Finding My Place

At work, we have been stressing these four messages to get the most out of your BYU education:

1. Find new ways to learn.
2. Find ways to expand beyond yourself.
3. Find your place.
4. Find joy in the journey.

I think that these are wonderful messages for everyone to take into their lives (not just BYU Freshmen). I have been reflecting on my own ability to do these things this semester. I may come back and address the other three, but for today I just want to address one aspect of number 3- Finding your place.

The whole time while writing, I had this song stuck in my head:

This has always been a struggle for me. In high school, I had good friends, but I never felt like I truly belonged anywhere. I felt like I was just kind of that person who would tag along to all of these things, but did not really belong there. I am able to look back and see this more and more.

When I came Freshman year, I found some good friends. I thought I had found the place where I belonged. Sophomore year came, and I again lost all of my friends. I found some good friends within my major and work. Now most of them are gone on missions, but I realize that I needed them.

Now it is my third year at BYU. I hope I am not jinxing it (knock on wood), but I feel like I have finally found my place. It took me over three years, but I finally feel like I'm right where I belong.

While I was driving home from Salt Lake yesterday, I was reflecting on this. I have come to the realization that I am probably going to be in Utah for the next five years. That is my plan right now at least. A couple years ago, I was saying 'No Way!' to this idea, but now I feel like it would not be so bad to be here.

So where do I belong? Where is my place here in Provo?

Freshman Mentoring- Seriously, I have the best co-workers in the world. I think that they get sick of me saying it, but it is amazing. I have worked with some of the most amazing people in the world (both co-workers and students). I can be having a bad day and then I go into the Hub or office and I am surrounded by people who know who I am and who care about me. I am going to stop before this gets too cheesy, but I am just so incredibly grateful to have my place with the mentors.

Elementary Education- I have been in the program for almost two years now. I have made incredible friends. I have found my home in the McKay building. It just is amazing to really get to know people who care just as much about teaching children as I do. This academic home has allowed me to get the help I need when I need it as well. Now I am even thinking about staying for Grad School...but we will have to see.

Provo YSA 172nd Ward- Again, I need to reflect back to a year ago. I had a good ward. The people were nice, but I felt like I never really knew anyone because I had a lot of roommate drama that no one in the ward really wanted to deal with. I moved over the summer into this amazing ward. I have made wonderful friends. I actually want to go to ward activities. I have a calling that keeps me busy, but has allowed me to get to know people in the ward pretty fast. Heavenly Father definitely has answered my prayers with this ward.

So to quote the song that I linked in at the beginning.

"I  have often dreamed, of a far off place

Where a hero's welcome, would be waiting for me.

Where the crowds will cheer, when they see my face

And a voice keeps saying, this is where I'm meant to be.

 

I'll be there someday, I can go the distance.

I will find my way, if I can be strong.

I know ev'ry mile, will be worth my while

When I go the distance, I'll be right where I belong."

Heavenly Father does answer prayers. He knows what we need and when we need it. I have gone through struggles to come to where I am now. I have had to learn to rely on faith and just trust in God's plan for me. My life is not perfect, but for the first time in a very long time I can say that I am truly happy where I am. I'm right where I belong.

Come what may and love it.