Maharishi University of Management
MUM HAWAII
Another World is Possible ● Imagine. Create. Advocate.
Student Comments
Jenna & Andrew
Carlos
Los Angeles, CA
"I’ve come to understand that the island is alive and can speak to you. This emergence onto a living being has effects on our physiology that may not be noticeable and intelligible to try and speak on. I find that the placement of the campus on the Big Island is the greatest gift of the program. I have met exactly who I’ve needed to meet for the future that I want. Some of this by chance, and some simply by being connected to such a great leader in Sustainability, Lonnie Gamble. One last note - beach days have been holy days for me. I got to be fully present with mother earth and I will cherish those memories forever."
Vanessa
San Antonio, TX
"I’ve learned to witness people who are walking their talk. I’ve seen the beauty of the land and asked for the blessing to work on it. My body has changed, and my connection to my body has been enriched. My mind has changed too. Working in groups and learning my strengths, I have a new found confidence in my capabilities. I can see clearly where I can improve and develop in myself and not judge it but be open to the progressive process. I feel closer to nature and to people. I feel closer to the person I want to be. Overall, the program was a huge success for me because I’ve changed in profound ways. I’ve learned things I can never unlearn, and my body, mind and spirit have learned the truth as a single unit."
Andrew
Baltimore, MD
"I was incredibly impressed by the people we met. What has been transformative was how these visits have inspired me to connect with my roots. I am gaining interest in discovering my family background and connecting into the knowledge of my ancestors. This growth was supported by my exploration of the Artist’s Way as part of our program. I feel a greater urge and sense of clarity about creating my own way in the world."
Adam
Madison, WI
"You are never too old to learn. Experiencing the small village atmosphere of Hawi and Kapa’au community shows sustainable commerce in a thumbnail. If it can be done at the local level, it can be done worldwide. I have grown in recognizing how to support any needs for contentment while supporting local communities like this. From buying produce at local markets to talking to people, working with people, and spreading the word through media, the program has shown me a new transformative clarity."
Amber
Austin, TX
"The MUM Hawaii Semester has no doubt changed my life. I learned so much on so many different levels that I was not even expecting. My vision of my life and my path has even expanded after attending the Hawaii Semester. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be a student of Lonnie Gambles for an entire semester, and in Hawaii of all places where there are so many experts who are living examples of what this program teaches. I experienced so much deep growth that I don't believe I would have gained otherwise. Thank you Lonnie from the depths of my heart!"
Chris
Boston, MA
"My experience in Hawaii has been one of the most transformational of my life. At 34, I’m older than most students. But this program has reminded me that no matter what age we are, we can still experience life-changing growth. The most powerful experience I had was visiting with respected community members and widely-revered elders on nearly every part of the Big Island. What has been profound is their sincere appreciation of our genuine awareness and caring as a program. We have subsequently been welcomed and thanked everywhere we go. I am extremely proud to have helped build the reputation MUM now has on this island."
Tara
Quebec, QC
"The MUM Hawaii Semester is an amazing trans-disciplinary program that has introduced me to aspects of sustainability I had never even imagined! The practical approach to the curriculum enabled me to not only learn tremendous amounts of new knowledge, but to also digest it in a very first-hand, connected, personal way. Being a Media and Communications student, it was a huge opportunity for me to get out of my comfort zone and experience a new culture through the lens of sustainability. A total life-changing experience!"
Danny
Detroit, MI
"My experience in Hawaii this past semester has been nothing short of epic -- game changing, if you will. I have come to understand and appreciate the supportive nature of the universe. I have learned to express and receive love in all its forms and in doing so, have found clarity within myself. It was through my experiences in this program that I came to this point. Lonnie and the rest of our faculty members have created something truly unique and special in this world -- a stark contrast to conventional education. For the first time, I was given the opportunity and encouragement to live what I learn. We were challenged to get our hands dirty, do some actual field work, expand our comfort zones and behave in a more community-centric manner. Without this actual experience, our education has no sense of reality; education becomes about shoving impersonal information into our heads. But, thanks to this program, the picture has been completed. It showed me what I'm truly passionate about, what I'm good at and where my talents lie. I can never thank Lonnie and everyone who made this happen enough. My life will never be the same and I am eternally blessed and grateful for this opportunity that was handed to me."