Servant leaders

Isaku Yamada at BYUH academic oval wearing his graduation robe and tassel. Photo provided by Isaku Yamada

As a 2024 BYU–Hawaii alumnus from Japan, Yamada said the university’s mission continues to guide him even after graduation.

He sees its influence in two ways:

1. Inward, as a call to “be a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ,” and

2. Outward, as an invitation to “[be] leaders in their families, communities, chosen fields, and in building the kingdom of God.”

The first, Yamada said, focuses on personal growth. The latter reminds him that “you’ll lead people wherever you go. Your life is no longer just about you doing your thing,” he explained. Pursuing a master’s degree in Second Language Studies at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, he said the mission statement reinforces his decision to help others achieve greater opportunities through English.

After two semesters at a secular university, Yamada said he had faced moments that challenged his faith. “Every time I go to school or work, I’m the only Church member there–unlike at BYU–Hawaii,” he said. In those moments, BYUH’s call to be a lifelong disciple of Christ has become especially real. Now, Yamada said he constantly thinks of what the Savior would do and choose in the environment Yamada’s in. 

Reflecting on his time at BYUH, where the gospel united students, Yamada said those experiences helped him strive to be an example in his current environment. He observed BYU–Hawaii students often appeared more mature and diligent, “maybe because they served the mission or they’ve grown in the church environment where hard work, diligence and obedience are the top values.”

“Frequent gospel conversations at BYU–Hawaii helped me understand what it really means to be an example—not to be pushy or forceful, but simply to live according to what you’ve learned and what you believe.”

Yamada with EIL students he taught for an on-campus undergraduate internship. Photo provided by Isaku Yamada. Click the photo to see English tutoring program for international students Yamada's involved in.

Yamada also credited BYU–Hawaii with preparing him to work with people from diverse backgrounds.“You don’t often see universities as diverse as BYU–Hawaii, where international students even outnumber domestic students,” he shared. “I am sure that students will never ever encounter a diverse place like this in the future. They may be, but it will be less likely,” he shared. 

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