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Xyron Levi Corpuz
Whenever Japanese student Sei Kuwahara makes it to the top while rock climbing, he said he gets a feeling of achievement and satisfaction. Climbing, he said, not only helps him release stress but also helps him to focus on his schooling.
Retired BYU–Hawaii mathematics professor, Dr. David Furuto, said he was a third-generation worker at the Kahuku Sugar Plantation. His grandfather, Shintaro Furuto, who came from Hiroshima, Japan, and his father, Jitsuo Furuto, also worked at the Kahuku Sugar Plantation, he said.
Dr. Darren and Jennifer Duerden both say they fell in love with the sound and energetic music of the steel drum. Having been involved with steel drum bands for many years, and even meeting in a steel band, the two co-founded Shaka Steel, BYU–Hawaii’s first steel band and the only functioning steel band in all of Hawaii.
Six thousand acres of land in Laie was acquired by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for $14,000 in 1865. A part of that land became the Church College of Hawaii, presently known as Brigham Young University–Hawaii.
Children of the late Charles K.C. Goo, owner of the original Old Plantation Store, said it was the Lord who led their family to Laie when their father was called upon to open a store for the students of the Church College of Hawaii. K.C. Goo owned and operated the Old Plantation Store for 31 years.
In 1992, native Hawaiian sisters Napua Kalama Baker and Theresa Meyers Ducret both held important positions at BYU-Hawaii and within the Laie community. Working together, the two helped build strong, lasting relations between the University and its surrounding community. Recruiting students internationally, being a voice for the Laie community and becoming the very first female vice president of any Church Educational System school are just a few of the accomplishments these sisters have achieved.
English Professor Sherman Han was honored for working 40 years at BYU–Hawaii at the annual employee appreciation event, called Ho’omaika’i, which means “to thank” in Hawaiian. It was held on Jan. 28 via Zoom due to COVID-19 restrictions. BYUH honored, celebrated and recognized the years of service provided by employees and presented exemplary employee awards at the event.
While serving in the Hawaii Honolulu Mission, Seina Hamano said she fell in love with the kindness and spirituality of Laie and decided to attend BYU–Hawaii. Now, in her sophomore year, she said she learns from her friends and coworkers and tries to give back to the university by tutoring students in Japanese.
Su Myat (Rachel) Yadanar Shin said she and her family were taught the gospel by senior missionaries in their home in Myanmar in 2009. She said they decided to learn more about the Church because of a friend’s invitation to attend. Eventually, Shin said they gained testimonies and joined the Church. Nine years later, Shin arrived at BYU–Hawaii.
Freshmen students from the Philippines, Japan and Thailand shared why they decided to attend BYU–Hawaii, as well as their preparations to come to campus during the pandemic. They said they choose to be optimistic despite being unable to attend classes in person.
Cambodia Club members shared how they were able to operate remotely during the Fall 2020 Semester and still have fun. The club presidency shared how they supported the club through technology and the organization’s goal to make members feel loved and spread awareness on campus about the club.
As a Spanish tutor at BYU–Hawaii, Carolina Beristain shared the advantages of learning Spanish and gives helpful advice to those learning a new language. Beristain said she has been able to see her students progress in their Spanish skills and her students say she is a reliable source of help, even outside of their tutoring sessions.
Atea Lee Chip Sao said a childhood friend first introduced him to photography. During the coronavirus pandemic, he said he decided to develop his photography skills. Those who have been photographed by Lee Chip Sao shared their experience working with him and said his photography has been a great contribution to the community.
The Japan Times reported on Dec. 28, “An animated movie based on the blockbuster 'Demon Slayer' manga series has become the highest-grossing film in Japanese box-office history.” Members of the BYUH community shared the "Demon Slayer" movie, manga and anime are trending because it stands out from other animations and teaches life lessons.