Yesterday marked Brigham Young University’s first Fall Semester Devotional, where President and Sister Reese delivered inspiring messages to students as they began the new academic year. Our team interviewed students as they left the devotional to ask about how they would apply Reese’s message of “embracing the awkward” in their lives. Their answers were inspiring.
Josiah Smith was particularly touched by President Reese’s message. He said, “Sometimes I feel shy about sharing my testimony. It can feel awkward to talk about your beliefs when you don’t know someone very well. But after this message, I’ve decided that I’m not going to shy away from telling girls when I’ve received revelation that they’re my future wife!”
Erin Call, a senior at BYU, said, “I’m going to take personal calls in the quiet section of the library! I don’t care if everyone around me hears all of the dirty details about my ex-situationship. It’s time to be a bolder version of myself.”
Liz Anderson, a shy pooper, said, “I’m going to start pooping in the campus bathrooms!”
“President Reese inspired me to let my dogs out in the testing center, even if people stare!” proclaimed student Bear F. Olsen as he began to take off his socks and shoes.
One student decided to let his inhibitions go. “I’m going to start nude modeling for UVU art classes!” said Milo Venus. “It’s been a dream of mine for a long time, and I’m glad I finally have the courage to do it.
One student, Bryson Dyson, was particularly inspired by President Reese’s use of the word “Embrace” in his message. “Where my hug at?” Dyson said to our interviewers. They politely declined.
As students go into this next semester, university leaders expect to see deeper connections form on campus. They look forward to seeing students discover their divine identities and shine their light.