Learn how Laura’s perspective of BYU-Pathway changed and how she’s bringing others along for the journey
![A woman and her husband smile](https://byu-pathway.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e1b6679/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1153x603+0+0/resize/600x314!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbyu-pathway-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc4%2F17%2F821d2ac94504b9e658b8dc67ddaa%2F334281624-926206448417580-6158468605252231005-n.jpg)
I first heard about
![Laura Muzingwani Portrait](https://byu-pathway.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8b45bbd/2147483647/strip/true/crop/471x693+0+0/resize/413x608!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbyu-pathway-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa2%2F4e%2Fd9a4c6294618ae1f21fffbbc9119%2Flaura-3.png)
Discovering the benefits of BYU-Pathway
I already had a degree in medicine and surgery, as well as a postgraduate diploma in public health, so I didn’t think I would get much from BYU-Pathway. However, I hoped to better understand how the courses worked so I could influence my family members to join.
To my surprise, I learned much more than I thought I would. From the very beginning with PC 101: Life Skills, I discovered a lot about life and how I could improve my day-to-day activities. The fact that it was gospel-centered also testified of the truthfulness of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I wish I had taken BYU-Pathway courses before I went to college the first time. I think I could have achieved better grades and been less stressed.
Encouraging others to learn
A few courses in, I remembered my goal to invite others to join. I encouraged my younger sister, who had just completed a chef training course, to enroll in BYU-Pathway's courses for hospitality and tourism management . She was a little scared at first, but I told her I would support her. My sister enrolled during my second term, and I was very happy to achieve one of my goals before I had finished my own courses.
After completing the PathwayConnect courses, I continued on to earn an applied business management degree . When I received my first certificate, my husband was happy for me and wanted to know more. I had tried to convince him to join previously, but — just like me at first — he thought that BYU-Pathway was only to help people who struggle with school. I told him that I knew he could go straight into university with his current qualifications but that there were special lessons he could only learn through BYU-Pathway.
I shared some of the advantages with him, including how the online courses give you the flexibility to learn while continuing to work. I’m grateful my husband also enrolled in BYU-Pathway and is now in his second term. Like me, he’s also become a very strong advocate for BYU-Pathway and encourages people at home and church to enroll.
![Laura holding her PathwayConnect completion certificate](https://byu-pathway.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/07ef1cb/2147483647/strip/true/crop/527x705+0+0/resize/454x608!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbyu-pathway-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2Fad%2Fe065d1534c28ad13abdeb94090e4%2Flaura-2.png)
An open invitation
I encourage everyone, whether you already have a degree or not, to enroll in BYU-Pathway. There are so many things to learn from this program.
BYU-Pathway changed my perspective and opened my mind to the many possibilities out there, and I hope to continue to advocate for the program. I’m happy that my family members are joining, and I even volunteered to teach the youth in my branch about BYU-Pathway and to help support them in their education. BYU-Pathway is inspired: it can empower and strengthen anyone so that they can experience more joy and hope.
Contributor: Rachel Peterson