Discover how BYU-Pathway students are applying prophetic counsel in everyday life — and how you can too
As a BYU-Pathway Worldwide student, you aren’t just learning valuable job skills — you’re learning how to become a disciple of Jesus Christ. In his first address as prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Dallin H. Oaks taught just that.
His message, “Alive in Christ,” answered three important questions that can guide you during your BYU-Pathway journey and life after.
1. What does resurrection mean for me?
President Oaks taught that because of Jesus Christ, resurrection is real, and it changes how we live: “The conviction that death is not the conclusion of our identity changes the whole perspective of our mortal life.”While you balance school, family, work and personal struggles, knowing this truth can give you strength and help you see your experiences as part of God’s bigger plan for you.
For Brittany McGee from Arizona, USA, this truth is what carried her through:
“My dad was a lifelong learner. His unexpected death is what prompted me to register for BYU-Pathway. Today, I am graduating; this degree is for him. I believe with all my heart my dad is graduating with me in spirit. Because of Jesus Christ, I will see my dad again.”
2. How do I love and learn from others who see the world differently than I do?
With students from over 180 different countries, BYU-Pathway is filled with diverse cultures, perspectives, and opinions!
President Oaks says, “Our Savior, Jesus Christ, taught us how to relate to one another. The great commandments in the law, He taught, were to love — God and neighbor.”
As we begin with loving God, He can fill us with compassion and soften our judgments, helping us to listen before responding, ask questions instead of correcting, and look for what we can learn rather than debate.
Maria Lucia from Peru explained that at BYU-Pathway, “The way of learning is different. The courses not only feed our knowledge but also our souls. I really appreciate learning from people with diverse cultural backgrounds.”
3. What does it really mean to be a peacemaker?
President Oaks shares, “Persons who seek to reduce human suffering and persons who work to promote understanding among different peoples are important workers for peace.”
True peacemaking happens in simple, everyday moments when we try to lighten someone's load or respond with compassion. As we follow Jesus Christ's example, we can foster understanding and help bring healing where there is hurt.
BYU-Pathway students are living this kind of peacemaking through their education.
Kevine Warengaka from Kenya shared, “All I knew was that I wanted to make a difference — both for myself and for my community. After much thought and prayer, I decided to study applied health . Access to quality healthcare [in Africa] is limited. I wanted to be part of the solution.”
Because of Jesus Christ
Because of Jesus Christ, resurrection is real, love is available, and peace is possible. As you continue to seek Jesus Christ through the voice of His prophet, He will lead you forward in your efforts to love others and spread peace.
Consider listening to President Oaks’ full conference address to receive answers to the questions in your heart.