Elder Craig C. Christensen of the Presidency of the Seventy was the guest speaker at the April 12 commencement exercises at BYU–Hawaii’s Cannon Activities Center. He encouraged the 460 graduates to see a broader vision of their lives and to never limit their own potential.
“What you have accomplished here is a work of eternal significance,” said Elder Christensen. “Just as Adam and Eve had to leave their garden paradise in order to grow and progress, you must now leave these beautiful surroundings for the same reasons. There is more to learn, and much of this learning can only take place ‘out there.’” Elder Christensen also told graduates to remember that the Lord has great plans for each of them, despite what the world may say. “The adversary would like you to think that your influence is limited,” said Elder Christensen. “Ignore him. … You’re going to do something extraordinary.”
Roger G. Christensen, assistant to the commissioner of the Church Educational System, spoke on the relationship of agency and the ability to be happy. “We were sent here to be tested, and our tests are custom-fit for each one of us. … When tests come, you will need to decide where you stand.” He encouraged the graduates to make choices that would lead them on the path back to Heavenly Father. “The choices are not always easy,” he said, “but the right choices will allow you to feel joy and happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come.”
Steven C. Wheelwright, president of BYU–Hawaii, talked about achieving excellence and developing character. “Each day, make a commitment to put forward your best effort. Do not settle for anything less,” he said. He also likened developing character to building a house. “If your house of character is to be strong, you must build it on the foundation of faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to His commandments.”
While reflecting on their education and experience, graduates said they gained new perspectives from attending BYU–Hawaii that will affect them throughout their lives.
Mark Ke, a graduate in Biology from Taiwan, said, “I’m very grateful for the knowledge I’ve derived from this university. In the future, I can utilize this knowledge in my personal field.”
Gabrielle Hawkins, a graduate in Social Work from California, said that through her study at BYU–Hawaii, she has gained an international view of life. “It’s not just about my culture,” she said. “It’s not about the things that I grew up on. It’s much bigger than that. It’s bigger than just you and where you are from. You have to think about everybody and where everybody comes from.”
Larissa Natalie Suwanto, a graduate in Piano Performance from Indonesia, was the student speaker at commencement. She spoke about her growth while completing her degree. “When I compare myself back to how I was three years ago, I feel much bigger now: bigger in knowledge, confidence, spirituality. ... We have a purpose to study here: ‘Enter to learn. Go forth to serve.’”