BYU-I, A New Look

I'm finally back in Rexburg.  I'm loving it!  I'm even loving the freezing cold weather and the snow.  I'm excited to be back to school after being gone for so long.  I'm excited for a new semester and a fresh start.

Classes started today, so I've been on campus now.  But before they started, I kind of took a tour of the MC, which has been remodeled, and the finally complete BYU-I Center, the mini conference center.  Wow!  It all looks amazing!  As I walked the BYU-I Center, not even going into the auditorium, I felt so much gratitude for the opportunity I have to attend this wonderful university.  And moreso, to be here at the completion of the new auditorium.  I remember as a freshman, all of the construction on campus, and I remember thinking that I'd be graduated by the time it was all done.  But it's done, and I'm here!

I was able to watch the dedication of the BYU-I Center and rededication of the MC online.  Elder Bednar said the following during that dedication, “If the day ever were to come that intellectual arrogance, a lack of appreciation, and a spirit of demanding entitlement take root on this campus—among the students, faculty, employees, the administration, or within the community—then in that day, the Spirit of Ricks will be well on the way to being extinguished—and the heavenly influence and blessings that have prospered this institution and the people associated with it will be withdrawn. Conversely, as long as intellectual modesty, humility, gratitude, obedience, and frugality continue to characterize those who learn and serve at and who support BYU–Idaho, then this university will shine forth ever brighter as a beacon of righteousness and of inspired educational innovation.”

That quote is so powerful, and it hit me so hard.  I again feel lucky and very blessed to be able to be at this amazing university in this sacred place.  I'm excited for this new year and for the time I will spend here at BYU-I obtaining my education.  I'm especially grateful for my Heavenly Father, and how He has everything all figured out.  Things have fallen into place so perfectly since I thought about coming back a semester early.  And they are continuing to fall into place.  I'm grateful for all of the connections I have here in Rexburg-be it from San Diego, the mission, BYU-I, etc.  I love that I get to be in this incredible place with such remarkable people!