Ana Pua Feinga is a BYU-Hawaii alumna from Tonga who graduated in 2025 with a degree in TESOL and minors in Psychology and Pacific Studies. She now teaches English at Liahona High School, helping students build confidence and find their voices. Accepted into master’s programs worldwide, she dreams of using her education to open doors for students across the Pacific.
What’s a Favorite Memory from Your Time at BYU–Hawaii?
“One of my most special memories was meeting the love of my life there. We are now engaged and planning our future together. BYU–Hawaii will always hold a special place in my heart because it was not only where I received my education, but also where I formed lifelong friendships and relationships that have become an important part of my life.”
How Did Your Time at BYU–Hawaii Shape the Person You Are Today?
“BYU–Hawaii shaped me academically, professionally, personally, and spiritually. It gave me the knowledge and experience I needed for my career, but it also strengthened my faith and taught me that education is about more than earning a degree. It is about using what we learn to serve others and make a positive difference.
“Being surrounded by students from many different countries and cultures also helped me become more confident, independent, and open-minded, and more appreciative of others. BYU–Hawaii helped shape not only the teacher I am today, but also the person I am becoming.”
What Are You Doing Now, and What Are You Looking Forward to in the Future?
“I am currently an English teacher at Liahona High School in Tonga. I am grateful to apply what I learned through my TESOL studies and help my students develop their English skills and confidence.
“I am also looking forward to continuing my education. I have been accepted into master’s programs at four universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. My goal is to continue developing professionally and eventually use my knowledge and experience to contribute even more to English language education in Tonga and the wider Pacific.”
Which Experiences at BYU–Hawaii Helped Prepare You for Your Teaching Career?
“During my time at BYU–Hawaii, I had opportunities to teach primary students from Mongolia online, co-teach at Laie Elementary School, participate in the English Evening Exchange class for EIL students, and tutor EIL students during my TESOL internship.
“I also worked in the BYU–Hawaii Admissions Office throughout my time at the university. This helped strengthen my communication and teamwork skills, professionalism, and ability to work with people from different backgrounds.
“These experiences allowed me to apply what I was learning before I graduated and gave me greater confidence when I entered my own classroom.”
What Accomplishment from Your Time at BYU–Hawaii Means the Most to You?
“One achievement I am especially proud of and grateful for is being selected to receive the David O. McKay Presidential Scholarship and maintaining it throughout my studies.
“I am also proud to be the fifth sibling in my family to attend BYU–Hawaii, which makes my graduation especially meaningful to me and my family.
“Another highlight was attending the TESOL International Convention in Long Beach, California, in March 2025.”
What Advice Would You Share with Current BYU–Hawaii Students?
“My advice would be to take advantage of every opportunity BYU–Hawaii offers. Don’t just attend classes and wait for graduation. Apply for jobs, complete internships, serve others, attend conferences, build relationships with your professors, meet people from different cultures, and find ways to apply what you are learning.
“I would especially encourage students from Tonga and other Pacific Islands never to underestimate themselves because of where they come from. You may come from a small island, but your dreams don’t have to be small. Keep God at the center of your journey, work hard, stay humble, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.”
What Does Being a Seasider Mean to You?
“BYU–Hawaii gave me much more than an education. It strengthened me spiritually, exposed me to different cultures, provided opportunities to develop professionally, and prepared me to serve others through education.
“To me, being a Seasider means remembering that what you receive at BYU–Hawaii should not stop with you. You take it with you and use it to lift and serve others.”
