The Center recognizes that students coming to BYU-Hawaii for the first time, go through a big adjustment to adapt to a new education system, a new culture, and often a new language. At BYU-Hawaii students are expected to attend all of their classes, complete all of their assignments and pass their exams.The Center for Academic Success is here to help students become academically proficient (Handout about the Center for Academic Success).
One of the missionary couples who help to run the CAS are Elder and Sister Larsen.
Elder and Sister Larsen
Educators for over 40 years, the Larsens came to BYUH to direct the Center for Academic Success.
For ten years, Elder and Sister Larsen lived and worked in Saudia Arabia with their son and daughter. Elder Larsen worked as the Director of Education for Aramco Oil in Ras Tanura and as the Curriculum Director at the School of the American Consulate. Sister Larsen taught elementary school there, and coached the track and girls' basketball teams.
At the end of the ten years, the Larsens decided to return to Bountiful to finish their careers and to be nearer to the grandchildren.
As retirement loomed, the Larsens thought they would like to serve a mission and return to the Middle East where there were opportunities in Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon. Out of the blue, they received a call from BYUH to see if they would consider submitting their resumes to serve a mission here.
The resumes were in and in December of 2014, they got a call from Elder Chipman in Salt Lake City. He told them that they were accepted at BYUH, and the mission call would be extended, but he couldn't find their mission papers. They hadn't even submitted their mission papers yet, so on January 6, 2015 the papers were submitted; on February 6 they received their call, and on April 6 they both retired from full-time employment as educators. One week later they were in the MTC on their way to Laie.
Sister Larsen said they "love, love, love" their mission. What do they love?
1. They love the students. The ability to help, support and befriend struggling students brings them joy, for example:
- The girl who was convinced throughout her life that she was "dumb." After her mission, she decided that, if she could succeed on a mission, maybe she should at least try college. Through the help of Iworks and the Academic Support Center, she will graduate in October and has already been accepted into Graduate School.
- The young woman who, while struggling with depression, comes in for a hug, a smile, which is often the motivation she needs to keep going.
- The student who, when asked, "What can we do for you?" responded, "Just love me."
2. They love all the senior missionaries and the unique opportunities to serve with so many unselfish, talented and faithful people in such close proximity - the university, the Polynesian Cultural Center, the visitor's center and the temple.
3. They loved being here at Christmas. Working extra hours at the Polynesian Cultural Center setting and busing tables and working in the kitchen was a rewarding and delightful way to spend the holidays.
These dedicated senior missionaries can help students learn to organize their time so that they can be successful in both school and work. Instructors and professors will contact the Center for Academic Success regarding students that are having difficulty in their clsses or not attending. The missionaries will help them get back to where they are expected to be.
Mahalo, Elder and Sister Larsen and Mahalo, Center for Academic Success
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