I can't believe it but I graduated from BYU-Idaho on December 16th, my birthday! It's a very bitter sweet feeling to be done up in Rexburg, but I would never trade that experience for anything. Looking back at the options I had after high school, and the path I COULD HAVE taken I am so grateful I chose BYU-Idaho. My dream was to play volleyball in college and I had that chance in my hands with a full ride scholarship to Northwest... and with one of my best friends, Jessica Fisher, being up there with me. But for some reason I didn't feel good about it. After deciding on BYU-Idaho, not getting a scholarship, and going somewhere I wouldn't know anybody that leap of faith paid off.
My first semester at BYU-Idaho I met two of my best friends in this world, Sara Newman and Nikki Christensen. I know they are angels from Heavenly Father, because they set such a great example for me and helped me to grow so much closer to my Savior. Heavenly Father knew I needed friends like them, and I was lucky enough to live with them for a year and a half while I was in school. I also had other great friends and roommates that made such an impact on my life through their example and love. I'm grateful for everyone I came in contact with at BYU Idaho!
Another blessing of being at BYU-Idaho was the atmosphere on the campus and in my apartment. If I were to go to Northwest I would have had to live in a place I didn't feel comfortable, and where the spirit wasn't felt as strong. At BYU-Idaho I was able to feel the Spirit so strong every single day on campus, in my classes, and at my apartment. I loved being able to look out my window and see the temple. I loved being able to walk around outside and see the temple from wherever I was. The Rexburg Temple is on the hill, and it's so symbolic that the temple is above everything else. It teaches us to put the gospel and our Savior above everything else.
The last thing I loved about BYU Idaho was the opportunities I had to still be involved with Volleyball!!! My first semester up there I tried out, and was actually really worried I wouldn't make a team because there were about 175 girls trying out and only 80-90 would make it. The girls (and guys) are very competitive and really good. There were several girls like me who were offered full ride volleyball scholarships to other schools but turned them down to come to BYU Idaho instead. I'm sure they don't regret their decision.
I made a team and I had a blast! Practices were 2 times a week, and then games on the weekend. Volleyball was more fun there for me than in high school because it was more competitive and and the people I met through the volleyball program became quick long lasting friends! I was able to play 2 semesters, and after I hurt my knee my 2nd semester I decided to coach a guys team my 3rd, and last semester up there. It was so much fun, and the guys were so great to coach. I definitely miss it! I'm glad I had that experience.
If there is anything I could say to sum up my experience at BYU Idaho I would say that it was priceless... no scholarship could ever be better than that, and there is no better place to be educated than the Lords University!
My first semester at BYU-Idaho I met two of my best friends in this world, Sara Newman and Nikki Christensen. I know they are angels from Heavenly Father, because they set such a great example for me and helped me to grow so much closer to my Savior. Heavenly Father knew I needed friends like them, and I was lucky enough to live with them for a year and a half while I was in school. I also had other great friends and roommates that made such an impact on my life through their example and love. I'm grateful for everyone I came in contact with at BYU Idaho!
Another blessing of being at BYU-Idaho was the atmosphere on the campus and in my apartment. If I were to go to Northwest I would have had to live in a place I didn't feel comfortable, and where the spirit wasn't felt as strong. At BYU-Idaho I was able to feel the Spirit so strong every single day on campus, in my classes, and at my apartment. I loved being able to look out my window and see the temple. I loved being able to walk around outside and see the temple from wherever I was. The Rexburg Temple is on the hill, and it's so symbolic that the temple is above everything else. It teaches us to put the gospel and our Savior above everything else.
The last thing I loved about BYU Idaho was the opportunities I had to still be involved with Volleyball!!! My first semester up there I tried out, and was actually really worried I wouldn't make a team because there were about 175 girls trying out and only 80-90 would make it. The girls (and guys) are very competitive and really good. There were several girls like me who were offered full ride volleyball scholarships to other schools but turned them down to come to BYU Idaho instead. I'm sure they don't regret their decision.
I made a team and I had a blast! Practices were 2 times a week, and then games on the weekend. Volleyball was more fun there for me than in high school because it was more competitive and and the people I met through the volleyball program became quick long lasting friends! I was able to play 2 semesters, and after I hurt my knee my 2nd semester I decided to coach a guys team my 3rd, and last semester up there. It was so much fun, and the guys were so great to coach. I definitely miss it! I'm glad I had that experience.
If there is anything I could say to sum up my experience at BYU Idaho I would say that it was priceless... no scholarship could ever be better than that, and there is no better place to be educated than the Lords University!
