The winter semester ends, and the students of Handong Global University are still busy. Even though it’s vacation, many students are still staying at school. The reason is to prepare for HanST, Handong Spiritual Training, is starting in January.
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HANST is one week program before the first semester begins. Since the establishment of HGU, professors and students prepare this event for the freshmen. All the freshmen have a time to learn and share the HUG school culture of traditions and the vision of the school. They also begin to make friends during HANST.
Handong Global University & HANST
Unlike the other universities’ orientations, the essence of HANST is different. . HGU was founded based on the spirit of Christianity and the pursue of harmony between spiritual and academic learning. All the programs of HANST are formed with this in mind. Therefore, HANST is totally different than other schools’ orientations. Usually, orientation for freshmen aims to enhance personal relationships, however, HANST is an education program to transfer the values of HGU to the freshmen. Through the program, freshmen naturally understand the traditions and vision of HGU. New students also learn required information for school life.
Every year, freshmen usually receive a “generation name” through HANST. This year’s class was called the ‘Dreaming Generation.’ The theme was “Expectations for us, for Handong, the value of togetherness, and a re-start. The program lasted for five days from Feb. 20 to 24. Representative events during HANST were: Handong Go, Up Dream, Washing Feet, Honor Code, and Love Feast.
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Handong Global University & HANST (Washing each other’s feet)
‘Handong Go’ and ‘Up Dream’ are programs provided to learn the mindset for university life by learning the values of Handong. In the ‘Washing Others’ Feet’ program, seniors and professors washed the freshmen’s feet with welcoming and loving hearts. This unique culture of HGU is lived out for the freshmen. The freshmen can learn devotion and a respectful mindset. This helps them be genuine members of Handong. The ‘Love Feast’ is a program providing opportunities for conversations between freshmen, professors, and seniors.
During the Honor Code Declaration Ceremony, freshmen reaffirm their commitment to learn honesty and diligence that HGU teaches. Students promise that they will not cheat on exams, and they will maintain their honesty. Beside theses event, various programs were provided to nurture the spirit of Handong.
Handong Global University & HANST
-Seniors who gathered to learn the serving attitude of Jesus
What makes the HANST Orientation unique is not only refraining from alcohol. What makes the HANST Orientation Program the most special is the seniors who serve the freshmen as volunteers. The volunteers consist of 100 individuals who aim to support the freshmen as these new students adapt to HGU’s school culture and life. Before the starting date of the HANST Program, they prepare the HANST events and they also serve as mentors.
Kilyoung Yoon said, “When I entered HGU as a freshman, I could see the senior’s love and caring without any costs. As a result, I decided to serve the next freshmen when I become a senior. Now, I am that senior. I want to pay back the grace that I received from the seniors. I think the seniors who serve freshmen embody the identity of HGU.”
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-HANST 2017 Closing Ceremony.
The new semester will start soon. The students who prepared HANST will go back to their individual lives. The freshmen will open the second chapter of life as university students. HANST is one of the beautiful cultural traditions that embody the spirit of Handong to serve as salt and light.
