I first learned about Pathway Connect through my younger sister, but it did not catch my attention at the time. However, in 2021, I felt inspired to join the program after Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf emphasized the importance of education for members of the Church. His words resonated with me, and I felt a spiritual prompting to embark on this educational journey, despite having a newborn daughter and knowing it would require significant effort. I firmly believe that as we put in the effort, our Heavenly Father extends His love and support, as emphasized by President Russell M. Nelson's quote: 'The Lord loves effort because effort brings rewards.'
Throughout my Pathway Connect experience, I have felt the love of our Heavenly Father and witnessed the wonderful resources provided to help me complete the program. There were many situations where I wanted to give up, but I found strength when I fasted and prayed for guidance through mentors, instructors, and tutors. I was scared at the thought of restarting my career. I felt lost and unprepared for the competitive world. However, attending the weekly gatherings and participating in group projects with fellow students from different parts of the world helped me gain confidence, enhance my skills, and prepare to face challenges in every aspect. I am grateful for the opportunity to further my education by enrolling in the degree program from BYU-Idaho, as it has equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to reinvigorate my career. I am committed to using these resources to become a better disciple of Christ in all aspects of my life – at church, at home, and in the workplace.
We are not alone in this journey; we need help to shape our mortal journey through education. Knowledge is one of the attributes of God; He is omniscient. In 2 Nephi 9:20, we read, “O how great the holiness of our God! For he knoweth all things, and there is not anything save he knows it.” The purpose of life is to return and live in His presence, and knowledge of both temporal and spiritual matters is essential to our salvation. BYU-Pathway Connect teaches foundational topics and religious education that help us gain confidence and prepare ourselves to succeed in the degree program. Through this, we will get closer to our Heavenly Father as we participate in gospel-centered education at an affordable price.
I have been given a wonderful opportunity to volunteer for BYU-Pathway Worldwide for the Hyderabad stake in India, and I extend a helping hand to my fellow students and members, encouraging and empowering them to become leaders and capable learners through this program by providing accurate information through social media, WhatsApp, and attending webinars before every semester. Being a volunteer and student, I am deeply inspired by the dedication of fellow members who, despite their age and busy schedules, have enrolled in the program. I have seen how this initiative has impacted families and empowered individuals to exercise their faith and become more Christlike. With desire and perseverance, we can shape our lives through education with help from heaven. I invite everyone to take advantage of every educational opportunity that the Lord has provided. Our Heavenly Father knows us, and He wants us to lead a righteous life and acquire as much knowledge as we can because, as stated in Doctrine and Covenants 130:18-19, 'Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much advantage in the world to come.'
