Kaleb Valdez, DC is a BYU–Hawaii alumnus from the Bay Area in California. He attended the university from 2012-2015.
Why did you choose to come to BYUH?
"My parents are alumni, and many of my high school friends from the Academia Juarez in "the colonies" of Chihuahua chose to study there. I was excited to return to my birthplace, and to an island my family has called home for four generations. I have also loved other cultures and languages, and BYUH is the greatest melting pot for forging worldwide, lifelong friendships."
What does the mission and vision of BYUH mean to you?
"I cherish my time at BYU–Hawaii and the many memories and friendships I took from Laie. I served and visited many of the island nations of Oceania, and have been blessed to visit many parts of the Asia-Pacific Rim during and since my time at BYUH. So many young people are seeking to learn to become the refined and "genuine gold" that President McKay referenced at the founding of our school. I have been richly blessed with a unique education that took me from the shores of Laie to the mountaintops of Israel, to other amazing places in academia. The brightest minds I have ever encountered are those intellects who are tempered by the light of Christ, and whose learning has opened their hearts to looking outward, to serving, lifting, and teaching as the Savior did. The vision of our school to exemplify intercultural peace and unity is exemplified every day on our campus. The gospel culture truly transcends nationality, language, politics, and so much of what separates us on this earth as children of a universal and loving Father in Heaven. BYUH is truly a unique opportunity to first understand other cultures, to appreciate all the good that they have to share, and then add your light and your voice to the Savior's teachings as we build bridges of understanding that future generations will courageously cross."