Tia Caulford, a 2023 BYU–Hawaii elementary education graduate from Wailuku, Maui, reflects on her time at BYU–Hawaii with deep gratitude for the growth it fostered in her life, both spiritually and professionally.
With a legacy rooted in Laie—her mother, aunt, and grandparents all having attended BYU–Hawaii—Tia felt drawn to the campus not only for its familiar spirit but also for its proximity to home and family in nearby Kahuku. “It was the perfect place for me to feel comfortable and still have loved ones around,” she shared.
Tia cherished the cultural diversity of the university, noting how students from across the globe brought a richness to campus life. “You’re exposed to so many different cultures,” she said. “You get to learn and enjoy things from everywhere.” She also found strength in the intimate classroom settings that allowed for close-knit learning and personal growth. “I felt more a part of a close community,” she recalled.
Upon graduating, Tia began her teaching career at Waiheʻe Elementary School on Maui. Her first year in the classroom brought challenges and blessings that stretched her in unexpected ways. But on the very last day of school, she felt a sacred prompting: “The Spirit whispered in my ear, ‘I think it’s your time to serve a mission.’”
Tia is preparing to serve at the Missouri Historic Sites and the Texas San Antonio Mission. As she trains through the online MTC, she reflects on the path that brought her here. “BYU–Hawaii’s mission and vision helped me become a better disciple of Christ,” she said. “Without the experiences and education I received from this lovely school, I wouldn’t be where I am today—as a current missionary.”