From BYU–Hawaii to Fiji: Building a Future Back Home

Leaving behind established careers, a steady income and the familiarity of home was not an easy decision for Iosefo Taliu and his wife, Grace Taliu (née Tueli).

Before moving to Hawaii, both worked as Air Traffic Control Assistants in Fiji, where they first met. They were raising two young children and building their careers when they chose to pursue higher education at Brigham Young University–Hawaii.

Returning home had always been part of their plan. Their years at BYU–Hawaii were never about leaving Fiji behind, but about returning better prepared to strengthen their family, community and country.

After completing their studies, the couple recently returned home to Fiji, where their story was featured by Fiji One News. 

Leaving Stability Behind

“The biggest sacrifice our family made was leaving behind stability,” Grace said. “Before coming to BYU–Hawaii, my husband and I both had secure careers in Fiji. Walking away from a steady income, moving overseas with young children, and starting over as students required a great deal of faith.”

Looking back, Iosefo believes the decision became clearer with time.

“Leaving behind our careers to pursue higher education did not seem like the right decision at the time from our own perspective,” he said. “But we now see that it was what the Lord wanted us to do, and I know whatever the Lord wants us to do is definitely the right thing to do.”

Their bishop at the time, Anare Tavo, a local leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a graduate of BYU–Hawaii, encouraged the couple to apply to the university.

After thoughtful family discussions and prayer, they decided to apply.

Tavo recalls that one of their biggest questions wasn’t whether BYU–Hawaii was worthwhile. It was whether the family could make it work.

“They left something good for something better,” he said. “They had questions about work, school, and raising your children, but I reminded them they wouldn’t be the first couple to do this. Sometimes you can’t answer every question before you go. You have to experience it yourself.”

“Looking back, I can say without hesitation that every sacrifice was worth it,” Grace said.

More Than Degrees

For Iosefo and Grace, the blessings of their time at BYU–Hawaii extended well beyond earning university degrees.

While earning their degrees, the couple balanced university studies, employment, Church service and raising two young children far from extended family.

Whether he was studying, working, spending time with his family or serving in the Church, Iosefo said he learned the importance of being fully present in each responsibility.

“Sometimes there is no such thing as balance,” Iosefo said. “It was about making sure I did the right things at the right time.

While Iosefo learned lessons about balancing competing responsibilities, Grace experienced her own transformation.

For Grace, one of the most significant changes happened outside the classroom. Through BYU–Hawaii’s Seasider Wellness Program, she began a journey toward better health that reshaped the way she cared for herself, her family and others.

“I’ve come to realize that taking care of ourselves isn’t selfish,” Grace said. “When we’re healthy, we’re better able to love, serve, and care for those around us.”

Looking back, Grace said those changes became part of a much broader transformation.

“What I’m most grateful for is who we became during those four years,” Grace said.

“I came home a better wife, a better mother, and a stronger disciple of Jesus Christ. Our marriage is stronger, our home is happier, and we returned with active temple recommends and a deeper commitment to the covenants we have made.”

“If someone asked me what I gained at BYU–Hawaii, my answer wouldn’t be my diploma,” Grace said. “It would be the testimony, the eternal perspective, and the relationship with the Saviour that will bless my family long after any degree has served its purpose.”

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Returning Home

Today, they are already putting those lessons into practice.

For Iosefo, it has meant returning to the classroom, this time as a teacher. He is currently completing his student teaching placement at Church College Fiji, a secondary school operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“Teaching mathematics began as a way to help friends and family during the pandemic,” he said. “Today, it has become my everyday routine. I am now blessed with the privilege of helping students learn maths, and I enjoy every moment of it.”

His long-term goal is to become a licensed teacher in Fiji and continue teaching mathematics and physics full time at Church College Fiji.

“I hope to earn a full-time position here at Church College of Fiji, to give back to my country, and most importantly, give back to the Lord by teaching at His school.”

Grace hopes to apply her education just as intentionally.

“I hope to use my education in ways that extend far beyond a job title or career,” Grace said. “BYU–Hawaii taught me that education is meant to bless families, strengthen communities and ultimately help build the kingdom of God wherever we are.”

She continues to share many of those lessons through Mama on a Mission, a social media platform where she writes about faith, family, health and personal growth.

Professionally, Grace is excited to continue learning and growing in Fiji.

“I’m looking for opportunities where I can contribute meaningfully, continue developing my skills, and learn from mentors,” she said.

“Whatever role I find myself in, I hope to serve with excellence, integrity and compassion.”