Charlotte Day, a Spring 2020 graduate in psychology from California, shared BYU–Hawaii gave her a chance to learn about the world, and its cultural influences made her feel like she was in a gathering place for God's children.
"I really liked Culture Night and working at PCC because it gave me the chance to learn more about the world. Even though we are just in one place, I always felt like I was surrounded by so many parts of the world," said Day.
Day said it was unique to see and meet people from various cultural backgrounds and added it was an experience that isn't found anywhere else.
"It feels like what I would imagine Zion to be like - a gathering place of God's children," she explained.
Day said one of her favorite experiences at BYUH was her lectures. She said she found value in the knowledge her professors had. Being able to know and interact with them she said was special.
Friends of Day said she is an example of how to be a true friend and how to live a faithful life.
"Charlotte has been a good friend in my life because she is loving. No matter what's going on, Charlotte is always there to listen to me, even when she is going through her own stuff. She's understanding, even when she can't understand," said Isabella Vincent, a senior from California majoring in intercultural peacebuilding.
Vincent shared the growth that she has seen Day experience throughout her years here at BYUH. "My favorite thing about Charlotte is how resilient she is. She's gone through some difficult things, and she's grown a lot as a woman."
Lindsey Cardon, a senior from Washington, majoring in graphic design, said Day was a valuable friend in her time at school. "I love that she lets me be myself and loves me how I am," said Cardon.
Cardon said she always felt comfortable around Day, who helped Cardon grow outside of her comfort zone.
Cordon said she will miss late-night conversations with Day as well as laughing together. "She is the best friend I have made in college, and it will be sad not to have her to talk to while I am finishing my last semesters."
Day said her plans for the future are to find a job to build her resume and apply for graduate school. She shared her ultimate goal is to help others, whether through the field of psychology or other areas of life, such as being a mother.
Vincent said a specific quality of Day that has impacted their friendship was Day's relationship to Christ as being a disciple to him in every sense of the word.
Day shared the advice she has for students is, "If you have a chance to try something new, even if it seems uncomfortable and intimidating, just go for it."
Day added college is about creating new experiences and personal development, so it is important for a person to not stand in their own way. She shared as an example her own change from being introverted by forcing herself out of her shell. She said it was the best thing she did as a student.