Sunday, July 25, 2010

Graduation

I graduated from Brigham Young University Idaho on Friday with a BS Economics. I don't really know what to say, it was a great four years and I will be forever grateful for the experiences, the people, and the lessons that have come into my life because of this University. When I came home from my mission I was dead set on going to ASU to study architecture, but the Lord had a better plan for me. I had no idea back then how large of an impact the decision to come here would have on my life. As Elder Bednar put it, this University is a "Disciple Preparation Center, or a DPC"- similar to an MTC in many ways. I feel much more prepared to be both a disciple and a leader, two ideas that I have learned are inseparably connected.

There are pictures below, and I have also tried to identify some lessons I have learned here as well, if you are interested.






Lessons:

1) In today’s world, you can learn anything if you have four things:
• A question
• The faith to step into the dark; to ask, seek, and knock
• The companionship of the Spirit
• A humble heart and open mind

2) Going to bed early and getting up early really does keep your mind sharp.

3) Being involved and engaged is the only way to develop yourself. Don’t simply float through life.

4) Leadership has more to do with your private life than your public life.

5) Friends bring color and joy into life if you open your heart to them.

6) With God, nothing is impossible.

7) Everything worthwhile in life is going to require hard work, dedication, and sacrifice.

8) There is a difference between fun and happiness. Fun is going to a rope swing on a hot summer evening after studying all day. Happiness is knowing you put the study before the play.

9) Learning is not necessarily fun, but brings happiness.

10) Teaching others will almost always help you more than it helps those you teach.

11) Do your dishes.

12) You are responsible for your learning. Blaming it on the teacher, the textbook, or the material won’t get you anywhere. If the class is a failure, then you have failed.