The Lasting Impact of BYU-Pathway

When I was 18, my mom told me about BYU-Pathway Worldwide. I was excited to learn practical skills and become a better job candidate and wanted to take all the courses right away! However, I needed to put my plans on hold to first focus on my mission, knowing I would come back to education later.

After serving my mission, I returned to BYU-Pathway in 2021 with the clear goal to earn my degree. I knew it would take me five years, but I was determined to make it happen.

“The Savior was always with me”

I was already working at the time, but BYU-Pathway became a unique opportunity for me to learn — not just from the courses but also from my classmates and our service missionaries. Their experiences and insights taught me so much, and I realized how much BYU-Pathway could help me grow both personally and professionally.

I decided to pursue a bachelor's degree in software development and, while I was passionate about it, the journey was not without its challenges. Balancing my school workload with my job and church responsibilities became overwhelming at times. There were moments when I seriously considered giving up. I thought about focusing solely on my job and putting my dreams on hold.

But deep down, I knew there was something greater in store for me if I stayed faithful and persevered. My dreams inspired me to keep going, and I found strength in knowing that the Savior was always with me. Even as an online student studying at home by myself, I never felt alone.

Not just a degree

Because of BYU-Pathway, I learned the power of persistence and determination. The principle of pressing forward, even when the road gets tough, became a defining part of my journey. I came to believe that nothing is impossible when you have the gospel and the Lord by your side.

Looking back, I recall a sense of excitement to learn that persisted with me and never faded away. I knew it was not only possible but one of the best decisions I had ever made. I feel incredibly blessed — not just for the degree I’ve earned but for the valuable skills I’ve gained along the way that will help me succeed in life and allow me to serve others better.

A lasting impact

Most importantly, I’m grateful to Jesus Christ for guiding me through this journey. His Spirit gave me the strength and wisdom to accomplish my goals, even when the path seemed impossible. Because of Him, I now have a stable job so I can provide for my family.

This experience has inspired me to continue pursuing quality education, even after graduation. As long as I live, I am committed to learning and developing new skills so that I can become a better disciple of Jesus Christ. BYU-Pathway has changed my life, and I am forever grateful for the opportunities it has given me.