Sho Sasaki, a 2019 business management graduate from Japan, never expected that his path would lead to serving in Human Resources for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tokyo. From navigating life as an international student at BYU–Hawaii to building a family and career, Sasaki has been shaped by resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to grow through uncertainty. When an early job offer fell through during the pandemic, Sasaki leaned into new opportunities, eventually finding purpose in both public relations and Church employment. His experience highlights the power of preparation, openness to change, and surrounding yourself with people who uplift and inspire.
Finding Purpose Through Faith and Education
Raised in Japan and baptized as a second-generation member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sasaki was encouraged by his parents to pursue his education in Laie. They never attended college themselves but hoped for a different future for their children. “My parents really wanted me to go to university and learn useful skills for the future,” he said. “Even when I was in elementary school, they would talk about a church university in Hawaii.”
In 2013, after completing two semesters at BYU–Hawaii, Sasaki returned to Japan to serve in the Japan Fukuoka Mission. When he returned to Laie, he fully embraced student life, declaring his major and adjusting to the expectations of a Western classroom environment. “In Japan, students are really passive in class,” he explained. “But in the U.S., students are expected to speak up and share their opinions. That was a huge culture shock.” Determined to succeed, Sasaki threw himself into his studies. “I studied hard, stayed at the library until it closed, and made extra effort to improve my English.”
While at BYU–Hawaii, he met his wife, Maria Sasaki, who earned a degree in TESOL and graduated in December 2019. Together, they are now the proud parents of a beautiful daughter.
Overcoming Setbacks and Staying Steadfast
Like many late 2019 graduates, Sasaki’s plans were quickly upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. After securing a promising job offer from a travel technology agency, his start date was repeatedly postponed until eventually the company stopped responding. “It was a tough time,” Sasaki recalled. “We had just had a baby, and I had to support my family. I applied for jobs, but many companies saw the gap in my resume and didn’t give me a chance to explain.”
To make ends meet, Sasaki took on a part-time job before eventually landing a full-time public relations role at a small city hall in Japan. It wasn't the career he had envisioned, and the salary was significantly lower than what he was originally offered at the travel agency. “Still, I did my best,” he said. “I kept applying and eventually transitioned to a staffing agency. Then I saw a job posting in the Church’s HR department and felt it was the right opportunity.”
Today, Sasaki works in the Human Resources department for the Asia North Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, based in Tokyo. “Now, I feel like the Lord prepared a way for me to be here,” he shared. “Working for the Church is something that I wanted to do since BYU–Hawaii, and I'm finally applying what I studied.”
Living the Mission: Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve
Looking back, Sasaki credits BYU–Hawaii for preparing him not just for a career, but for life. “I learned a lot through classes, through my job at the Polynesian Cultural Center, and spiritual mentors,” he said. Today, Sasaki serves as a second counselor of the bishopric and previously served as a bishop in the same ward.
Sasaki also stressed the importance of using time at BYU–Hawaii wisely. “Enjoy Hawaii, yes—but think ahead,” he advised. “President Nelson told us to ‘think celestial,’ and that applies to school, too. Think about what you want after graduation, then act now to prepare for it.” For Sasaki, that mindset—beginning with the end in mind—has been essential in navigating both personal and professional challenges in his life.
