Faculty, staff, and students gathered Tuesday morning to hear the finalists in BYU-Hawaii's annual student speech competition.
The final four speakers advanced beyond a first round of speeches delivered last Saturday by 19 contestants before various panels of judges.
The four contestants represented the ethnic and academic diversity of the campus. The winner, Michael Lau, a resident of Hawaii and English major, delivered a spirited and engaging speech that showcased a bit of his theatre minor. Second place was a tie between Ruby Talata'ina, a biochemistry major from Samoa, and Spencer McBride, a history major from California. The finalists were rounded out by Adilbish Davaadolgor, a social work major from Mongolia.
The two-part theme of this year's competition, "Refine the Gold: Go Forth to Serve," is deeply rooted in the heart and mission of BYU-Hawaii.
Speaking at the university's groundbreaking in 1955, former President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints David O. McKay, the university founder and visionary declared, "One man said 'the world needs men [and women] who cannot be bought or sold, men who will scorn to violate truth, genuine gold.' That is what this school is going to produce."
"More than that, they'll be leaders. Not leaders only in this island, but everywhere. All the world is hungering for them…You mark that word, and from this school, I'll tell you, will go men and women whose influence will be felt for good towards the establishment of peace internationally."
Lau assured the audience that "it's okay to search for gold." He shared his own childhood story of digging for gold and treasure in his backyard. He then challenged students to search for knowledge, search for the future, and search for God—promising them that if they diligently seek, they will find the gold in their life. He encouraged the audience to share their "gold" and said that "in the process of giving we shall find our gold refined."
McBride took the podium and delivered his speech in a deliberate and confident manner. He admitted, "Very few, if any at all, arrive at this university already fitting President McKay's description of genuine gold. Rather, one's time and experience at this university serves as a refining process, melting away impurities and bringing forth positive qualities, thereby enabling one to shine as the genuine gold this world so desperately needs."
McBride identified three main ways that BYU-Hawaii refines its people—academic excellence, appreciation of diversity, and spiritual strength and leadership. "Through these processes, our conversion to God is strengthened and we will find ourselves serving naturally and well," he added.
Talata'ina focused her talk around the analogy of the philosophers stone, a mythical item in alchemy that can turn any metal to gold. Just as that stone was sought after for hundreds of years, so are the people today still seeking for pure gold, she said. She then quoted from President McKay, saying that whether they know it or not, the world is hungering for loyalty, integrity, and virtue.
And it is here at BYU-Hawaii that we can find the refining fire for our raw ore, she said. "As we are purified we will be able to resist corrosion, blemish,and impurity and become like exquisite jewelry." She then gave real examples of students who are choosing to go back to their home countries to teach, start businesses, run hospitals, and let their light shine.
Davaadolgor gave a sincere, from-the-heart commentary on her BYU-Hawaii experience. She told how when she came here she was very intimidated and unrefined, like-minded gold that is usually found mixed with silver. She told of reading the prophecies of President McKay and taking them to heart.
Her mind was enlightened through religion classes. Her English classes and employment at the Polynesian Cultural Center refined her communication skills. And through the numerous student activities on campus her desire to return home was sharpened. She then reminded all audience members that after gold is refined, the task is not over, for it still needs to be evaluated. "As we take our knowledge, skills, and love for God out into the world they will be measured and we will realize how much we have been blessed," she said.
The judges for the speech finals were Elizabeth Haycock, a visiting alumna; Marilee Chang, an advisement aide to the School of Education; andJaredLudlow, a professor of history and religion.
Londa Chase from the Language & Speech Lab and students from BYUHSA helped organize and make the event a success.