BYU-Hawaii political science students from the Pacific Islands attended an annual trip to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous People in New York as student observers during the Winter Semester break. Students said it was an eye-opener and expanded the way they think about their career goals.
Assistant professor of political science Christina Akanoa said students had the opportunity to observe the interaction between the permanent missions of the U.N. She said they met with ten different permanent representatives of the Pacific Islands individually and had discussions about their research papers. The students also got to eat at the cafeteria in the U.N. and network with the non-governmental organizations (NGO), secret service and U.N. staff in the cafeteria.
“The selection of the students was focused on Pacific Islanders because one of the highlights of our trip is that we got to meet with the permanent missions from the Pacific,” Akanoa said. “This field trip is a part of the United Nations field study class. One of the requirements is to have the student write an in-depth research paper on a particular issue in the Pacific and also relevant to the national community.”
The conference was beneficial to students according to Akanoa. “Their self-esteem was boosted up on what they can accomplish and expand their horizon. It expands on the way they think about their proficient and career goals. They see what happens in the national community and now they want to be involved.”
Having attended the conference, Kayla Kaimarama, a sophomore from the Cook Islands studying political science, talked about her takeaway, “I learned that we could make a difference if we dream big. I’m so excited to go home and serve my home country.”
Elijah Wanoa, a junior from New Zealand studying political science and hospitality and tourism management, said, “I want to be an agent of change, be a leader that influences people for good. I can see myself being a decision-maker for the government.”
Talahiva Salakielu, a sophomore from Waipahu, Hawaii studying political science, also said, “I have gained a greater perspective of our roles as a potential leader in our country.”
Akanoa said the forum opened the door to opportunities. “Some students who were part of the trip are now working for their governments. Some of them ended up getting their internship with the United Nations.”
She continued, “Sometimes students think that we are a small school and people don’t pay attention to us, but we made our name known to the permanent missions because we take students there every year. It’s a way for the students not to confine themselves and think bigger. We have the opportunity that other big schools don’t have.”
Akanoa said students have acknowledged that their governments have been doing a lot of work through observation. They became more appreciative of their governments. Some students got emotional because they have the pride of their countries from knowing that the ambassadors are doing their best to promote their country’s interests.
Kaimarama said, “The way I look at my leaders has become different. After hearing about the challenges shared by the permanent representatives, I’m now more appreciative.”
Salakielu added, “I realized the great things the leaders have done for us, unlike the negative impression the media gave us.”
Professor Akanoa said she hopes there will be permanent funding and support because of the uncertain source of funding every year. She said she hopes BYU-Hawaii would realize how significant this program is and how it became a stepping stone for the students’ future.
Writer: Zeek Cheng