Genuine Gold Terry Tung
Terry Tung shares his blessings and struggles during his time at BYU–Hawaii and the hardships he faced as a new graduate during the global pandemic BY SERENA DUGAR IOANE
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fter struggling financially through his time at BYU–Hawaii, Terry Tung, a Winter 2020 social work alumnus from Hong Kong, said he got his first job but was laid off soon after because of COVID-19. Despite his trials and having to chose a job out of his career field, Tung shared the Lord had prepared a way for him and shared his struggles helped build his testimony of paying tithing. What was your career and educational journey after BYUH? “After my graduation, I got a job at a company called Capstone Boardgame, a board game retailer that provides board game playgroup services led by social workers to special education students for schools and NGOs. Unfortunately, after only two months, I was laid off due to the bad financial situation the company got in during COVID-19. “While I was looking for a new job related to my field of study, I came across an elementary school that was hiring a school social worker. I got an interview but wasn’t 8
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able to get the job. However, the school offered me another job instead as an English teacher. “I accepted the offer and have been working in this school as an English teacher since. I am planning to further my education and started working on getting a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) in the coming year. At the same time, I have also received a calling of a Seminary teacher in my ward. My life is crazy busy now, but I enjoy it a lot.” What blessings have you seen from attending BYUH? “One of the greatest blessings I received from studying at BYUH is the many people I have met and the many friends I have made. I struggled as a new English teacher because I do not have teaching experience nor a background in education. “However, I was able to reach out to my friends who studied elementary and TESOL education at BYUH and are currently working as English teachers for help and suggestions. I was deeply blessed with such great help.”
What advice would you give to current and graduating students at BYUH? “My advice to current students is don’t give up, and pay your tithing. There is help from heaven. Heavenly Father will bless us in His way according to His time. Ever since I graduated, I have prayed and fasted for help to find a job related to my study that I enjoy. Yet, for almost half a year, I didn’t have any success in starting my career. “Who knew I would become an English teacher and actually enjoy it even though it’s not related to my field of study? I never imagined myself being a teacher, yet here I am, enjoying my job every day. Heavenly Father knows us and will help us as long as we don’t give up on him.” How did attending BYUH help build your testimony? “My younger sister, who studies at BYUI, and I both attended college at the same time. So, it has been very challenging for my family financially. I wasn’t part of the IWORK
