Mary Ann Mapu, adjunct faculty professor of the English as an International Language (EIL) Program, spoke to the BYU-Hawaii Women’s Organization on April 13 about lessons from the Disney film “Moana” and encouraged women to overcome challenges.
Mapu discussed three specific lessons from the movie that stood out to her. She said women need to know their divine roles. “Just like Moana, she discovered for herself what she had to do with her life.” She added, “Heavenly Father created us for the purpose of nurturing our children and teaching them what no one else could. No one else can replace a mother’s love.”
She emphasized how mistakes are part of life and challenges are meant to be overcome. “We should welcome challenges because it adds to the dimension of our faith and love.” Challenges help people grow, do things that were never done before, and go on with life, she said.
The greatest challenge Mapu said she had in her life ended up being a blessing. “My son had an accident which caused him to have severe brain injury. He lived for 11 years, but he is unable to do things for himself.”
Rhonda Bell, wife of Vice President of Academics John Bell, said she felt good about the talk. “If Sister Mapu can do all things, I can also do it.”
The last lesson Mapu taught was the importance of family. “Family is central to Heavenly Father’s plan, and it is our responsibility to strengthen it.” She advised women to learn from past experiences and apply the lessons they learned to their current situation.
Ivy Kahalepuna, a member of the organization, said it was hard to find people to help with the luncheon. “Although we are trying to raise money, we still want to make it inviting. We want the speakers to find something that can touch the heart and spirit of the audience.”
Kahalepuna said, “The main purpose of the [Women’s] organization is to raise money for the book scholarships of students who are identified by financial aid to be needy.” Kahalepuna said the scholarship is not GPA based.
Bell said she is satisfied every time she attends the luncheon. “I look forward to attending luncheons, and I’m sad when I can’t come.”
Faye Mariaho, a community member, said she feels blessed by the luncheons. “I love luncheons because I get to know staff, as well as people who work in the community. I learn different perspectives on life from my fellow members and we influence each other to be good examples.”
Writer: Antoniette Yee