Becoming a Lifelong Giver

September 2024

Francine San Gabriel, a business management student from Consolacion in Cebu, Philippines, is a perfect example of how students come together at BYU–Hawaii through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Francine’s journey to BYU–Hawaii was not easy. A few years ago, a typhoon hit her city and washed away her family’s home. She and her family lived for weeks without electricity. As the enrollment window for BYU–Hawaii approached, she worried she would not be able to submit her application. However, Francine lives by the saying, “If the Lord wants it for you, He’ll make it possible.” She was able to access the internet at her ward building and send in her application before the due date.

Now a sophomore at BYU–Hawaii, Francine is thriving. She is grateful for what she describes as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come together with students from completely different places and learn how to spread goodness around the world. “I’m learning how to work with others and adjust to their cultures and beliefs,” she says. “You can feel the spirit of aloha from every student regardless of where they’re from.”

Francine is an IWORK student who currently works in the admissions office, serves as Primary president in her ward, and volunteers as a student mentor for President Kauwe’s Holokai Foundations class for new students. Her hands full, Francine feels her heart is also full as she connects with people and supports them along their spiritual journeys.

“I’m learning that this life is not just for us but for us to help others,” says Francine. “Donors have made it possible for me to have opportunities to grow at BYU–Hawaii, and I’m inspired to give back in the future to others both in my home country and at the university. I’m grateful for an education that is opening doors for me.”