A gathering of international BYU-Hawaii students who have or will soon participate in practical internship programs in their home countries thanked several donors on June 14 for their generous contributions which fund the round-trip transportation and other aspects of the program.
Four students spoke in person at a special dinner on campus honoring Gene and Allyson Yamagata, while several other students who are currently on internships in their home countries, shared a videotaped mahalo [thanks]. Yamagata operates the Forever Living Products franchise in Japan.
Aurora Belle Abat, a junior biochemistry major from the Philippines, told the Yamagatas she had never known "such wonderful people before I came here. I am truly blessed and honored to represent all the Filipino students who have the wonderful opportunity to do internships back in our home country."
Abat also thanked the University for "helping me reach my potential. It is my humblest hope that some day I will also take part in helping in the fulfillment of President David O. McKay's prophecy to contribute something, to make a difference to my country when I go back home after I graduate," she said.
Sho Kimura, a senior international business management major from Japan, thanked the Yamagatas for the "great opportunity" to intern in their Las Vegas-based headquarters. "As a non-member of the LDS Church, I also want to say thank you to BYU-Hawaii... and to my parents who sent me here."
Ono Fong, who is from Fiji, explained he thought the University covered the transportation costs associated with internships. "I just found out a couple of days ago it was from people like you," he told the donors. "I want to thank you for enabling me and the other students from Fiji to go home on internships."
Fong added it was his "lifetime dream to attend BYU-Hawaii and work at the Polynesian Cultural Center." He also thanked the school for the leadership, and the PCC for "the experience they have given me."
Nyamdorj "Osnan" Odontuya, a sophomore accounting major from Mongolia who participated in a micro-enterprise training project, said she "felt so privileged to participate in an internship in Mongolia. We were so, so blessed to be there and help the people create jobs and help themselves. You have given us a great contribution."
Brent Wilson, Dean of the School of Business, told the students how the pharaohs of ancient Egypt used to carve their tributes and names on obelisks to honor themselves. Students, he said, should "build their monuments, their obelisks, with the inscriptions of things they have done for others and the services they have performed."
Wilson praised the generosity of the donors for "helping the students achieve the goals they would like to accomplish in their lives. From the faculty, let me express our gratitude for what you have done in helping us to help these students accomplish great things."
In response, Gene Yamagata said, "The windows of heaven really opened for us when we give for the purpose of the Church or the Lord. We've been blessed a lot more than what we give."
"Don't be shy in taking the money," he advised the students, "because as you participate, you will be able to grow. You will be able to do what you need to do to become a better person. It will definitely be a benefit to the work."
Yamagata, who is originally from Idaho, recalled how his local Seventies quorum supported him on his three-year mission to Japan a few years after he joined the Church. "I was the only member in our family, and there was a question on how to finance my mission," he said. "The years I spent in Japan established my foundation and did more for me than any education than I've gotten."
"I have spent more than half of my life in Japan, serving and working and establishing myself as a businessman," he continued, noting it was because his stake Seventies group "was willing to spend $5, $10, $15 a month out of their own pockets... to help me get through my mission. The little assistance I got established my lifestyle. I've been blessed, and I'm sure that the group and the individuals who helped me have definitely been blessed."
"The little bit that we are helping you students will go a long way in your lives as you strive to do the right thing. We want you not only to be thankful to us," Yamagata said, "but we want you to represent your school well. We want you to do well in your schooling and in your work. We are very proud of you, and we want to help those who qualify for this program."
BYU-Hawaii President Eric B. Shumway noted the "deep gratitude" of the participating students, and also how many of them mentioned David O. McKay's prophecy. "You walk anywhere on this campus, and you will find that every student knows what the prophecy was, what it was meant for, and the way it applies to them," he said.
"Before there were any buildings, before there were any pathways, before there were any teachers or students, the prophet of God stood on this ground and declared what this school would be and what it would produce: Students who could not be bought or sold, genuine gold; students who would be leaders, not just on this island but everywhere."
"What he saw is now being realized," President Shumway told the students. "The Savior of the world is the head of the Church, and He has prompted prophets to establish this school, and He has helped you come to this place at this time. He has also touched the hearts of many generous people who have been willing to give time, talent and treasure so you could have a secure opportunity for the education you are receiving."
"What a blessing it is to say thank you [to the donors...] and others who have given," he said. "So many people feel the power of the prophecy, which stimulates them and encourages them to bring forth what the Lord has blessed them with to bless others."