January 2, 2017
Finding Their Path
As we begin the new year, BYU-Pathway looks forward to building partnerships with other Church organizations to offer ever-expanding horizons and new opportunities for students as they find their path.
PathwayConnect helps students find their path.
While I was serving as the bishop of a Young Single Adult ward on a recent Sunday afternoon, a new member of our congregation was settling in for an interview. She had recently moved to Rexburg, Idaho, from California. As part of her introduction, she casually mentioned that she had been a PathwayConnect student. As she did not know my involvement with the program, I took the opportunity to find out a little more about her PathwayConnect experience.
What impressed me most about this young lady was her confidence that she had found the right path. Many young single adults struggle with feelings of doubt, lack of motivation, and uncertainty regarding what the Lord has in store for them. However, on this particular afternoon, I sat and smiled as a young woman bore testimony — knowing she had found her path.
But the path she had chosen may be different than some might expect. She had finished PathwayConnect eight months previous, and having passed every course and attended institute faithfully — she was fully eligible for BYU-Idaho’s online programs. However, that’s not the path she took. “So, why are you in Rexburg?” I asked. “Are you hoping to attend BYU-Idaho on campus?” She said no, but instead had moved to the area to work as a dental hygienist. She had already found a job — a good one — and would become a licensed hygienist in another year.
Where will your path lead?
Following this interview with such a bright and hopeful young woman, I was reminded of this simple truth at the heart of this program: BYU-Pathway’s purpose is to help students find their path. Not all students will attend BYU-Idaho. Not all students should attend BYU-Idaho. And BYU-Pathway will continue to open a variety of doors to even greater opportunities for our students by Extending the Reach of BYU-Pathway.
PathwayConnect’s purpose is to help students find their path.
During the coming year, we look forward to extending BYU-Pathway’s reach by partnering with other Church universities and organizations in an effort to develop additional programs and opportunities. These efforts will allow even more students around the world to access the blessings of higher education while building the skills and confidence to make meaningful and lasting change in their lives. Two notable efforts already underway explore English-language training and non-credit skills-based courses, which are only possible thanks to these growing partnerships.
As I consider the remarkable growth and success our students experience, I am humbled by the efforts of so many people who make this great work possible: our students, support teams, Church-service missionaries, online and institute instructors, local priesthood leaders, financial donors, and many more. Thank you for all you do to support BYU-Pathway. May the Lord continue to bless you as you help others find their path.
BYU-Pathway Managing Director, J.D. Griffith, with PathwayConnect graduates before receiving their associate degrees at BYU-Idaho
Comments on "Finding Their Path"
Thanks for the story of a Young Single Adult mentioned above. I agree that the purpose of Pathway is to help students find their path. I have a strong feeling that this program is led by the Lord’s hand. The biggest challenge ahead of us is to pray always with the full confidence of what the prophet Alma 32:21 said about faith in the Book of Mormon. I love this program and am willing to learn and share it with others all the time in order to build the kingdom of God here on earth.
Powerful! Thanks for sharing Godfrey, and welcome to Pathway!
It is my first experience as a Pathway student and I hope I can find my Path as J.D. Griffith said above. I’m not a young girl anymore, however my husband and I have a goal – we want to serve in the kingdom of God and it’s necessary to be prepared. We are following D&C 130:18-19.
I love that scripture Rosa. I also know that with righteous goals, such as the ones you and your husband have set, you will be blessed as you continue in Pathway. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for motivating us.
This is our first year as Pathway Missionaries. It is fantastic to see the progress the students have already made in the fall semester. While “Pathway” is certainly a conduit to higher education for many people, it goes far beyond that as it increases self-confidence, self-esteem, personal life, family life, and gives a greater understanding of our Savior and increases their testimony of the Church and the latter-day-work that lies before us.
Welcome Elder and Sister Clark to Pathway. We are grateful for all you do for our students in Grand Junction.
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