One does not have to look far to recognize the international diversity at Brigham Young University – Hawaii. Here, multiculturalism reigns. Students from around the world bring their beliefs, traditions, and languages with them when they come to study at BYU-Hawaii, sharing their perspectives with students from every corner of the globe.
Each has his or her own story to tell; a journey that led them to this golden institution. Among them is Syed Bashar, who himself traveled thousands of miles to study at BYU-Hawaii. Born and raised in Bangladesh, Hawaii seemed a world away to Bashar, a hospitality and tourism management major. Though affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, BYU-Hawaii welcomes students from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds who seek to study in an environment that calls on them to uphold strong ethical, personal, and moral standards. Bashar counts himself among them. “I knew that BYU-Hawaii was a religious university, and that it was an LDS university. Though I am a Muslim myself, I chose BYU-Hawaii because of its special atmosphere; because of the international student-body.” The school’s prime tropical location at the crossroads of the Pacific helped sway his decision, too, Bashar admits. “It is Hawaii!” Bashar exclaims, “And as a hospitality and tourism major, Hawaii is a pivotal location in which to study this industry and prepare to work.”
At BYU-Hawaii Bashar has dedicated tremendous to his studies and in seeking practical experience that will prove him marketable upon graduation. With some keen research, Bashar landed an internship with the Westin hotel line in New York City’s famous Times Square. There, Bashar said he was able to put his skills and education he has acquired at BYU-Hawaii to use. “I was hoping to secure a position in sales and marketing,” Bashar recounts, “But that wasn’t readily available; I took a housekeeping internship instead, determined to work hard and learn as much I could.”
Bashar left the relaxed serenity of the Hawaiian Islands and arrived in the hustle and bustle of New York City ready to begin. “When I first arrived, I immediately was so busy with preparation,” Bashar remembers, “I just jumped right in and learned as much as I could; it was very busy and there was much to learn.” Bashar soon found himself rising through the ranks and offered more responsibility. He was in charge of inspections and helped to handle work in customer service.
Bashar’s experiences in New York City proved invaluable to him, and the personal dimension involved working hands on with customers and coworkers was a welcomed compliment to his academic coursework.. “I learned so much, and I really came to bond with the employees and the customers.”
Back in Hawaii, Bashar continues to work towards graduation and is focusing in on his career goals. “I have always loved big places,” he says, “I want to be a part of the excitement and I want to work in a profession that will allow me to continue in my passions.” Halfway around the world, home in Bangladesh, Bashar says, Starwood Properties, the parent company of the Westin chain, is opening a new luxury hotel. As globalization takes center-stage, Bashar says he is excited that the new hotels will help bring more people to his country. After his experience with the company in New York City, Bashar says he has certainly considered the possibility of working with the company permanently in Bangladesh. “I hope to return to my home country and really bring my education with me and put it to good use,” he explains, “I would love to return to the Westin in Bangladesh.”
Wherever his future takes him, Bashar says that thanks to his stellar education at BYU-Hawaii and a flexible approach to his opportunities, he is optimistic for what will come his way. “Be flexible in your choices,” he advises, “I have always wanted to go to Europe, the Middle East, or somewhere else and open new properties.” Bashar feels his internship will mark a stepping-stone for his future career. Internship counselors at BYU-Hawaii’s Career Services office provide information to prospective students, while Career Fairs, professors, and networking are priceless resources. “Everyone should make preparations and seek out an internship position and then stick with an opportunity when it comes.”
When Bashar leaves BYU-Hawaii, he says he will take a new perspective and sense of self-confidence that extend beyond his academic diploma. “I have leaned to aim to always do better, and have respect for my work. I am so grateful for the investment BYU-Hawaii represents for my future.” This investment is one all students at BYU-Hawaii have made, and one that no doubt promises to pay dividends in their futures.