Gina Escalante, a 2024 BYU–Hawaii graduate from Peru who double majored in psychology and social work, shared how a journey marked by miracles and challenges brought her closer to Christ, connected her with others, and helped her discover more about herself.
Choosing the Lord First
Escalante is the only member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in her family. She joined the church in 2015 and decided to serve a mission despite opposition from her parents. “I was kind of worried they would kick me out of the house, but I was not afraid because I knew the Lord was calling me,” she said.
At the time, she had only two years left in her psychology program in Peru, but she chose to pause her studies and serve the Lord. That faith would continue to guide her path, including the decision to apply to Brigham Young University–Hawaii.
Escalante was unexpectedly accepted to BYU–Hawaii during a worldwide fast led by President Russell M. Nelson in April 2020. “The same day as the worldwide fast for the pandemic, I got an email saying I got accepted. I was in shock.”
Culture and Connections
After completing her first school year online due to the pandemic, Escalante spent the next three years on campus, fully immersed in BYU–Hawaii’s vibrant cultural life. One of her favorite experiences was Culture Night, which she participated in every year, joining multiple clubs annually, including Latin America, Hip-Hop, Tonga, Samoa, Tahiti, Cook Islands, and more.
“I think one of the best ways to learn from other cultures is participating with them in Culture Night,” she shared.
Remembering the Past and Looking Ahead
Escalante said BYU–Hawaii helped her realize the value of family, ancestors, and cultural identity. Inspired by the deep roots her peers had in their heritage, she visited Machu Picchu with her family to reconnect with her own Inca ancestors. “I felt like I was missing an important part of me.”
Her experience also deepened her understanding of personal resilience. “Many times, I was on my knees saying, ‘Lord, I can’t do this.’ But He carried me,” she noted. “Now, every time I doubt myself, I remember how the Lord helped me at BYU–Hawaii.”
Escalante recently got accepted into her dream graduate program in expressive arts therapy at Lesley University in Massachusetts. Though she still faces some challenges, she’s confident the Lord will provide, just as He did before.
“I didn’t have the money to attend BYU–Hawaii, and look at me now—I graduated,” she said with a smile. “I know He will help me again.”
