By Rory Hill
When Hiu Yan “Heidi” Lam, a Communication Disorders (ComD) senior from Hong Kong, transferred to Brigham Young University from BYU–Hawaii, she found herself starting anew in a challenging academic environment with unique obstacles. “I had just come home from my mission and it was stressful for me to adapt to school life again,” she said. The pressure of maintaining a high grade point average (GPA) for graduate school, working to pay for her living expenses, and adjusting to a third-language environment left her feeling overwhelmed and inadequate.
However, the support of her professors, peer mentors, and classmates in the McKay School of Education made a world of difference. This strong community helped alleviate her stress and gave her the confidence to thrive.
The relationships Lam has built within the community have provided her with the resources she needs to get through hard times. “I love to learn from people's experiences,” Lam said. “Talking with people allows me to take their advice and learn from their mistakes.” Whether it’s seeking advice from her classmates, and friends or learning from her peer mentors, she values the insights of those who have walked a similar path.
Beyond her academic circle, Lam finds joy in spending time with her husband, visiting the temple, and staying connected with her family in Hong Kong. Despite the physical distance, she finds a way to bring a taste of home into her life by cooking Chinese food with her husband who is also from Hong Kong. She also keeps her loved ones updated through weekly reports filled with pictures and videos, which bring her immense happiness. “Looking back in my journal and the pictures that we took together just reminds me how grateful I am for all of my experiences,” she said.
The peer mentors Lam encountered early on in her program played a pivotal role in her transition. “I didn’t have many friends when I first transferred. Over time I noticed these people who were always reaching out,” she said. Through them, she was able to make a connection with others that she needed at the time.
Their willingness to listen, provide advice, and offer encouragement inspired Lam to become a peer mentor in her senior year. “I decided to become a peer mentor so that I can do the same thing to support other peers who are new to the major,” she said.
This reciprocal process of giving and receiving support has been transformative. She particularly appreciates the faculty’s support both in and out of the peer mentoring program, describing the love and encouragement they have given her during her time in the program. “When we share our experiences, it's a very uplifting experience for us, and I love to hear my teachers’ stories,” she said, highlighting the sense of community within the program.
Lam’s decision to study in the U.S. was rooted in her desire for a more balanced educational experience. “The culture in Asia is pretty focused on GPA,” Lam said. In contrast, her experiences in the U.S. taught her that failure is not the end but an opportunity to grow.
“The educational environment here helps me to find joy in my learning journey because I know that I can fail and I can stand back up,” she said. This mindset has boosted her confidence and contributed to her mental and physical well-being.
A key element of Lam’s growth has been her faith. Having joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a teenager, she credits her testimony for teaching her optimism and resilience. “Failure doesn’t define me anymore,” she said. “I know that Heavenly Father is always supporting me.”
Lam described the community at BYU as a big family. “Together we have strength and a strong connection, and we can learn from each other without any judgment,” she said. Lam’s experiences at BYU have empowered her to be genuine and embrace challenges with faith and determination.
In his devotional given on Jan. 14, President C. Shane Reese invited students on campus to become miracles for others. “Miracles will occur on this campus and in our personal lives,” he said. “This means that each of us must become the miracle in the lives of those around us… When you are someone else’s miracle, God’s grace will fill your soul. You will witness miracles because you will be one.”
In line with Reese’s message, Lam emphasized the importance of embracing diversity and building connections. “Just be genuine, be you,” she said. “By approaching others with an open mind and a willingness to listen, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for others and ourselves. Things will become very different if we are willing to try and build bridges with others.”
Heidi Lam with Her Fellow ComD Peer Mentors