She is absolutely molded by her culture and upbringing. She's an odd mix of European, Germanic and Filipino culture. Sometimes she does things like a Filipino and other times she draws from her Austrian culture. Chrstmas like a European, family gatherings and food like a Filipina. (It's quite funny sometimes.)

I don't think it is disrespectful to suggest that we are products of our culture and upbringing.  

Ask your bright Tongan friend how many of his classmates from the Islands had the discipline to graduate in Accounting and pass the CPA Exam. It's not a slam on his culture or his roots. They are indeed among the finest people on Earth. Faithful, honest, respectful of their elders.

I would love to know your friend's take on my suggestion that the circumstances of their upbringing in the Islands does not always set them up for success when they get to BYU.