Distinguished guests, and my beloved fellow graduates of 2026, aloha.
First, I want to express my gratitude to Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, to this university, the faculty, and donors. Also, to the spouses, kids, and friends who have supported us along the way. I personally want to thank President Kauwe for being a perfect example to move forward with faith. I want to thank my family, my wife, Alexie, my daughter, Anisa, Ayah, Jared, Cinta, and my mother, who in 1998 was accepted to come to BYU–Hawaii, but she decided to start a family and have me as her first child. Mama, thank you for all the sacrifices that you’ve made. This is for you.
In Indonesia, there is a well-known story called Laskar Pelangi. It tells of a small village school with only ten students, many of them are the first in their families to receive an education, coming from humble and diverse backgrounds, and yet, despite their limitations and the hardships they faced, they became faithful dreamers, choosing to keep moving forward with faith and becoming more than they were expected to be. In many ways… I see that same story in all of us.
My story starts with a number. Seventy-five. The score I needed to pass the English test to enter BYU–Hawaii. It was COVID time, and my mission shifted toward remote work. It marked my one year in the mission, and I knew I needed to think of my future. I always heard about BYU–Hawaii and its mission. I was prompted by the Spirit that that is where I needed to go. Like many of you, I prepared for months by using English Connect and reading the scriptures in English, daily. When I took the test and saw my score, it was 75, exactly 75. Even though it felt like just enough, I was faithful, and I decided to submit my application anyway. With the grace of God, I got accepted.
I was so excited to get into a U.S.-based university because growing up in a small community in Indonesia, the idea of studying in the United States was a dream. Where I come from, the American Dream represents success. And when I first arrived at BYU–Hawaii, I remember looking at this beautiful campus, thinking to myself, what a blessing it was to be here, and I wanted to stay and build my life here. I started to make plans to achieve that opportunity, until I met a faculty member who changed my perspective and helped me better understand the mission of BYU–Hawaii. He reminded me of BYU–Hawaii’s prophetic mission to prepare us to be leaders in Asia and the Pacific. He also reminded me of how important Indonesia is to me, and of the big opportunities back home. After much prayer, I have a renewed desire to fulfill that mission.
So, while still figuring out what it will look like, I move forward with faith and take one step at a time.
When I first started, it wasn’t easy. I still remember where many of us were missing home, our delicious food, and our language, some of us started our classes in EIL and struggled with English. Some of us just barely finished our mission or high school and came straight to college. Some of us had to work at the PCC while handling school, our family, and other responsibilities. For some, we couldn’t find friends where we felt like we belonged. And there may have even been times where we fell short in achieving our goals. But despite our challenges, we kept on moving, we sought help from our peers, mentors, and teachers, we went to the temple for guidance and revelation, we worked hard for our classes and projects, and we helped others in achieving our dreams together. Look at us now, we were able to see the light and manage to succeed. You and I share the same story. We progress towards becoming.
Our faith taught us to keep going despite the struggle, to be resilient and hopeful in all things. Our faith allows us to be here, finishing our college journey.
Lastly, we found something that will last far beyond this moment.
Ohana, family. Here at BYU–Hawaii, I found a new family. I remember the first time we met four years ago. Different countries, different languages, different cultures…Yet we became one. We studied together. We struggled together. We grew together. We celebrated and created memories together. And for some of us, we even found and built our eternal families here.
As we leave today, let us not forget the ohana back home. Our families, our communities, our people. They are the reason we were sent here. Although it isn’t currently standing, the flag circle in front of our campus is not only a representation of who we are, but it is a reminder of why we are here.
BYU–Hawaii has given us so much: education, experiences, and spiritual strength. But what matters most is how we choose to use it. Because when we align our journey with our purpose, we become something powerful; what President David O. McKay saw in us, what he called “genuine gold”. [1] People who cannot be bought, cannot be shaken, and will not compromise what is right. It is our responsibility now to fulfill that sacred prophecy.
Graduates, I believe we share something in common. We are part of a culture of faith and excellence. Excellence is the courage to keep going when things are hard. It is the discipline to grow when we feel unready. It is the humility to learn and never ever give up. So, as we step into the next chapter of our lives, let us move forward as a group of faithful dreamers, because the world is waiting… for leaders who are genuine gold. For leaders who will stand for truth. For leaders who will uplift others.
Leaders like you.
I am Timothy Samad, from South Tangerang, Indonesia, and it is a deep honor to stand before you today. Congratulations, class of 2026.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes:
[1] David O. McKay, “Groundbreaking & Dedication of CCH/BYU–Hawaii,” [groundbreaking at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, February 12, 1955], speeches.byuh.edu