Brigham Young University-Hawaii Top Questions

What should every freshman at Brigham Young University-Hawaii know before they start?

Leslie

Out of my college experience, I have gotten so many things I wouldn't have gotten anywhere else. I have learned to be confident in all that I do. I have also learned what it means to be a part of something bigger than myself. There are things beyond my own little world and they are just waiting for me to discover them, but they won't come to me. I have to go to them. I have learned to go with my gut instinct and to stop doubting my decisions. The most valuable thing I have learned since beginning college is that everyone is different and we have to respect that about each other. I have my own beliefs and ideas, but so does everyone else. That is what makes us the people that we are. It is that knowledge that has helped to lead me into the psychology profession and made me want to learn more. My teachers are very helpful by making us have open discussions. During these, I learn all of the different thoughts that make each of us individuals. It makes me think about my own actions and beliefs.

Amy

I've learned that I need to figure out what I want to do with my life and that It's not worth paying for an education when I have no goal for that education. I've seen too many individuals pay for degrees that they never use. I want to be going to school for the right reason and not just because everyone else is doing it. I feel like we're forced to make these decisions too soon and that the pressure to attend college should only be for those who know what they want out of it. Too many people believe that if they don't go right after high school then they never will, but that's completely realistic because we're all still so young. I'm still struggling to decide what I want but I've realized that I'm going to have to get some experience and knowledge before I can know what's the right career for me. I hope I can figure these things out.

Nathan

I have realized how much there is to learn and how useful and interesting it can all be. As I finish my General Education courses and move onto my major classes, there is great anxiety to not only get good grades, but to really learn the material and know how to apply it in my career as well as my personal life. I take out of my classes things that have really made me think and reevaluate myself and my goals in a very positive way. Specifically my Cultural and Developmental classes have taught me things that will influence who I am as a father, husband and citizen. I'm going to be doing some statistical and psychological research this summer with one of my professors and I've been surprised how exciting it is all becoming and how motivated I am to continue on and work even harder. I'm grateful for my chance to attend Brigham Young University - Hawaii. I really feel like my education and this institution are leading me down the path that I always wanted. The path I was meant to walk. I believe that is the true value of my "college experience".

Darwin

My college experience has been excellent. It has been a great experience for me by meeting different people and understanding how the real world is like. Life can be hard but if u work hard at what you're doing than you will achieve great accomplishments in life. Learning how to do stuff on you're own and not being babied by you're teachers is a major difference from high school. It's great to learn how to do different task on you're own and really be independent because in life you need to learn to do everything on you're own. It's been valuable to attend college for the reason that college is the most important part of life without college life will be difficult and you will encounter many hardships, so i believe that it has been valuable to attend college and realize that you need college in you're life.

Lee

Brigham Young University Hawaii (BYUH) has three great things worths every one to come for studying. First, Aloha spirit. Second, Integrity. Third, Opportunity. In BYUH, students are from more than twenty-six countries. It is the best place to learn different cultures and languages. For example, culture night is hosted every year in winter semester. Not only Aloha spirit, but also Integrity. A church school emphasis integrity on academic and personal attribute. Honor Code department is set for the purposes. Furthermore, leadership opportunities are provided by school's organization as Brigham Young University Hawaii Student Assiociation. BYUHSA recuits members to join their planned activities and events. Everyone is a leader on their part of jobs. Next, Job opportunities around the campus is to raise the capacity of students' ability, and help students reduce their finacial burdens. Finally, the new language as Japanese I learned, Korean loves eating KimChee in every day meals that I knew, honest on my academic study and living standard that I keep, chance to attend student body conference at Maui with different Universities that I experienced, gain skills to hold an acitivity and interact different countries people are all can find from Brigham Young University Hawaii.

Larygeorge

First experiences aren?t always good. Attending a community college that doesn't have a good reputation doesn't help either. However, El Camino College isn?t like every other community college. I've seen this school gradually grow every year. I began attending El Camino about one year ago and even though it looked intimidated at first, I was able to learn and get used to the school. The students there are friendly and good people and the professors are tough, but helpful. The staff and professors offer their help to students that need assistance. The school offers student services for students who require help. Aside from the services I've enjoyed my experiences at El Camino College. I thought it would be difficult returning to school after my military experience. El Camino's student and veteran services has opened their arms for me. Their help is something I appreciate and value. They helped my transition into civilian life. El Camino has opened my eyes into the world of education again. It is an eerie and scary feeling starting school, especially after four years of absence. El Camino helped me overcome that fear and enjoy school all over again.

Rachael

My school has given me a full and rich experience. Brigham Young University is full of people intent on helping me learn academically, socially, and spiritually. My horizons have been opened wide and I wouldn't trade my time here for anything. All of my professors have been really professional and know their stuff. I feel really blessed when I go to my classes and realize that my teachers are so full of knowlege that they want to share with us. The class sizes are small, so we get one-on-one time with the professors and students. People on this campus get to know each other and it creates a unified feeling. Students and administrators and professors acknowledge each other out and about. The community is tight-knit. It's not hard to meet people through volunteering, activities, sports events ect. Some of the people I met on my first couple of days here are still my good friends. It's almost impossible not to make friends here, unlike some of the other schools I've visited on the island and on the mainland. All of these elements have provided me with a life-changing experience.

Jessica

What I've learned while being in college is that its not as easy at it seems. When I was in high school I wasn't worried about the cost of college. I thought paying for it would be simple. In reality paying for college has not been easy to pay for at all. Coming from a family who doesn't get financial aid and is paying for two kids to go to college has been one of the biggest struggles our family has ever gone through. Although its so difficult to pay for I know I must go. Life without a college degree is so difficult. I work two part time jobs and I know I would never be able to make a living with those paychecks. Getting a degree is what will help me make a life for myself. No matter how difficult classes or paying for it getting that diploma will make it all worth it.

Tammy

During the time that I have spent in college I have learned the importance of education, how fortunate I am to have the chance to further that education and lessons that I would like to teach my own children. Firstly, I see and understand that education is truly one of the most important assets that any woman can have in her arsenal. It allows you have a head up in the world that you normally would not. I also see how lucky I am to get a higher education. Woman in many parts of the world do not get that chance and I am very blessed to be given the opportunity to better myself and the world around me. Finally, I have grown wiser during my college experience thus far. I see the mistakes I made and have grown wiser from them. I want to share my wisdom with my son later in life, when he starts his college life. I want to let him know that it may be hard at times but no one can say they were better off with less of an education. College gives you more than a degree, you get am education in life.

Aneka

My college experience thus far has consisted of learning experiences that have not only had great impact on my academic life, but also on refining me as a person, strengthening my focus and my interactions with other people. The teachers have worked so hard in helping me reach my full academic potential, and I am just beginning to realise the many opportunities that I have in working towards my degree and later graduate school. Without the constant support system that they provide for me, it would have been hard to complete well the coarse load that I have had so far. I have also learned so much from the international student body that I associate with everyday. There are people here that come from places where they had nothing, and their motivation in their studies and in making this campus a better place to live is inspiring. The unique opportunity I have had to interact with people different from me in culture, beliefs and even language has been valuable as it has taught me to build strong, positive relationships with others despite what kind of barriers we face This is something I believe will help me my entire life.

Jordan

A great education.

Brandon

If I was able to travel back in time, I would tell my high school version to work hard, set goals, and make sure to leave room for fun too. Education is extremely important. Enjoying life is equally important. I would tell myself, find something you love to do that would provide an income and then always commit to your best.

Bezaleel

If i was a high senior now, i would have a goal first in my life to achieve. First i will put forth an ambition, like to become a CEO of a company and then join government in ym city to help my nation grow. I want to be in government and stop corruption in my country, with that knowledge and goal i have, i will easily implement things what i suppose to do in college, like reading and submitting assignments on time, dressing up in a way where we grab the attention of the professor and be a professional. I really want to improve myself when i know that i'm almost senior in high school and i need to be serious about my life and people's life around me. I really care for the people instead of myself, even if i knew this much information which i knew now, i would really want to prepare myself a awareness in being away from bad friends and chose not to follow them. I would rather prepare plans everyday as i do now and wake up early which i need to improve on. I would study much better than now.

Melanie

The best way to transition into college life is finding other freshmen who are in the same situation and develop meaningful friendships; this gives you the opportunity to learn things about life and learning in a comfortable way because you know you're not the only one experiencing it all. It will be hard being away from your family, but make good friends that you can trust and have fun being an independent individual. Be responsible with your money always and be smart about the activities you engage in. It's always a good idea to do your best on your assignments; never lose your work ethic by copying other people's work - this will not prepare you in any positive way for a test or otherwise. Be realistic about your academic goals and manage your study time efficiently and with breaks. Exercise as often as you can and develop healthy eating habits on your own as this will contribute to your thinking activity and academic success. Remember that in college, it can be a fresh beginning in your life and most people will be new; you don't have to be the person you were in high school.

Carla

Carpe Diem, sounds like a cliche', sure it does, but it is the only word that fully decribes college life. There are many things that will come in your way and it is up to you to take for a ride. Make decisions that makes you happy, to stay determined in your studies, and to have an awesome time. College seems like a long four years but believe me it really does go by quickly. Make sure to speak up even if it means standing alone amongst hundreds of students. You will be an example to many people, represent who you are from the heart. Don't try to impress someone else, but impress yourself with the skills and knowledge you have attained thus far. You will never have this experience twice, so do it, and do it right. Sure there will be speed bumps, but you can get over them quickly. Ultimately, just seize the moment, never take those moments worth remembering for granted, choose friends that will last a life time, don't waste time on those who are there for the moment. Be true to yourself because the truth is the only way to happiness in life.

Kellie

Study harder! Keep up your grades and don't let them slip! There's more to life after high school! College will be a great experience to to meet people and to learn and grow! Don't give up, it's worth it!

Francesca

The advice I would give myself if I could go back on time would be to be more appreciative of my family. When I moved away for collge I realized how much my parents do for me. Back in high school I did not realize how much my life depended on them. I thought I could do it all on my own and handle life without their help. I moved far away from my family and was very home sick my freshman year of college. I missed the home cooked meals and how my mom would make sure I was doing my homework. I sure hated it back in high school when she would check on me to make sure I was doing my work but when I went to college I missed having her check on me. I was responsible and do get my work done but I miss the times when I could chat with my mom and have family dinners. I used to think it was a chore to sit at the dinner table as a family but now I realize those moments helped me to be where I am today.

Mary

If I can go back in time and give advice to myself, I would emphasize that there is a time to play and there is a time to work, and right now is the time to work, and play will come later. As a high school student I didnt care much about college. I didnt apply for any Universities. My parents immigrated to the United States and did not have the opportunity to have an education. My siblings didnt bother attending college so why would I. So I had fun first and had a job at a local store. It came to my knowledge that retailing is not for me. I wanted to go to work with a smile and eager to begin my job. The only opportunity to see that happening is to attend college, and so fortunately there was a community college in which I lived very close too, that gave me the opportunity to start my education. If I can go back in time, I would've done my school work and applied to University and not follow the example of my siblings. I woud've been a better student.

Heather

If I could go back in time and give myself advice as a high school senior knowing what I know now I would tell myself to get more involved earlier in life and to take advantage of the leadership opportunities offered in high school and in the community. I would tell myself that it doesn't matter what people think about you, because in college there are plenty of people that will love you for who you are, not what you wear or do. I would tell myself to stay active in Church and to also take advantage of the leadership opportunities that are offered there. There are so many missed opportunities that I didn't take that I think would have helped me in my life now and would have boosted my leadership skills and helped me to excel in my future. The most important thing I would tell myself though, is to love myself more and to realize the potential that I have. I don't think I realized my great worth as an individual and I think that for anyone that is the most important thing to realize. If I believe in myself, I can do anything.

Shelley

Enjoy your time in high school. Take part in as many activities as you can. Learn as much as you can from as many classes as you can. Take leadership positions. Serve and enjoy life. Help as many people as you can. Trust yourself. Conquer your fears. It may look scary but many times it will only appear so but is really OK.