Sunhak Scholarship Luncheon with CARP
On Friday, June 21, the Sunhak Foundation co-hosted a luncheon with the Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles (CARP) USA at the International Peace Education Center (IPEC) in Las Vegas. Both current and future college students were invited to the event. Teresa Rischl, CARP USA President, served as emcee, and Professor Yeon Ah Moon, President of the Sunhak Foundation, was the keynote speaker.
The Sunhak Foundation gives special scholarships to college students who dedicate their time and energy toward creating a peaceful world. Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon founded the scholarship to support such students.
Dr. Ki Hoon Kim, Vice President of Family Federation International, gave the opening remarks.
Thank you for coming from all over America to join this event… [Dr. Moon] is always asking about the young people and feels more energy from hearing about the youth’s activities. You are the object of her Blessing… I’d like to multiply the scholarship five times to give to more [young people]. That’s my commitment.
After opening remarks, Professor Moon took the stage. She asked the audience for questions and spent the next hour answering them. One question she received was about how to forgive those who hurt you. Her response was to see them as family.
As a parent, when children make a mistake, it’s very painful, but the parent takes responsibility for that mistake: that’s love. Even among your brothers and sisters, when you see them doing wrong, you feel pain. You may feel critical about the mistake, but you still feel pain in your heart… Without any relationship with that person, it’s easier to judge. But if that other person is your family member, then, of course, you want to help them improve. When you’re in a position where you think you can’t forgive them, think of them as your sister or brother who you dearly love. If you put yourself in that position, you may think about how you can help them.
Professor Moon encouraged the students, when thinking about their future, to align themselves with God’s desires and make the most of what’s possible. She said, “We are siblings who have the same parent. The path we go is not for ourselves. It’s not easy, but it’s meaningful and valuable. Let your heart choose the right path, even if you might be scared. Think about how you can invest. No matter what, have a public goal.”
Concluding her talk, she gave gifts to everyone in attendance and took pictures at every table. The students were inspired by her message. Many of them wondered how they could make the most of their lives while serving God. As Dr. Moon always encourages students to find ways to serve and live happily, the participants were comforted by Professor Moon’s affirmation of those requests.