It's somewhat crazy to think that I've already gotten through one semester of college and that I'm almost halfway done with my second semester. It feels like just yesterday that I was leaving Iowa but that was over half a year ago! Wow!
I was just reminiscing and looking back on previous posts and one of the posts just gave me serious giggle fits. It was an entire post dedicated to why I would not be going to Brigham Young University-Idaho. *insert facepalm here* Funny how Heavenly Father sometimes has a plan so much more different than your own and it works out. I initially planned on attending a nearby university in Missouri. Close to home, close to family, and no financial burden due to a series of scholarships and money saved by living with my dad. It would have been nice, I imagine. I love the area and the campus is gorgeous. However, something didn't feel right. No matter how hard I tried to make myself believe that Northwest Missouri State University was the right school to go to, I knew that it wasn't. There was something that it was missing, something that it lacked. I looked into other schools in Iowa of course, and even more outside. Finally realizing that I wasn't satisfied with any of my selection, I finally got down on my knees and asked the Lord where to send me. Oh, believe me, I was also praying that He would not say BYU-I. Everybody gets accepted there, it's not impressive, right? "Please don't say BYU-I.. please don't say BYU-I!" *warm fuzzy feeling* Dangit. BYU-I. Having had the spirit prompt me to apply, I did. Of course, I got in. Heck, I didn't want to go there. Continually I prayed "are you sure this is right?" I even tried convincing myself to the day I arrived that I just wouldn't show up. Spoiler alert: I did. Another spoiler alert: I'd loved every second of it.
I think one of my biggest fears coming here was that I wouldn't know where I was going. Totally honest here, I had no idea where I was for the first little while, but I don't necessarily mean navigating around campus. (Although shoutout to Google Maps for getting me through the first week of school in the physical sense. You the real MVP.) After a while I became acclimated and really began to enjoy my classes, but I still was not sure that I had picked the appropriate major until I decided that it was something I needed to council with the Lord about. After fasting and reading my Patriarchal blessing one evening I came to realize that I needed to start schooling for Elementary Education. Didn't make sense to me, still somewhat doesn't since I'm so awkward with kids at times. Still, I know that it's the right thing to pursue. Already I've gained some priceless knowledge that will be applicable when I start a family of my own.
I remember when I was preparing to come to this school I was always told that there was a 'Spirit of Ricks' that made this school like none other. Pleasantly I'd nod my head and smile. "Oh, wonderful," I'd think, "every campus has a spirit to it, these people are just being kind to make me feel better about going to BYU-Idaho." Oh, let me tell you friends. I was positively blown away as I felt that spirit on campus. Beginning every class with prayer, attending devotional, being surrounded by other people striving to be disciples of Christ, having teachers who genuinely care, family home evenings,  and all these wonderful things really contributed to the unique experience I've had here. I remember one distinct moment in one of my science classes where we were talking about religion and how clearly it ties in with science and I was blown away. Average class discussion for this school, but I was amazed because I realized that I was doing more than gaining skills for my career, I was learning to be a disciple of Christ. To me, that's what sets this wonderful school apart.
I know now that this is precisely where I am meant to be and that He has a divine plan for me, even if I am blind to it at times. From this whole experience, I've gained a testimony of prayer and its importance. Without it, I shutter to think of what would be of me or what would not be of me. I strongly feel that He has a divine plan for all of us and that by following His council, that we will be able to fulfill our purpose as a child of God. I know that His wisdom and knowledge is always so much greater than my own.