Discover how one mother’s renewed sense of purpose strengthened her family, faith, and future
When Leyre Vásquez Rivera and her family moved from north to central Peru, they left behind all of their family and friends.
“At the beginning, I felt great because it was a new place, a new city,” Leyre said. “But as the months went on, I felt like I was a little depressed because of the routine of life.”
Leyre’s husband reminded her of her goal to earn a university degree, which had always been important to her. With her husband’s encouragement, Leyre decided to pursue her education through BYU-Pathway Worldwide .
After their three children started school, Leyre quickly enrolled in the applied business management program. “I went back to school, too,” she said.
Finding the balance in life
Education gave Leyre a renewed sense of purpose through personal growth. “BYU-Pathway is a great blessing for me because I can develop myself,” she said.
“I can do everything I want: staying at home, taking care of my children, and … continuing my professional life.” The online courses gave Leyre flexibility to continue her education while caring for her family.
As a mother of three children, Leyre found that managing time was a challenge. To balance her responsibilities, Leyre created a routine. “Some days I do the laundry, and the other days I focus on studying,” she said.
Over time, Leyre learned that she did not have to be perfect to keep progressing. “We want to have all in order at the house,” she said with a laugh. “But I learned there are things that can wait. Maybe there is laundry to be done, but nothing bad happens if you wash it tomorrow instead.”
Setting an example for her children
Leyre’s motivation isn’t just personal; it’s deeply rooted in her desire to lead her children by example. She hopes that one day her children will look back on her time in school and think, “My mother can do it, so I can do it too.”
Her children already recognize her efforts. “Now [when] I’m on the computer [they] say, ‘Mommy is working. Mommy is studying,’” Leyre explained. “They understand I’m doing something important.”
Education goes best when it’s a family effort. “I have a lot of help from my husband. [My education] is also our goal,” she said. “When I am working on my homework, he comes to take care of our kids.”
Achieving goals through God’s strength
Leyre earned her associate degree in applied business management, which counts toward her bachelor’s degree because of BYU-Pathway’s certificate-first structure .
Her efforts are an expression of faith. “I proved to myself that I can achieve my goals and please our God,” she said. She views her success as a spiritual milestone because she relied on the Lord throughout the process. “I feel He gave me the strength to accomplish my goals,” Leyre said.
To all considering BYU-Pathway, Leyre offers heartfelt advice: “Don’t be afraid,” she said. “God will give you strength. He will give you the wisdom to manage time. Yes, we have many things to do — Church callings, family, studying — but the blessings of God will give us strength to overcome everything.”
Pursuing an education through BYU-Pathway Worldwide may be exactly the growth you’ve been looking for. Browse online certificates and degrees that can help you find your purpose.