Thoughts about President Spencer W. Kimball's address: Education for Eternity
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints organized an educational system based in the Lord’s commandment to seek temporal and spiritual knowledge. Brigham Young University is part of this educational system, and it is recognized as the center of it. In the Centennial Celebration of Brigham Young President Kimball highlighted its profound impact over the years in helping students to grow in secular knowledge and spiritual wisdom. As we enter the second century, BYU's mission remains unchanged, emphasizing faith and service as its core principles. In this way, the purpose is the same to guide students in their pathway by following these principles which prepares them to face the obstacles of the second century. Therefore, BYU mission impacts every person in the church educational system including ELC students who starts their academic goals by learning English.
As part of BYU, ELC students follow the same excellence standards that will help them to pursue their education in the future. Although ELC students have diverse academic goals the example of “Education for Eternity” taught by President Kimbal address principles such as honor, integrity, and service that help them to be prepared for the possible challenges in their search for success in learning. In addition, the basic principles of the gospel and the guidance of God lead BYU students to do the right and avoid the pressures of a changing world. For this reason, ELC students who not only learn these excellence standards but also follow them in the future have established the base of learning in righteousness.
Equally important, ELC students are influenced by teaching values, such as learning through the influence of God, for which BYU is recognized. The search of education for eternity is equally important in both sides, teachers are the example of increasing the world and God’s knowledge. Moreover, learning by the influence of God strengthen the relationship between students and teachers. As President Taylor taught, it is crucial to prioritize educators who have the fear of God in their hearts to ensure the next generations to grow up intelligent and brave to face the world’s adversities. Due to this, teachers should be exemplars of going forward the temporary knowledge. They are in charge to inspire and encourage their students to increase their ability to learn through God’s influence. Although, for some ELC students this could be the first time they learn with this teaching approach, it could be a remarkable experience for the future that will bless their learning pathway.
As part of a diverse and multicultural community BYU is the place where ELC students can obtain meaningful experiences to build relationships with people around the world. Certainly, BYU prepares their students to act like right individuals who are true to their shared values no matter where they come from or where they are. As President Kimball said in his talk: “We do not want BYU ever to become an educational factory. It must concern itself with not only the dispensing of facts but with the preparation of its students to take their place in society as thinking, thoughtful, and sensitive individuals ...” For instance, ELC students as an integral part of BYU have the blessing of acquiring these valuable skills since they are learning English which means in the future, they can use their influence for the right in every step of their lives.
In conclusion, ELC students like me deeply resonate with the wisdom shared during the Centennial Celebration of Brigham Young University. BYU's overarching mission which involves worldly, and spiritual knowledge has a profound significance for us. Furthermore, BYU's emphasis on ethical behavior and the fundamental role of educators influenced by God significantly impacts our educational journey. As ELC students, we are inspired by these principles, and we strive to represent them as we pursue our academic objectives. Our commitment extends beyond the classroom, it is about building our character and making a positive impact on society. As we journey through our education at BYU. We recognize that it is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about developing into individuals who can contribute meaningfully to the betterment of the world. BYU's mission shapes not only our academic goals but also our aspirations to be thoughtful, righteous, and honest like the example of Jesus Christ.