Tupou Taufu‘i has found academic success by putting the Lord and her family first. “I can see when my life is spiritually strong, my academic life is way better,” said Taufu‘i, a graduating senior in TESOL from Tonga, “and if I’m not living the gospel, the opposite is true.”Putting the Lord first was not a new idea to Taufu‘i, who also went to Saineha High School, a LDS Church-run high school in Tonga. Her attendance there influenced Taufu‘i’s decision to attend BYU-Hawaii. “I wanted to come to BYUH because it is a church school, and I know I would do well here because it is church-oriented.”Her roommate of one year, Langiola Kioa, a sophomore from Tonga majoring in elementary education, said, “I admire her attitude. We always put church activities first. Even though we may be late sometimes, we never miss church.”Being a second-language speaker at BYUH was tough, but Taufu‘i said it helped her grow both spiritually and temporally. “Getting to know all these people from all around the world, going to classes and learning all these challenging things in class, and the gospel is everywhere. It has been a really great experience,” she said.The decision to major in TESOL came from her desire to teach English to middle school children in Tonga. “I loved English back in high school because I loved reading,” Taufu‘i said. Her teachers also had a good impact on Taufu‘i’s life, which has helped her want to positively impact the lives of other students.Before she can become a teacher, Taufu‘i needs to complete her student teaching in Tonga. “My plan is that I go back and do my student teaching. At the same time, I will put in my papers. I want to go on a mission. Then I’ll come back and further my education, and I can’t forget about temple marriage – whichever comes first,” she said.Eric Rackley, of the School of Education, was listed by Taufu‘i as one of her favorite professors. “His class was challenging, but it was worth it. He makes you think up to the point that you can’t think anymore. He made me realize I can do deep things.”Taufu‘i advised her fellow Tongan students to remember their parents and ”remember who you are and where you are from. Don’t let the life in Hawaii distract you from your purpose.” Taufu‘i said she and her parents made sacrifices for her to get a college education, like paying for school and getting a student visa.To the rest of the student body, Taufu‘i said attitude is everything. “Attitude towards your education is what matters. You may have all these assignments piling up, but what’s your attitude? Are you going to be positive, or are you going have a negative take on it?” She urged students to be spiritually minded. “When you are spiritually minded, the Lord helps things fall into place. Just put the Lord first.”Taufu‘i works as a tutor in the ELT Department. Her supervisor, Amanda Wallace, said, “She’s very positive. It’s really nice to have her as a tutor because she works to establish a good rapport with her tutees.”Uploaded May 21, 2015
Writer: Camron Stockford
