Many years ago, Sister Mary N. Cook, then first counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, gave a BYU speech about the power of education, and how it enables us to serve at home, at church, and in the community (1).
That talk has stayed with me. It resonates deeply with my soul. I believe it aligns with the Savior's teachings to be a light to the world as well.
My husband's ancestor shared similar wisdom in 1820 (translated from German):
"No one is ever finished learning in life. No one who wishes to be useful should imagine that they are skilled enough. Rather, one must seek diligently at all times to maintain and increase one’s knowledge (2) (3).”
These concepts move me to the core -- even moved me to tears as I typed them.
I want to continue to build my capacity to be of service, and to build on the opportunities with which I have been blessed these past years and decades -- at school, at home, in church, and in personal and professional work.
I also simply believe that education is of God, and that He desires us -- as President Hinckley taught -- "get all of the education you possibly can (4)." He also urged us to "train [our] minds and hands to become an influence for good as [we] go forward with [our] lives (5)."
Lastly, I believe that by continually seeking to follow this counsel, I can live the principle -- even the commandment -- to never stop learning. I want my choices to clearly let my children and grandchildren know that I value education.
I am excited to be able to continue my education here at BYU, where I can engage in secular learning along with spiritual learning -- an "Education for Eternity (6)."
(1) Prescott, M. H. (2009, October 23). “More fit for the kingdom, more used would I be.” Church News. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from https://www.thechurchnews.com/2009/10/23/23229470/more-fit-for-the-kingdom-more-used-would-i-be/
(2) Lizarbe, A., Wright, K., Austin, D., Aspnes, D.E., Linford, M., (2024). A Few Words by Conrad Boss on Continuing Education, and an Introduction to the Hilbert Transform. July 2024, Vacuum Technology & Coating, p. 24. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382912248_A_Few_Words_by_Conrad_Boss_on_Continuing_Education_and_an_Introduction_to_the_Hilbert_Transform
(3) The framed print of the original quote (written in High German script) now sits on our mantle.
(4) Hinckley, G. B. (2004, May 1). Stay on the high road. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2004/05/stay-on-the-high-road?lang=eng
(5) Hinckley, G.B. A Prophet’s counsel and prayer for youth. (2001, January 1). Retrieved September 5, 2024, from
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2001/01/a-prophets-counsel-and-prayer-for-youth?lang=eng
(6) Kimball, S. W. (1967, September 12). Education For Eternity. BYU Speeches. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/spencer-w-kimball/education-eternity/Kimball
