Clear Answer

"Let me take the reins on this one and I will take care of her." 

This is the clear answer I received multiple times after praying to heavenly father with asking him if there is anything he needed me to do for an incredible young woman that I have looked up to for some time and I cannot get this out of my head. I know the lord will do all he possibly can to take the hand of this young woman as they walk down his covenant path on a daily basis. I still may want to let them know that I am praying for them every single night and letting our heavenly father do his stuff to make her life bearable---as they have experienced so much. I am not necessarily going into the details about all of this right now on here, but in the moment I really wished I could have been there to give them a hug or let alone cry with them as many times as they would let me but in my heart I knew there was not much of anything I could physically do in the sense of performing an act of service for them in some way or another. However, I knew the lord was going to take the reins on this one for me and take care of this individual who I have looked up to for awhile now. I obviously knew the least I could do for them was kneel down on my knees in sincere prayer to my heavenly father and ask him to help me with this no matter the circumstances that were going to come up later on in their life, I needed to make sure the lord was looking out for them.  I have continued doing this for awhile with no plans to stop any time soon and know it is better than just dwelling on what I have absolute zero control on whatsoever. I am not necessarily writing this to draw any kind of attention to myself or make a completely utter fool in any way but I am confident this is what the lord needs me to stick with. I know he would not ever put me in a situation that was too hard or unbearable for him to assist me on his path that all of us are walking down. 

I have contemplated on this experience for awhile now and understanding that I may never be able to let this young woman know the blessing it has been for me to pray in their behalf. I have obviously thought quite a bit on the fact my prayers will do a lot more than I could ever write in anything like a note or just about whatever comes to mind. I know my prayers to our heavenly father are what make us want to draw closer to him everyday and putting our complete trust in him no matter the circumstances we may be up against. I know without a shadow of a doubt that we are never alone in things we may be going through while we take hold of the lord's hand to guide us in the right direction and giving us hope for a brighter future ahead. 

I know the lord gave me this specific answer for an important purpose and letting this young woman trust in him as she continues forward with her life. I would obviously like to tell her in person that praying for her has blessed me in ways I never knew I needed for some time along with the fact she is such a strong, confident, kind hearted, genuinely sweet, self-less, patient young woman in more ways than I could even put into words. I know the lord brought her example into my life when I was processing through so much in a situation that left me not knowing if I would ever feel happy again which if you ask me, after I said a quiet prayer to heavenly father with tears rolling down my eyes. I knew in my heart the lord was watching out for me in that particular moment four years ago and letting me know everything would be okay as long as I invited him into my life more than I ever have before. 

FLASH FORWARD:

As I have followed this young woman over the last few years, I know their example has impacted my life in more ways than one and not only on just certain occasions. I remember calling out their name shortly after one of the BYU women's basketball games at the Marriott Center and next day feeling slightly bit on cloud nine!!! I had the absolute biggest smile on my face as I anxiously waited for the UTA bus to show up at my stop to get to my adaptive needs institute class. I literally cannot express perfectly the gratitude and appreciation that I have for this young woman right now. She has truly inspired me to look for the good in other people and having the potential to do hard things. She has also showed me through her example of what it means to be a leader and given the opportunities I have had within the disability community, I am forever grateful to have her look up to. I know neither one of us sees each other on a daily basis or anything like that but knowing that I have been a small part of her journey from being a collegiate basketball player to now being an assistant coach for the team she played on not too long ago as a former cougar, I feel lucky to support her in any way I can. 

I am grateful for their influence throughout these past few years and letting me know what no matter the road it takes to achieve your dreams that I am going to get there at some point. I may not have wanted to share this with you all on here and yet I know not a lot of people who come across my blog will want to read through a treacherous post such as this one, but I am confidently hoping that someone will want to do the same for another person they come across. It may not need to be over social media or anything of that nature for you in particular but I am confident there is someone whose influence will leave a mark on your life too. 

Summer Institute

LONG STORY SHORT----I have attended my adaptive needs institute class for eight plus years and have truly loved getting to know who my Savior, Jesus Christ is. I love him so much and the peace he continues to bring into my life on a daily basis is something that I am eternally grateful for everyday. I know with all of my heart that because of him---We can live with our families forever and everything that we have ever experienced in this earthly life will be made right. 

I have an opportunity to participate in my adaptive needs institute class throughout the months of June and July, which is something I think would make my summer extra fun. I still need to figure out the details of how this is going to work out in my schedule and have a chance to learn more in depth about messages--- from our living prophets. I have had a lot of blessings in my life from attending institute and feeling the spirit of our Heavenly Father on a daily basis with individuals who have such a deep love for our Savior more than you could ever possibly know. 

I am truly blessed to have learned so much from the class members who would come and participate along with us on a weekly basis. I have enjoyed getting to make new friendships with the other class members & knowing that they not only come to class to have fun--- but wanting to learn more about how we can draw closer to Christ. My testimony has been strengthened in ways through every lesson that my teacher had all prepared for us to listen to and take away something that we know is going to the biggest difference in my life. I have such a deep love for this restored gospel and knowing we can make it through anything that is thrown at us which if you ask me is not even close to being an understatement. I know with all of my heart that no matter the circumstances I ever find myself up against or not expecting to go through---the Savior will guide me every step of the way as I continue to be a better disciple of him. I obviously will continue to have ups and downs in life that will put my faith to the test and others that I know are going to leave me thinking deeply about what I need to work on. 

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AS OF LAST WEEK----I have been attending institute with another group of individuals with adaptive needs and it has certainly blessed my life in tremendous ways. I have really enjoyed getting to learn how amazing the gospel of Jesus Christ is in our everyday lives and coming to know him better than we ever could possibly imagine. I am grateful for the opportunity to be surrounded by wonderful people who are striving to do all they can to become like our Savior, which if you ask me is something I know I need to work on more often. 

I have felt my testimony of this gospel become strengthened so much over the last week and a half along with keeping my focus on what is most important to me. I know that blessings from my Heavenly Father have continuously made me realize that when I make him a top priority in my life, there is not anything I cannot overcome or see past. I know he has been there with me every step of this mortal journey that does at times put my faith to the test and reminds us of who we are, no matter what circumstances we may find ourselves up against.

Mini Synopsis: (BYU Sports Podcast)

I have watched snippets of podcasts on the internet and never felt like it was something I would want to listen in on or want much to do with. EARLIER LAST MONTH---I sat down to listen to an amazingly talented young woman share her journey with playing collegiate basketball and getting to where she is now. I was very impressed with how articulate, honest, personable, tender hearted she was telling her inspiring story about a sport that she dedicated so much of her time to. I obviously know next to pretty much nothing about basketball and yet I am incredibly proud of what this young woman did to always have a smile on her face while chasing her dreams. #IYKYK

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March Dump

March 7th, 2025 - Best Friend's Birthday Celebration

This entire month has come and gone so much quicker than I would have expected, but it has been filled with so many unforgettable moments and opportunities I am eternally grateful for. First of all, My bestie Maria celebrated her 33rd birthday this month and it was truly a night to remember if you ask me!! We all enjoyed a scrumptious dinner at a local buffet restaurant and have so much fun laughing with each other & of course just having quality time. 

Shortly after we left the restaurant, all of us got into our separate cars that we came in and drove up to the beautiful campus of BYU to watch the men's volleyball team take on USC!!!! We had a lot of fun cheering on the cougars as they played their game and did I forget to mention we got shown on the jumbotron for in my mind felt like an eternity because we danced for such a long time, which for us girlies is not anything I know we'd like to not do on a regular basis. We loved getting to see our favorite mascot walk by us several times throughout the game and sometimes I didn't even know he was coming until we walked right past--- but you get the point?? I am grateful for the many laughs that never ended throughout the game and then we headed back afterwards to our best friend Maria's house for cake and presents. We loved watching her excitement as she opened one present after the next--while also just being there for each other. I am really happy that we got to have another together with our friends and I know there will be more of them in the future!!! 

SNAP - BYU Football Team

THE NIGHT BEFORE---We were at our SNAP activity and of course some players from BYU football showed up to introduce themselves, which I will admit was probably the best thing ever!! I loved getting to learn a little more about them and get excited for the next football season has in store for not only the players, but for us dedicated BYU fans!!! We loved getting to watch our friends do little drills together-- and play a little bit of football that did not require anybody getting tackled to the ground or getting hurt, but if you ask me it was an incredible experience that I hope we have again soon. Did I forget to even mention some of their football players are pretty famous and I look forward to watching them play the sport they love so much next season!! 

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UVU Adventure (Part One)

LONG STORY SHORT----I have taken different routes to get to my institute class on the UVU campus several times and never had much of a problem with it until last week. I obviously kind of knew the main direction I needed to take in order to get to the institute building and yet found myself going an entire new way that I had luckily gone in the past---but still didn't know what I was doing. I really did not want to ask any of the students around for directions, but knowing the awkwardly social person I am sometimes, I was not necessarily brave enough to accomplish that task. I was incredibly relieved to have run into one of my friends who is in my class out in the hallway and ask them if I was heading in the right direction, which they told me I was and little did I know I would be getting myself lost on purpose. I was somehow heading towards the science building on campus and then for some unknown reason got myself in the Lockhart building which I am sure will be a new place that I hope to meet again in the distant future, if I am ever lucky enough to get over there sometime. I certainly did not let this experience ruin my day as I was without my twin sister who at the time was healing from an ankle injury that prevented her from being able to walk on her two feet for a little while. I definitely think this was something I wanted to do in order to see if I would spot my favorite YouTuber somewhere, which I knew in my heart was obviously not gonna happen in that moment because I didn't want to keep them away from their job and responsibilities that come along with it. Did I forget to mention that I got to see the life sized statue of the UVU wolverine which if you ask me is pretty legitimate but I need to stick with my mascot that I love so much and cannot wait to hopefully see sometime in this new year!!! #HintHint.

As the story continues, I was miraculously able to retrace my steps back and find a door that led me out to where I needed to be on time. I was able to find the institute building on my own and not have any trouble with finding the door to enter inside, which if you must know left me breathing fairly hard when I walked inside to sit down. 

I am not certain if there will ever be another opportunity for me to write in more depth about this and can hopefully make it without getting too confused, if you know what I mean??? I am grateful to have had my own little tour of UVU campus and seeing how much it continues to grow with more changes all over the place!!! I genuinely have to believe this mini adventure was nothing short of a coincidence to explore just what this amazing school has to offer and lucky enough to make it without anything too crazy going on in this whole experience!!! #ToBeContinued

Free Write (Continued)

Tribute - Six Years

When I originally posted about this multiple times before, I didn't necessarily think it would be shared in more than one post and yet here I am doing my best to not sound repetitive. I am grateful for my friend's life and the imprint he left on my heart during his short time on this earth, which if you ask me was more than I could have ever imagined. His unconditional love for people and remembering what is important in life has stuck with me long after he returned back to his heavenly home. 

Mini Concert - UVU Institute

I am grateful for the comfort and inspiration that music has brought into my life this last year. I know it has softened my heart during times when I needed it most and reminding me of who I am no matter how many mistakes I continuously learn from. I am especially grateful for the opportunity that I had to attend this mini concert inside of the gym at the UVU institute and feeling the spirit of my Savior, Jesus Christ-- come to me so strongly. It was such a beautiful concert that gave me peace of mind when I needed it most and helping me to remember who my Savior is on a regular basis. 

Answered Prayer

I genuinely have not been more thrilled for my favorite BYUWBB player to have the opportunity of a lifetime to work as one of the assistant coaches for the UVU women's basketball team. I had no clue or idea where they would end up a few years down the road, but I sincerely prayed they would be involved with basketball in some way or another if not at a high school-- it would most definitely be at the college level. I cannot even tell you how much excitement came through me as I immediately came across their newest story on IG and believe me, it certainly felt like an answered prayer in more ways than one. I am grateful for the example this individual has set for me and even though we have not had another chance-- with meeting each other again, I can only hope it will happen sooner rather than not at all. It has been such a delight for me to watch them grow into their element and knowing they have so much more to give other basketball players who are striving to be where they are one day!!! #SoExcited #Grateful #Blessed #Hugs

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Mini Stories

It's hard to believe that another uplifting and wonderful semester of Institute has come to an end so quickly. I have genuinely loved feeling the spirit every week in our classroom and learning about how simplistic the gospel of Jesus Christ is, which if you ask me is nothing short of an understatement. I am grateful for the many ways that I have been able to think a little deeper about my so called life and just simply remembering of what our purpose on this earth is. I am truly blessed to be a part of the one and only church on the earth today, which is lead by our prophets/apostles who help us in striving to be like our Savior, Jesus Christ on a consistent basis. I know after what my life has been through in the last few years--- I have never felt more closer to him than during this year alone, which if you must know is just comforting in more ways than I can even say. I am grateful for the many heroes in my life who continue inspiring me to see the light and good in this world, no matter what circumstances I may be up against in life that they will always be there for me. 

Holiday Break Plans

I am looking forward to quality time with friends and family as the holiday season approaches, but if you must know I will most definitely get as much out of this Christmas break as possible. I am grateful for all the many opportunities that I will have to give back to others and remembering the greatest gift that we've ever been given is of course that of our Savior. I cannot wait to take extra time to reflect on the blessings-- that I have had or experienced because of the One who paid the ultimate price for all of us to be here right now. 

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Thanksgiving Break (Last Week)

It was definitely great to spend time with family and enjoy the blessings that we have been thankful for this past year. I really liked getting to unwind from the craziness of life and reflect on what is important during a time of the year that puts everything into perspective. I also loved getting to be a part of as well as celebrate my Grandma's 90th birthday with many friends and family who showed up to visit and make new memories. Did I forget to mention we saw the newly released WICKED movie with family?? I will not spoil too much in this blog post here about it, but I can promise that you will not be disappointed in what you are going to watch on the big screen. 

Back at UVU Institute 

I have genuinely loved attending my adapted needs institute class so much and feeling the spirit every week in class has made it even more incredible. I am grateful to learn from our inspiring teacher who continuously leaves an impression on me to be a little better and follow our Savior, Jesus Christ a little more everyday. It has blessed my life so much as I continue to navigate how I want to set an example of what my Savior wants me to become. My testimony has been strengthened tremendously throughout this semester and reminding myself that no matter how many mistakes I make, I know with all my heart that the lord will take care of everything else. 

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Mini Concert

 

EARLIER THIS WEEK----One of my colleagues texted me and asked if I would like to attend their choir concert that was being held at the UVU institute building. I obviously didn't hesitate to say yes and be there to enjoy a wonderful night of delicious food, music, and feeling the spirit as the choir members rehearsed & performed their musical selections. I was very impressed with their musical talents and dedication to making sure they sounded well as a choir, which if you must know left me in awe throughout the evening. 

I especially loved watching this choir perform a well known primary song that reminded me of how important it is to be a child of God and knowing what our purpose is here on this earth. As this song wrapped itself up, I ended with getting a slight tear in my eye and feeling the spirit over come me so strongly was an indescribable moment. The main guest artist was amazing and sharing his journey of coming into the restored gospel of Jesus Christ which if you ask me was pretty incredible--especially knowing that I had no idea what to expect from this. I am grateful for not only his musical talents but coming to see and recognize who our Savior is while pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, which I think is remarkable!!! 

(Stay Tuned For More)

Milestones (Part One)

#UVUInstituteClass

My twin sister and I started attending our adaptive needs institute class back in 2015--- which I will admit was one of the best decisions we ever made. It has been such a great experience for us to make new friendships with other people and learning as much as we can about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ on this earth. We have enjoyed being able to feel the spirit every week and remember what we came here to do, regardless of how difficult life was going to be sometimes. It's really given me a lot of opportunities to share my thoughts and experiences about what it means to live righteously as well as remember who we truly are!!! I am so grateful for the gospel in my life more than anything else in this world and I am not even sure how I'd make it through any hard time without it. I know it is what has continuously kept me on the straight and narrow path, even though there are consistent bumps in the road that we deal with every once in awhile. #ShareGoodness

#DDCouncilMembership2020

I originally applied to be on this committee in the spring of last year, but when I unexpectedly won my pageant title with the Miss Amazing organization--- I had to put on my spot on hold for a year. I definitely look forward to being more of an advocate and getting paid along the way too... but I can't necessarily get my high hopes for this at all. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this incredible organization and learning as much as possible about speaking up for myself, but as well as trying to make certain that young adults with disabilities have goals that are realistic. I am so excited about this new chapter in my life and whether or not it happens for me, I will just simply feel honored to have been given the privilege to do something that can impact this world. #ItsLegitimate

#MissQueenReign2019

It's truly been an absolute dream come true and cannot describe what an amazing experience it has turned out to be. I am truly grateful for the privilege it is to serve other people in anyway that I can possible and feeling like I was able to step out of my comfort zone, more than I usually ever would have imagined myself to do. When I heard my name called out as being the selected representative for this remarkable organization---I literally didn't know what to think or believe walking out onto the stage to receive my official title!!! I had never felt like pageantry was something I'd legitimately see myself do in this world, but it was most certain on my amazing bucket list and it has become an experience that I will hold close to my heart. #StayTunedForTheLegitimatePostAboutThisLaterOn

Hectic Times

2020 Census Training - Salt Lake City, Utah (Weekend)

I am definitely thrilled for this incredible opportunity as being part of the speakers network to learn some more information about the census is and how much it can impact the lives of individuals with disabilities. I am determined with trying my hardest throughout this new year to make sure everyone is aware of what this significantly means not only to somebody like me, but millions of other people most humans would see as not being capable to do anything---but let me tell you something else on here: "I will never sacrifice who I am in this world, because others have a problem with it." I am not like most people in this world who would much rather not have to deal with their struggles on a very regular basis, but I am grateful to know there is not a single person who feels like they should not be able to face their challenges head on with a smile. #MoreAboutThisLaterOn

LDS Insititute Class 2020 - Adaptive Needs

This has officially started up again for a new semester and have enjoyed almost every moment of it more than anything in the world. It has definitely reminded me of what is most important in my life every week and realizing that I am never alone in the trials or shortcomings I deal with. I'm grateful for the many blessings that continuously come into my life from living the gospel everyday and just recognizing the purpose I have on this earth. It has been such an incredible experience to share what continues to be so important in my life and remembering I can look to my Savior, Jesus Christ when ever I need to at any given moment. 

Back To School (2 Days)

My post holiday break has officially ended-- but I am certainly anxious to get back over to the school and continue on with this remainder of the school year. I have missed all of my kiddos so much from when we left for the Christmas break and look forward to being with them again in a few days!! I am grateful for the relaxing two weeks I had to focus on what is most important during that time and just spending days with family was very much needed. I don't necessarily have much of anything like this to share with all of you today and can only hope for the best in whatever happens. #iLoveThirdGrade

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Untitled Story:

This is my one hundred ninetieth post that I am about to write on here and have this spontaneous goal of mine to write up over 279 posts in the next year. I am confident this might either end up being one of the most legitimate decisions that I have ever made in my life or just turn into a complete utter mess altogether. It is also in honor one of the most legitimate television sitcoms that aired for twelve years and aired that number of episodes-- which I know will hold a special place in my heart for years to come. 

Earlier today in our special needs institute class, the teacher asked us a specific question that has been on my mind throughout the entire day. All of us were asked about when we had an experience or time in our lives when we had to use fasting and prayer--- which to most people it would happen naturally, but this was during a very low point in my life when I didn't know where else to turn.

LONG STORY SHORT--- I went through an experience last year that made me want to reach out of my comfort zone and make a difference in someone else's life. I was already in a difficult position w/ trying to make the best of that awful school year and felt like maybe I needed to start praying for this individual on a consistent basis to make their life somewhat easier. I obviously didn't know what else to do in those moments expect want to storm out of the classroom with them being left in their room with no chance of wanting to return. I was also in a difficult position with not feeling as needed much in the classroom or what I had volunteered to do was fulfilled for the teacher in anyway whatsoever... but I didn't want to them to know how it effected me on a personal level. 

I'll legitimately never forget when they mentioned to me--- "You are so kind!!" not straight to my face but it gave me a boost of confidence that I had been making their life slightly better in the smallest if not biggest way possible. #MorePostsToCome

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Last Week Of Institute

It's been such an incredible semester getting to attend our special needs institute class & learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ on a weekly basis. I am so grateful for the many memories that we shared with our classmates and sharing all of our personal testimonies about the Savior, because to me that has really made an impact on my life in more ways than one. I have definitely focused a lot more on the importance of what my purpose on this earth means and praying everyday to remember that I can make it through anything with the help of my Savior.

Continuation Of Events: (Repetitive Stuff)

Volunteering at Westridge Elementary School has progressed a little bit and hopefully that continues on as the remainder of this school year moves forward. I have really not quite figured out for myself how much this experience has not only turned into one of the hardest times ever, but somehow it has needed for me to become a stronger, confident individual and volunteer in too many ways to count. I am hopeful it will not continuously be a struggle or frustration on me anymore, but having admitted that on here--only leads me into a position with needing to keep my composure and have a smile on my face. 

Aside from being the 2019 Miss Queen, I have certainly got so much on my mind all the time with trying to figure out how this new title works and making a good impression on those I come into a little bit of contact with. I have only blogged about my first appearance and will not try to share so much with you guys, only due to the fact that I do not want to find myself annoying people. I have definitely needed to keep my not so hectic schedule under control and hopefully have lots more of amazing stories to share throughout this reign of mine, down the road. 

Weekend Highlights:

- Attended the BYU Ballroom Dance Concert at the Marriott Center & loved every single minute of it so much!!! I always enjoy getting to watch so many incredible performers give it their best on stage... as well as putting an unforgettable show for so many people.



- Worked on my speech for the next presentation I will be doing on Utah Valley University campus & making an effort to get my message across to people about how just because I'm different, does NOT mean I am not capable to live in an independent life everyday.

Free Write

When you begin to catch even a glimpse of how your Heavenly Father sees in you and what He is counting on you to do for him, your life will never be the same.

Having been raised up in the gospel my entire life for about as long as I can remember, I would never once hesitate to think that because other pple may not agree with it--doesn't necessarily mean I'm letting it out of my sight. I know this gospel has not only brought so much happiness and joy into my life over the years, but it never once fails to remind me the importance of why I am here on this earth. My powerful testimony of this gospel immediately started growing when I attended special needs institute this semester at UVU. When I first shared my testimony of this gospel in this legit class not too long ago, it definitely was one of the most uncomfortable and yet spiritual experiences that I ever had in my life!! It was really neat to share what has continuously made me so happy in regards to the many things that we face in this life, but I would never see myself trade it for something that the world thought was better. I know for me having gotten up in front of pple and talking with them was not usually something I'd do just because of the awkwardness it would have in those moments, but this was completely different from that.

It was definitely such a spiritual experience for me to share what has continued to bring me so much happiness and never forget the lessons I learned from my institute classmates. They had such a light about themselves that warmed my heart more than words could ever possibly describe and I feel so incredibly grateful to have been among some of the best people ever. Their powerful testimonies of our Savior, Jesus Christ strengthened me so much and getting the opportunity to do that for the first time was a little bit nerve wracking for me, but I was so grateful that I did it. I am grateful for all of the many blessings that came into my life during that semester in our legit institute class. It was an amazing privilege for me to feel the spirit very strongly and testify of the things that mean more to me than I can even comprehend sharing with you all.

I greatly miss not being at Institute anymore and getting that chance to feel the love of my Savior on a regular basis. I'll just admit that it was such an amazing opportunity for me to learn from the most legit and sweetest institute teacher ever and I cannot even begin sharing nearly enough about them because they definitely made an impression on me more than they could ever imagine. I honestly felt incredibly blessed to have been a part of it and getting to learn so much from her was an absolute dream come true!!!! I am grateful for this gospel that always reminds me of what is most important in the world and never losing my sights on what I see in my future endeavors down the road. 

Life's not quite the same without institute, but seriously regardless of whatever happens in my life at some point in time I'll know that because of this gospel I have grown up with forever is going to help me through anything. I could easily tell you right now that the happiness I have felt from living this gospel my entire life has been nothing short of a blessing and comfort to me. It has definitely given me the hope and courage to keep pushing forward in the things that come into my path. I know it is never gonna get any much easier or less challenging for me, but with the Savior's help I will be able from this point forward to make it a priority in making it a part of my life as much as I possibly can.

Final Day Of Institute

As I attended my final day of special needs institute, I couldn't help but reflect a little bit on how much this class has impacted me as an individual. I am so grateful beyond words for the amazing spirit that I was able to feel there every single week and learning from a wonderful teacher whose testimony strengthened me to be more like the Savior. There are no words for me to even describe into words what an extraordinary blessing this class was for me this semester and I can't wait to see what next semester has in store.

My testimony of what Institute has done for me this semester:

"I just wanted to take the opportunity and thank each of you for making this class such a wonderful experience. Getting to be in that class has helped me through so much & I am incredibly grateful for the peace it has brought into my life this past year more than anything. I have truly felt closer to my Father in Heaven more this semester than I ever have at any other time in my life and that to me has been such a wonderful thing. I want to also thank our teacher for being such an absolute gem for her willingness to come out here and teach us lessons with the sweet spirit that she shares with all of us on a regular basis. I am so grateful for her influence in my life more than anything else in the world and being able to feel of her great love for this gospel is truly a comfort to me. All of you are pretty legit and such a great group of people whose testimonies of the Savior, Jesus Christ have lifted me through the thick and thin. This class has been the absolute greatest blessing of my life and I am so blessed to have had the incredible opportunity to be a part of it this semester."

#BestInstituteClassEver

As my final days of attending special needs institute come to an end, I know that my life has been forever changed because of this experience. I cannot even begin to tell you how much this class really strengthened my testimony of what this gospel is all about and the ways it continues to make me strive to be a little better.

I've heard it said
That people come into our lives
For a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led to those, who help us most to grow
If we let them and we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
Because I know who I am today, because I knew you


Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes the sun
Like a stream that meets a blouder 
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you, 
I have been changed for good.

My special needs institute class was one of the most cherished & memorable highlights for me this year, more than anything else in the world. I am grateful for the spirit that I was able to feel so strongly each and every week that I was there to learn more about my Savior, Jesus Christ. I know this gospel is true without a shadow of a doubt and no matter how challenging each of our lives gets to be sometimes, as we continue to do the basic everyday things to help us be closer to our Father in Heaven- we can get through anything. In these song lyrics here from the hit popular Broadway musical, WICKED both the witches of OZ perform this song together and somehow it gets me every single time. I always end up with tears in my eyes every single time, just simply because I know that there have been so many good examples of people that have changed my life for good. I know whenever we are focused on the Savior and remembering his important role in our lives, we can get through any trial that we may have experienced in the past. I know that my experiences this year in institute have blessed my life more than I could ever say and I'm so grateful for that opportunity to have been a part of it. Thank you all so much for being so awesome and inspiring me to be more like the Savior each day.