I am a twenty-one year old in my third year at Brigham Young University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in American history and a minor in Modern Dance. I spent the first eighteen years of my life growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, with my Mom and two older siblings. I have had the gospel my entire life. Most people in my school and community had limited interaction with Mormons and held little knowledge about the Mormon faith. I was the only example of a Mormon, and I took this responsibility seriously, as I lived the standards of the gospel throughout high school. My calling as a member missionary brought me great joy.
Throughout high school, people often asked me why I was the way I was. Helping others, being a good friend, refraining from gossiping, striving to see the best in people, not judging, are sometimes the most effective way to do missionary work. Three years after graduation, I received an email from a high school friend, who was in my choir class. I barely knew this girl. During her college experience, she had a professor in one of her classes say something negative about the Mormon Church. has given me perspective. I know why I am here, where I am going, and what I need to be doing on Earth. Rooting myself in the gospel has allowed me to have greater patience with those in my life who have disappointed me. Through the atonement, I have learned that life isn’t about judging people or being judged.
My membership in the Mormon Church has saved me time. The commandments or “rules” of the church have given me freedom. The commandments have shown me how to live a productive and joyful life. I know that I have a clear purpose. The Church has influenced me to make wise decisions. I love it!
