Rising Above

January 2026

From living in the bustling city of Bangkok to graduating this semester from BYU–Hawaii, Weerawat Meepralom has undergone a trans­formative journey of faith and resilience. Today, Meepralom is not only a student but also a performer, leader, and trailblazer—roles made possible by the support of donors who believe in the potential of students.

Growing up in Thailand, Meepralom and his family practiced Buddhism, and higher educa­tion seemed out of reach. His first encounter with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came unexpectedly when mission­aries visited his home. Their kindness and a long-forgotten Book of Mormon his mother had received from previous missionaries sparked the family’s curiosity, leading them to explore the gospel together. This pivotal moment set Meepralom on a new path that would eventu­ally take him across continents.

After serving a mission in Australia, Meepralom dreamed of attending BYU–Hawaii. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his plans, forcing him to return home and put his aspirations on hold. Financial constraints and family responsibilities weighed heavily, and the prospect of studying abroad seemed increas­ingly distant. “I didn’t have enough money. I didn’t have the grades. I wasn’t qualified,” Meepralom recalls. But encouragement from his local Church leaders reignited his hope. They reminded him that education could open doors not just for himself but also for his family and community.

Determined, Meepralom applied to BYU–Hawaii. When the acceptance letter arrived, it brought both a miracle and a chal­lenge. Meepralom worked tirelessly and took on multiple jobs to fund his journey. “I saved everywhere possible to get here,” he says. The financial aid and scholarships provided by gen­erous donors became the bridge between his dreams and reality.

At BYU–Hawaii, Meepralom has embraced every opportunity. He works at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) as a Polynesian dancer— despite being from Thailand. His dedication as a custodian caught the attention of PCC directors, who invited him to audition. With no prior dance experience, Meepralom spent his summer volunteering extra hours to learn the art, eventually becoming a fire dancer. “I never thought I would be a dancer, but I wanted to be part of it,” he shares.

Balancing work and academics, Meepralom is resolved to make the most of his time at BYU–Hawaii. He is pursuing two majors, two minors, and two certificates. “If I can make it, I’ll be the first in my family to ever graduate from college and go to graduate school,” he says. His example inspires others to believe in their own potential.

The support of donors has changed his life. The IWORK program and other scholarships have both eased his financial burdens and allowed him to focus on his studies, work, and spiritual growth. “Because of it, I’ve grown a lot, and I could become who I am today,” Meepralom says with gratitude. He often reflects on how being at BYU–Hawaii brings him closer to Christ.

Meepralom’s story is a powerful reminder of what is possible when faith meets opportunity. Through the generosity of donors, students like Meepralom are empowered to rise above hard­ship, pursue their dreams, and become leaders who will bless their families and communities for generations to come.