Madeline Swanson

55-107 Naupaka St.
Laie, HI 96762
218-408-3922
swans5@go.byuh.edu

                  

I'm an international cultural studies major
emphasizing in communications and
peace building. I also have two years of
studying art history. I have worked
for Disney in the past as well as
teach English in Ukraine. This is a
picture of me in Kiev, Ukraine.

Resume

Education:

Brigham Young University-Idaho                    Transferred
-Associates in Art History, Minor in French
- GPA 3.0

Brigham Young University-Hawai'i                    Degrees in Progress
-Bachelor's in International Cultural Studies: Communications & Peacebuilding

- GPA 3.1

Work Experience:

Disney College Program: Orlando, Florida                          April 2013-August 2013
- Show Keeper at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge 
~ Maintained guest areas to be clean and safe
~ Talked to guests from all over the world and answered their questions
~Made sure our guests had a magical experience 
~Trained new show keepers in "water art"


International Language Program: Kiev, Ukraine                    January 2012-June 2012
-Volunteer English Teacher
~Taught children ages 3-12 English
~Used organizational skills to find more efficient ways to engage the children
~Implemented new and creative lessons into the curriculum
~Responsible for creating new lesson plans daily


Brigham Young University-Hawai'i: Laie, Hawaii                     January 2014-December 2012 
-Media Services Technician
~Worked in a team of students to make sure all media set-ups and pick-ups run smoothly
~Knowledge and training of repairing media equipment



Whale Watching on Oahu

Despite Hawaii’s “official” whale season not beginning until late December, the first humpback whale of the season was spotted off the shores of Kauai on Sept. 16, reported KITV. Which can only mean one thing, Hawaii’s largest winter vacationers are back and BYU-Hawaii students know just where to view these majestic creatures.

It has been said by USA Today that up to 10,000 humpback whales migrate to warm Hawaiian waters from Alaska. Whales eat very little during this time and instead focus their efforts on mating and breeding, reports USA Today.

According to Hawaii Magazine, the best way to see the whales up close is typically on a whale-watching tour. Although “In recent years, there’s been such an increase in the number of whales populating the channels between the Hawaiian Islands that it’s hardly uncommon to spot them from the shore,” continued Hawaii Magazine.

Those who live on “The Point” in Laie, Hawaii, have said that they have often seen humpback whales from the balconies of their homes.

Alyssa Moncur, a student from BYU-Hawaii and resident who lives on The Point said, “I’m so excited that it’s finally November! I remember last year seeing a whale from my balcony in the distance.”

Other places Oahu locals have seen the humpbacks are at Turtle Bay and the Makapuu Lighthouse hike.

“Last year I hiked the Makapuu Lighthouse trail with some friends and about halfway down the trail, if you look out and wait for a while, you can see them pretty good,” said Hawaii local and student at BYUH, Haley Aki. “I’ve also heard of people seeing them at Electric Beach.”

Brighson Tolentino, a student at BYUH studying business added, “You can pretty much see them anywhere if you keep an eye out.” 

Madeline Swanson

Same-Sex Marriages Now Legal in Utah

With same-sex marriage becoming legal in Utah after the U.S. Supreme Court declined, Monday October 6, to hear the state's appeal cases, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints released the following statement. “The succession of federal court decisions in recent months, culminating in today’s announcement by the Supreme Court, will have no effect on the doctrinal position or practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is that only marriage between a man and a woman is acceptable to God.” The statement continues by mentioning the Constitution and how it guarantees the free exercise of religion, which they will continue to teach their standards and uphold it in their religious practices.

Sarah McGregor, a senior anthropology major at Brigham Young University-Hawaii, feels that “Honestly, the things that this country is founded on is freedom. our responsibility as human-beings and as latter day saints is to respect others beliefs and love our neighbors. We’re not asked to do anything else. We can’t ask anyone to change, just because we don’t agree.”

According to the Deseret News, “Within hours of the decision, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals lifted the stay on gay marriage in Utah and five other states in its jurisdiction. County clerks in Utah started issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples and overseeing weddings.”

Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the Mormon Church Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, its second-highest governing body and a former Utah Supreme Court justice, spoke at the Church’s semi-annual General Conference in Salt Lake City Saturday and doubled down on opposition to marriage for same-sex couples, said the Washington Post.

Oaks acknowledged at the 184th bi-annual LDS General Conference, should the Church’s views not be upheld on issues such as marriage, members should respond with “civility.”

Anna Thatcher, a Utah native and a sophomore at BYUH says she’s pretty frustrated. “They didn't even let the people vote or have any say in the matter. I'm no pro with politics but...a few months ago a guy from Washington came and just declared gay marriage legal in Utah. there

were lots of marriage licenses given that day, and we sent the case to the Supreme Court to try to stop it but they refused to hear the case. The people of Utah have had no say in the matter.”

The LDS church ended its statement on how the court chooses not the hear same-sex marriage cases by stating, “Nevertheless, respectful coexistence is possible with those with differing values. As far as the civil law is concerned, the courts have spoken. Church leaders will continue to encourage our people to be persons of good will toward all, rejecting persecution of any kind based on race, ethnicity, religious belief or non-belief, and differences in sexual orientation.” 

Madeline Swanson