BYUH.
Sabrina Wolfgramme, a sophomore from Tonga majoring in political science and tourism management, said she is grateful for the different cultures on campus. “ I am grateful for the many diversities here at BYUH because it allows me to meet all different types of people and build connections with them.”
A team of four BYU–Hawaii students and one faculty member lead the Affirmation Hawaii Chapter. As one of the international chapters of the Affirmation organization, the Affirmation Hawaii Chapter is for all of Hawaii to support LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters in the Church and at BYU–Hawaii, according to the chapter presidency.
Siona Samoala is the first in his family to receive a bachelor’s degree from BYU–Hawaii and said he feels honored and excited to graduate despite the ongoing pandemic.
Mark Bulos is among the Fall 2020 graduates who are unable to celebrate physically with families and friends. Bulos said this would not stop him from counting his blessings, and he is excited for graduation.
While the pandemic caused many students to leave campus, Cafeteria employees continued working to provide food for those who remained on campus. They explained their efforts to keep students safe through social distancing and wearing masks while waiting hopefully for the day students can return to the Cafeteria.
Pacific Islander students said they were devastated after learning they couldn’t travel back home to celebrate Christmas with their families. Due to COVID-19, students said they plan to celebrate the holidays virtually with loved ones.
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.
Although the Associated Press has reported increased unemployment, schools closing and widespread financial instability over the last several months due to the coronavirus pandemic, students and their families said they were blessed with comfort, peace, and continual stocks of food and household items from the bishop’s storehouse and the people who volunteered there.
Amanda Lauaki shared she created the Give & Take Facebook group during the pandemic to serve community members who cannot visit Give & Take at BYU–Hawaii due to COVID-19 restrictions. Local community members said they believe the group has positively contributed to the community and has become a needed resource.
BYU–Hawaii ohana members Deedra Ramachandram and Terrell Wu shared they decided to create their podcast “DT Talks” to spread the aloha spirit when BYUH students cannot be together. BYUH students shared how listening to the podcast is uplifting, entertaining and informative.
When travel restrictions were put in place due to the coronavirus pandemic, Samoan students were among those stuck in Hawaii following the closure of BYU–Hawaii. Despite having to follow health and safety guideline working during a pandemic, the students shared they are continuing to work in order to provide for themselves.