My name is Jiuta Ledua and I’m 22 years old. I am from the Fiji Islands and I served a two-year full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Philippines Laoag and the Philippines Tuguegarao Mission from 2023-2025.

Before I left for the mission, I worked to pay for my passport, clothes, and shoes. It wasn’t easy for me, being the only member at that time, and not getting needed support from my family.

While I was in the mission field, I met a missionary who applied for BYU-Hawaii and was accepted. I was amazed and I knew that it could be a life-changing opportunity for me as well; so, I also decided to apply for the Brigham Young University-Hawaii Scholarship IWork Program.

Growing up, I’ve always dreamt of being a doctor and I know that this can be my chance.

Luckily, I was accepted while still in the mission field. I will be majoring in Biology and have English and Accounting as my minors. The fall semester is just around the corner and it will be starting on September 1, 2025.

I am running out of time, so I am asking for your kind help for the purchase of the airplane ticket and out-of-pocket expenses, since I will need to report at BYU-Hawaii on August 22nd for fall semester orientation. Then, I will be able to commence with my studies, as I take this significant leap!

Every gesture of support, whether financially, a helping hand, or a shared message—means everything to me, or to help in raising funds towards:

• Air travel from Fiji to Hawaii;

• Covering essentials: food, public transportation, etc., before I actually start school and receive my scholarship check;

• Health-related costs;

• Assisting with any extra academic costs, books, supplies, etc.

Again, I am truly grateful for your kindness and generosity, and I thank my friends, my family, and my loved ones.

Sincerely,

Jiuta Ledua