Two days ago, I officially graduated from BYU. In the days leading up to it, it all seemed quite anti-climatic. I'm a teaching intern, so I am already a full time teacher, and i haven't set foot on campus in quite a while. I have been re-hired at my school for next year, and it didn't seem like my life would be any different after that hour and a half ceremony. But, as I look back, so many thoughts and emotions begin to course through me. I have found, that in spite of some negative or frustrating experiences, there is a very special place in my heart for BYU and my friends here. There is a special spirit here that has blessed my life.
Some of my fond memories include a marvelous freshman year in Hinckley Hall - a great roommate, good friends, and a wonderful bishop and bishopric.
My sophomore year, I moved to the Terrace with some of my freshmen friends, watched the first of my friends get married, and met one of my best friends.
Junior year was similar, but with a new ward and bishop, some new friends, and some new roommates. That year we had a freshman year reunion and I said goodbye to some of my girlfriends that left on missions as our guy friends returned.
Senior year brought more changes, with new roommates, my best friend's wedding, and other friends having babies! I also went on my first trip to Las Vegas and California, including Disneyland, and managed to play in both oceans in the space of two weeks. :)
This past year has been an amazing experience with my internship, and all that has come with it. I have cherished my time with my students, and I have met and built new friendships. I didn't spend much time on campus, but when I was there, I was filled with memories of football games, working a the Cougareat, tunnel singing, hiking the Y at sunrise, attending General Conference, singing at a devotional where an apostle spoke, holding my best friend's newborn, late night chats, and and institute, church, or other lesson or meeting that left me inspired and wanting to do and be more.
Although the changes have come quietly and gradually, I see now that I have grown and changed, and learned. Some of my most powerful lessons were not learned in a classroom, but in a quiet, private, moment with a friend on a couch, on a walk, in a car, or on a bed sharing thoughts and feelings that we knew to be true.
It has been a marvelous five year journey, and while there have been bumps in the road and a few detours, I have learned, and grown and changed, and found joy, love, friendship, and laughter along the way.
Elder Perry was at my convocation, and I was able to shake his hand and speak with him briefly after receiving my diploma. At the end of our ceremony, he spoke for a few minutes. He challenged us to go to school and teach each day with enthusiasm. And left us with a promise, that the windows of heaven would open to us as we teach, and that our mouths would be filled, and we would be able to rise to the teaching moments we were given, to change the lives of God's children around the world. What a powerful promise.
And since I am who I am, I close with a few lines from one of my favorite Dr. Seuss books, Oh the Places You'll Go:
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)
KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!
So...
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,
you're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So... get on your way!
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