January 31, 2018
Innovating Education in Europe
Thousands of miles away from a Church university campus, PathwayConnect is bringing education to students all across Europe. Students are seeing their lives change as they seize the opportunity they have been waiting for.
Four students from countries in Europe share the blessings and lessons of PathwayConnect that have left a lasting impact in their lives and the lives of those around them.
Khennya Castel – Learning English
Khennya Castel
Many European students are attracted to PathwayConnect because of the opportunity to improve their English in a short amount of time. Khennya Castel, a student from Great Britain whose native language is Portuguese, enjoyed learning English through sharing her testimony, studying talks from general conference, and having discussions at weekly PathwayConnect gatherings while only speaking English. Khennya now feels better prepared to accept callings in the Church and teach others.
“PathwayConnect blessed my life in so many ways! I love the opportunity to study church principles in English because as it improved my English, it has also improved my faith.”
Julie Kittelson – Supporting Family
Julie Kittelson (right)
In Europe, PathwayConnect appeals to parents as a way to become self-reliant. The curriculum helps students bless their families with the benefits of a higher education. Julie Kittelson, a student in Norway, noticed that as her relationship with her Heavenly Father deepened, her relationships with family and friends improved. Julie learned to teach her children the principles she learned in PathwayConnect, and she feels better prepared to support her family with her education.
“My relationship with my husband became noticeably strengthened, and my opportunities to serve my family are immense because I was prepared to teach them what I had learned.”
Cecilia Wie – Improving Life Skills
Cecilia Wie
PathwayConnect’s Life Skills course prepares European students to gain valuable tools — such as time management, goal setting, and budgeting — which influence students in areas of their lives other than academics. Cecilia Wie, another student in Norway, feels like every member of the Church would benefit from PathwayConnect. During the Life Skills course, Cecilia strengthened her relationship with her husband.
“Through PathwayConnect I have set goals that have helped me be more confident in class, and goals that have strengthened my marriage.”
Olga Frolova – Growing Spiritually
Olga Frolova
PathwayConnect gives European students the chance to obtain a gospel education, something many long to have. The fast growth of the program has made that possible for students like Olga Frolova from Latvia. Olga has already earned a master’s degree, but felt prompted to join PathwayConnect because it was the opportunity to receive an education from a Church-sponsored university. Because of her experience in PathwayConnect, Olga now feels an increased spiritual preparedness for life.
“I feel more spiritual and more prepared for life, and I believe that is the key to success.”
Continuous Blessings
Despite the geographic barrier, hundreds of students throughout Europe are getting the chance to accomplish their goals and experience the blessings of a Church education. PathwayConnect’s Europe and Europe East area manager, Matt Richards, said, “Our graduates emerge as true disciples of Jesus Christ who know how to receive and respond to revelation in their personal lives, in their families, and in their professional and Church assignments.”
PathwayConnect in Europe will continue to pour blessings into the lives of these students and leave everlasting impacts that will influence future generations.
Learn more about what PathwayConnect can do for you by visiting byupathway.lds.org.
Comments on "Innovating Education in Europe"
I am entering this program with the same skepticism as many of these people had but I too am depending on the Lord to help me through. I am up in age and a lot slower than many of the younger generations. I surely don’t plan on competing with them. I only want to improve intellectually, spiritually, receive a better understanding in family relations and gain more confidence in myself.
By gaining these gifts, I hope to become a better person and use these gifts, if I can obtain them, to help others.
I’ve only attended one gathering so far, but I did feel the spirit confirming to me that this is where I can gain some of these special gifts.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Aloha! I like how you pointed out that you are not here to compete with other students. Your positive attitude and focus on self-improvement will help you get the most out of your experience. Good luck with the rest of your first semester!
Pathway is a blessing to my family and I, it is the best thing that happens to me. I feel honored to be part of this great establishment. I feel fortunate because I cannot count the blessings I receive here and will continue to receive in pathway and beyoung. To my family it is an institution from above and recommend to all to join.
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