Weathering the storms of life

Weathering difficulties

Graduating couple shares how BYUH taught them to work with others despite cultural barriers

BY SERENA DUGAR IOANE

Hei Long “Oscar” Ip and Tsui Lum Ka’imilani Ho “Milani” Ip, both from Hong Kong, reflected on their studies at BYU–Hawaii as they prepare to graduate and shared how the university taught them the importance of working with different people and scenarios. They also learned how to depend on each other as they faced the rigors of college and married life.

Milani Ip, a senior majoring in graphic design, shared how the most important thing she learned from BYUH was not knowledge, but experience. According to her, “Experience of knowing other people, being independent, being responsible for my education and life and taking responsibility for my choices were vital for me.”

The Ips said another important outcome of their studies was learning about other cultures. Milani Ip noted how she is an introverted person who was homeschooled, so it was important for her to be exposed to different cultures and make international friends.

Oscar Ip, a senior majoring in supply chain operations, said he has worked at the Polynesian Cultural Center and Student Leadership & Service, where he built meaningful relationships with people from all over the world.

The Ips hold their daughter, Astrid, who was born while they were at BYU–Hawaii. Photo by Ho Yin Li

Milani Ip’s parents are both BYUH alumni, and she grew up hearing about their experiences at BYUH. She said coming to this school was her goal during her homeschooling. She wanted to mingle in the diverse environment of BYUH.

She learned how cultures play an important role in people’s lives and obtained the ability to communicate with people from different cultures.

According to Milani Ip, curiosity and a desire to learn was the legacy of her parents. They also encouraged her to find her passion and pursue it. Her husband, Oscar Ip, said she followed her parents’ advice and supported her desire to become a talented photographer and graphic designer.

Oscar Ip shared how his parents taught him to always finish what he started, which helped him to move forward until the end, no matter how hard his college years were.

For the Ips, their experience at BYUH will be a highlight of their lives going forward. Oscar Ip said they had many memorable moments at BYUH, but the most precious ones were spent with his wife and having their daughter, Astrid.

Milani Ip said she is more of an introvert, but her husband is an extrovert with a good sense of humor. “He always brings laughter at home, and I love it. His strengths make up for my weaknesses. He is patient with me instead of being tolerant.”

In regard to his wife, Oscar Ip shared, “She helps me to be a better person by being patient and listening carefully. She was homeschooled, so she is really good at managing her time. That is one thing I lack sometimes.”

Building careers while studying

The Ips said their studies at BYUH also prepared them for their future careers. They said they have learned many useful skills related to their majors and developed good work ethics from their student jobs.

Oscar Ip has worked at the BYUH Student Leadership & Service as a student logistics supervisor for two years. He said he developed his leadership skills and learned to inspire others from his job. He was a part of a team that organized three Culture Nights, two Food Fests and many other events.

He also learned the importance of listening to others and humbling himself in his

workplace. “Sometimes you can be wrong, and it is better to listen,” he said. “I also want to be a good example for my family and lead them spiritually.”

Mark Eyo, a senior from the Philippines majoring in political science and TESOL, said Oscar is “a very energetic and smart person. Everyone loves him in the office because he has the energy to do a lot of things.

“When we have an issue about a major upcoming event, we always rely on Oscar’s intelligence about clubs because of his vast experience. He is a great leader, one who thinks about the people first before the task.”

Samuel Jonatã de Souza, a senior from Brazil majoring in supply chain operation, praised Oscar Ip. “Oscar is full of excitement about helping people. You can tell that he has a unique personality from the first time you meet him. Oscar also inspired me to look for a better job that would look better on my resume.

“He helped me to prepare and apply for a significant leadership position at the Student Leadership & Service. As a coworker, Oscar is always creative, and he gets things done. Oscar is also a friend that I can count on when I need help,” Souza added.

Milani Ip majored in graphic design and has held jobs as a photographer and graphic designer for Ke Alaka‘i and BYUH Communications. From her work experiences, she said she developed creativity and learned the importance of communications and teamwork. “I used to be frustrated when others didn’t understand my art. However, I learned that frustration doesn’t help anything. Instead, I can help them to understand my art.”

Relying on God

The Ip couple stressed how another vital part of their success was developing personal relationships with the Savior and God. They had many challenges as student parents and employees. Their challenges helped them draw closer to God, they said because they had to rely on Him so much during their studies

Oscar Ip said his biggest challenge was learning English at an academic level. “Writing and reading in academic English was tough for me. However, my diligence and my professors’ understanding helped me to succeed.”

Milani Ip said her most significant obstacles were her habits, such as procrastination and perfection. “My struggles are usually created by me. I always want to do things perfectly and expect perfect outcomes, which overwhelms me.”

However, she said she learned to balance her time and efforts, which helped her to become a successful student, mother and wife.

Eyo commented, “Seeing the Ip family is always inspiring because they are a perfect team who love and support each other, whether it’s with school or with taking care of their daughter, Astrid.” •