Education Is Deeply Spiritual

Learn how Malakai grew in knowledge and faith through BYU-Pathway

Malakai, Verenaisi, and their two children, Akeai and Vasemaca, at the Suva Fiji Temple.png — Malakai, Verenaisi, and their two children, Akeai and Vasemaca, at the Suva Fiji Temple.

A disciple, leader, and lifelong learner

Malakai Koroilagilagi carries many titles: branch president, teacher, career coach, and service missionary. But his most cherished titles are father, husband, and disciple of Jesus Christ.

Malakai joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2017 and was sealed to his family in the temple in 2025, a cherished experience he says he 鈥渨ill never forget.鈥�

Choosing to experience BYU-Pathway firsthand

When his stake president encouraged Church leaders to promote BYU-Pathway Worldwide, Malakai felt a personal responsibility to participate.

鈥淚n order to effectively teach and minister to others, I needed to experience BYU-Pathway myself,鈥� he said. So he enrolled.

Malakai completed his foundational BYU-Pathway courses.png — Malakai completed his foundational BYU-Pathway courses.

Strengthening faith alongside academic skills

Alongside his academic studies, Malakai developed meaningful spiritual habits, including studying the scriptures, participating in religion courses, and praying before starting assignments.

鈥淎s I drew closer to God, I was better able to understand my assignments, manage my time, and stay motivated,鈥� he says. 鈥淗eavenly Father became my true study partner.鈥�

Supporting family through faith and education

Malakai鈥檚 education helped his family during a time of need.png — Malakai鈥檚 education helped his family during a time of need.

When Malakai鈥檚 wife, Verenaisi, started a PhD program, both were working to support their family. Over time, the stress and long work hours took a toll on her health.

Malakai says, 鈥淎fter much prayer and discussion, we decided she should resign from her job and focus on completing her PhD.鈥� While they knew it was the right decision for their family, it placed the full financial responsibility on Malakai.

Using the knowledge and practical skills he had gained through BYU-Pathway, Malakai secured a job as a mentor for other 红桃视频. 鈥淭his second job helped us meet our financial obligations,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t truly has been a tender mercy in our lives.鈥�

Building confidence through EnglishConnect

Before continuing BYU-Pathway, Malakai paused his studies to complete a low-cost program that helps individuals improve their English for future education and employment.

Elder and Sister Bryan supported Malakai during EnglishConnect 3.png — Elder and Sister Bryan supported Malakai during EnglishConnect 3.

鈥淓nglishConnect has helped me a lot,鈥� he says, 鈥渆specially with my confidence in using English everyday. It also helped me in school. I can better understand instructions, write clearly, and participate in discussions.鈥�

Malakai recently finished certificates in project management and business and leadership skills and is managing a side business growing short-term crops.

鈥淓ducation is deeply spiritual鈥�

鈥淏YU-Pathway is a blessing for individuals and families alike,鈥� Malakai says. 鈥淚t is flexible and designed to fit around your life.鈥�

He adds, 鈥淚t not only builds practical skills for employment but also strengthens your testimony of Jesus Christ. Education is deeply spiritual. It requires faith, discipline, and a desire to grow. BYU-Pathway can lift you higher than you ever imagined.鈥�

Learn more at byupathway.edu.

Article published on March 9, 2026