Brigham Young University-Hawaii Top Questions

My college experience has been challenging in many different ways. I have struggled to figure out who I would like to be, how to focus on my education while depression from being so homesick took over my life, how to create close friendships and think of others before myself, how to prioritize and make life changing decisions, and how to stay positive when negative thoughts consumed my mind because of rough experiences. Overall, I have enjoyed my college experience, and I have a lot of good memories that I will hold in my heart forever. I am thankful I was able to attend school so far from home, because it taught me how to appreciate what I have. It taught me that the grass is not always greener on the other side. I value my education from this school because I learned knew things about different cultures and made friends from all over the world. It was a long journey that taught me life lessons and helped prepare for life down the road.

College thus far has been a much needed change. In high school we used to wake up and have to be in class at a certain time or there were consequences, whereas in college it’s all on you. If you decide not to show up for a class you’re responsible for getting all your work and seeing if you can even make it up, because professors won’t come and hunt you down. We are adults now and responsible for our own actions. College has been very valuable to attend because even though I attended community college that some people view as a joke I still feel like I haven’t missed out on the learning. My professors have always been enthusiastic and shown a real passion for what they teach. I really missed that in high school. In the year that I’ve attended college my views on learning have changed drastically and that is in part to my professors. College is an experience that we take with us wherever we go; our future depends on our education and how hard we studied in school. At the end of the day its time to grow.

While attending college I have learned many things. Mainly I’ve learned to be more open to ideas to better understand the people around me. Before, I was not interested in certain subjects but once I applied myself, the work became much more enjoyable. I enjoy being around people my age with the same goals and ambitions. My college experience has been very demanding and time consuming but all very worth it. I learned that in order to be successful you have to be involved with the school. The more involved you are the more likely you are to open different opportunities for yourself. College is about meeting people and preparing yourself for the real world to survive on your own with ease. I’m the first one in my family to attend college. My parents were not fortunate enough to attend college and I feel motivated to make them pleased. My motivation does not just come from my parents, but from me; because I don’t want money to be something that holds me back from my goals or ambitions, and by going to college and getting a higher education I know my determination will not run dry.

I have learn many valuable experiences, how to be a leader, how to listen, most importantly, how to be an effective teacher. I am grateful for these experiences, this college is important because of the close unity between students and teachers and also the huge diversity. I have learn how to work with different kinds of people and different cultures.

Since I began attending BYU-Hawaii I have learned more about myself and the world around me. For example I started out majoring in biology, and quickly learned that it was not for me. It had been suggested to me that I try accounting so I decided that I would. Changing my major showed me that although people have weaknesses in one area they also have strengths in others. Ever since I changed I have been much more successful, and happy with the way my education is going. This has been valuable to me for two reasons. First, I have found a way to be a beneficial member of society and enjoy what I do at the same time. And second, I know now that if I am unsuccessful that I can always find another way accomplish my goals in life.

Bonefacio Tun Uk wakes up everyday and empties the bucket that was used the previous night to wash his cloths. Most use an old broomstick jammed through the opening of a serrated two-liter coke bottle. The slang name for this type of washing machine is called the “Chucka Chucka” derived from the sound of splashing water. Bonefacio uses this same bucket to draw his bath water. The water is collected from a near by well, heated with an electric house iron, and then splashed on with a cup. I know this because Bonefacio was the first person I helped prepare to receive a baptism after the manner that John baptized Christ. Bonefacio was one of the happiest persons I have ever met. He didn’t even care that I couldn’t pronounce his Mayan name correctly. As a student at BYU-Hawaii I have learned to be grateful for the opportunities I have. I have learned to be aware that not all will have these prospects. I do my best to deserve what has been awarded me.

Knowldege is power and that is why education in so important. I came to college to gain an education so that I can better my life and the lives of others. I am studying to be a special education teacher because I know this is a way I can touch lives for good. While studying education, I also work as a tutor for third grade students. This job is so fulfilling as I am able to help these young children. So far in my college experience I have gained a greater love and appreciation for life. I have made friends from many nations and see how blessed I am as an American. I appreciate my family more now that I am far away from home. I have a greater love for children as I have been able to work with them and prepare to work with them in a greater capacity. By attending a christian college I have also gained a greater testimony of and love for Jesus Christ. I have gained a better view of the world around me and what is important in life. I am grateful for what I have recieved from a great college experience.

At BYU-H Campus I have gotten out most memorable to me are the friendships I have made a will continue to make throughout my college years. Besides the work you put into the classes and on the court, friendships and fellowshipping others have always been positives to my beginning college experience. I have recieved countless amounts of supports from other peers which have put me through many trials or obstacles I faced and will face in the future. I can't do it alone, and like my home away from home I have my college "family" I can count on. College is great fun at BYU-H campus and it is special friendship you make here because of the different diversities but same moral goal each student has imprinted in their hearts. I love the spirit here and I believe being in Hawai'i, with the beach down the street, beautiful island life to adventure, and meeting people from all aroun the world, what can absolutely go wrong.

While attending school here, I have gained a greater perspective on the world, and how to live and work in it. Today, I went to class, and was one of four american students in a class of about 22; my work group for the class included a student from mainland China, and a student from Fiji. The experience gained here beyond the education is invaluable, because this place proves to the world that peace is possible, people from 70+ nations can get along, work together and learn from each other. Also, the applied experience that is available in all fields promotes the ability to enter into the workforce of one's desired career. I am proud to be a part of this school, and know that I will enter into my field better prepared than students who have relied on large classroom learning, with little or no individual instruction and no applied experience, and especially that have had not had the chance to interact with people from so many places and work effectively with them.

Unlike students that graduate from other universities across the globe, I have had the opportunity to make relations with students from every sinlge continent except Antarctica, of course. At my school, there are representitives from over seventy countries. There is not only a nice diversity of students here, but an overwhelming amount of students from various cultures, who can offer their perspective on what it is like to live in their home country. Each student at my university can not help but let the rich cultures seep into their soul. This school has taught me tolerance, respect, and given me an incredible amount of love for people who are not of my native culture and country. These aspects alone give me a leading edge when facing the career world, upon my graduation in December 2011. I will be prepared to make international relations with a backbone of understanding and respect for all cultures. Tolerance and understanding is key for success in any career. These qualities will open the windows of opportunity while I work to help people from all walks of life find a common goal and meet their needs accordingly.