So I've decided to attend Weber State University next semester. Why? The only answer I can give is called, "Trusting in the Lord". Why did I attend BYU for a semester then? Why didn't I just go to Weber in the first place? These have been the questions consuming my thoughts for the past month or so. But I finally know why I was suppose to come to BYU - even if just for a semester.
Last spring was a time I wasn't looking forward to. Choosing which college to go to seemed like such a big decision, like it could affect the rest of my life - and it probably has. There were so many different choices and they all had their benefits. U of U: great school, expensive, close to home (good and bad)... BYU: great school, church emphasis, not too expensive... Weber: too close to home, in my opinion then "just" Weber... I prayed about my decision a lot but never had that undoubtable conformation that I wanted for any of them. Yet there was a little something pulling me more towards BYU, yet with no real reason to back it up. So... I went to BYU.
The past month I've had a feeling that I needed to rethink my college decision. So I studied it out, weighed the pros and cons, consulted friends and family, and prayed about it. The answer was Weber. Yet I wasn't so sure that was right. Maybe it was just my opinion getting in the way of revelation. So I studied and thought about it some more and prayed again. Weber. Instead of embracing the direction the Lord was giving me, I questioned it. "Why did I come to BYU then? Why don't I transfer at the end of the year instead? Why didn't I go to Weber in the first place? Why Weber?" I didn't get an answer to any of these questions - until today.
Human Development with Dr. Nelson. That's why I came to BYU. Are you thinking, a class? She's HAD to go to BYU for a simple class that could have been taken anywhere? Ya, that's exactly it. But no, it's not just a simple class that I could have taken anywhere. Dr. Nelson truely changed my life. His passion for the subject he taught made him the
best teacher I will probably ever have. But more importantly, his testimony of the gospel was so real and unwavering that it penetrated my soul and left something there that I will never forget.
Dr. Nelson was able to apply the scriptures to what we learned and to our lives more than any other "church class" I've had. As he shared his very pesonal experiences with us, I not only knew that he cared about the subject, but he cared about us as students, just as the Lord cares about all his children. As we wrapped everything up today, he bore his testimony so powerfully as he told us what he believed our purpose on earth is and why he teaches what he does. Many professors share their last few words and testimonies the last few days of class, and a lot of them seem like forced words - like they're just sharing because they're BYU professors. But Dr. Nelson was different. He bore a little part of his testimony every day. I learned so much from him. I understand this gospel so much more, why were here, why God loves us, and how I'm going to teach my children the same things. Not only was Dr. Nelson an amazing professor, he was the greatest example to me as well. Being a father himself, everything was just so much more relevant to him and therefore more relevant to what he was teaching.
There are SO many reasons why I had to have this class. I honestly can say that I see life differently now because of what I've learned. I will be eternally grateful for Dr. Nelson and this class. With more conviction than ever to go on a humanitarian trip because of him, I'm going to be able to embrace Weber, make the most of life where ever I am, and trust in the Lord always.
