During the Lunar New Year season, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto welcomed visitors from diverse cultural backgrounds each day. A highlight for many was a vibrant wall installation in the Five Contemplations Hall featuring the NewYear message of Fo Guang Shan founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun—“Harmony and Coexistence, Galloping Towards Success.” The artwork, depicting spirited horses alongside cheerful young monastics, quickly became a popular photo spot for guests.

The creative display was designed by Benson Lu and Mini Huang, students from the Department of Product and Media Design at Fo Guang University. Through the university’s overseas internship program, the two students spent 40 days at the temple, applying their academic training in a real-world environment within an international nonprofit setting.

Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan commended the students for their creativity and dedication. In addition to the festive wall installation, they supported the temple’s communications efforts by designing event posters, editing videos, and producing social media content—bringing a fresh and youthful perspective to the temple’s outreach. Their internship concluded on February 27, as they departed with warm blessings from the monastics and the Buddha’s Light community.

For many years, Fo Guang University has organized overseas learning opportunities during school breaks, with the Toronto temple serving as one of its key internship sites. Students gain hands-on experience in departments such as IT and communications, as well as service areas including the Water Drop Teahouse.

Reflecting on the experience, Benson shared that the internship transformed his approach to design. Unlike classroom assignments, working in the temple required careful observation, initiative,and responsiveness to real needs. The mural evolved from a simple New Year concept into a meaningful composition incorporating little monastics and lotus imagery, expressing the serenity and compassion of the temple environment. Through this process, he learned to clearly articulate the ideas behind his designs and grew into a designer capable of addressing real-world challenges.

Mini assisted with event photography, video editing, and New Year promotional graphics. Her short videos capturing volunteers serving the community during the Lunar New Year and Dharma Day celebrations were widely shared online. One volunteer reflection video from the temple’s Lunar New Year Fair particularly moved viewers, with community member Katherine Li praising its professional rhythm, editing, and music.

Through creativity and service, the internship became not only a valuable professional experience but also a meaningful journey of inspiration and compassion.