There have been many general conference talks and BYU speeches given about education, and our student ambassadors found their favorites to share with you! Read below to gain some insights on just how important education really is:
Annie Wright: "One of my favorite BYU speeches 'Let Your Education Change You', by Christopher Oscarson. This speech focuses on the importance of higher education, specifically at BYU, and how that education can make you a better person.
I loved that Brother Oscarson highlighted that to be changed by an experience, 'you must make yourself vulnerable and come willing to sacrifice.' My education at BYU has forced me to work outside of my comfort zone. While this has been difficult for me, I have learned skills and gained knowledge that I wouldn't have in other circumstances. I also loved the idea that our education should be less focused on ourselves and more focused on our larger commitments to community and God.
This resonated with me because I often forget why I am really studying to be a teacher. When school gets stressful and difficult, I rarely think about the bigger picture and the impact that I am going to make one day. I am thankful for this speech from Brother Oscarson and everything it teaches me about being committed to my education. The focus of my time here at BYU, and my focus once I get into the classroom should be on the bigger picture."
Kamora Shelton: "My favorite talk on education is 'Seek Learning: You Have a Work to Do' by Mary N. Cook. While it was written for young women, it can be applied to anyone. I have been blessed with the opportunity to receive an education, but at times I find it hard to continue wanting to study and do my homework. Whenever I feel discouraged, I remember the words Sister Cook shared, 'God gave you moral agency and the opportunity to learn while on earth, and He has a work for you to do. To accomplish this work, you have an individual responsibility to seek learning.' Remembering my purpose for receiving an education, to accomplish God's work, always helps me find motivation to keep going."
Ashley Roberts: "In August of 2023, Elder Quinton L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave a BYU Speech entitled, 'Preparing Students for Eternity.' In this talk he explains how our commitment to education grows out of the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In D&C 93 we are commanded to use our agency to grow our knowledge in light and truth. Pursuing an education helps us to fulfill this commandment. Especially at BYU, we not only gain earthly knowledge but eternal truths of the gospel that prepare us for eternity."
Megan Brinton: "In a talk titled, 'The Education of the Heart,' Russell T. Osguthorpe outlines 6 fruits of the heart's education that come from questioning and searching the right way. These include: sensibility, reverence, humility, edification, inspiration, and joy. I agree with his statement that, 'In formal education we often look for improved standardized test scores, higher self-esteem, critical thinking skills, or self-awareness. But the fruits of the heart’s education are much greater than these worldly markers.' As much as learning content is important, we have a responsibility to help our students learn and grow in other ways as well."
Bethany Gold: "I found the talk 'Become as a Little Child' a couple weeks ago and have since read it about two or three times! It's just so good. In it, Jean A. Stevens shares the wonderful attributes that children have and how we should look to them as an example.
She quoted 3 Nephi 17:21-23, 'And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones,' then shared, 'Notice that he didn't say 'glance at them' or 'casually observe them'... He said to behold them. To me that means that we should embrace them with our eyes and with our hearts; we should see and appreciate them for who they really are: spirit children of our Heavenly Father, with divine attributes.'
I really love this quote because it reminds me that I need to listen to and learn from my future students. I need to see them as my Heavenly Father sees them. Because though I may be the teacher, I may learn more from them than they could ever learn from me."
To learn more about education, click here to schedule a meeting with one of our student ambassadors!
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