I love Utah.

Can I say that? I love it right now but tomorrow when I walk to school in the morning, I won't like it. I have been so richly blessed in my life to attend this wonderful University. When I tell people how I got accepted I can never tell the story without acknowledging the hand of God. He has always manifested his power and hand throughout my life and I trust that He will always guide me.

We had the opportunity at the BYU Forum today to hear from former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice. She is such an amazing woman and I admired her eloquence and respect as well as humor for the human race, the government of the United States, and life. She was raised in Birmingham, Alabama during the Segregation Laws. Having studied a lot about Racism and Segregation I do understand exactly what that entails. Her Father studied at a college and valued the knowledge that was to be found and gained from reading good books. I too, agree that books are wonderful tools. President Monson quoted Emily Poulsson,

"Books are keys to wisdom’s treasure;
Books are gates to lands of pleasure;
Books are paths that upward lead;
Books are friends. Come, let us read."

Dr. Rice also talked a lot about Education and its role in society. She said that the K-12 system is failing and the next generation will be unprepared to lead the United States of America. I believe this to be true. I believe that Teachers are the world's greatest heroes. Why?

Because they devote each day to teaching students material that has never entered a teenagers mind, they are willing to accept the fact that we are never done learning, they motivate us and drive us to find what our passions are in life, they are mentors, friends, and full of faith. One thing I am concerned about is the Inner-City Educational System If I had been at the Q&A I would have asked her what is the current rate of students attending school and graduating successfully in inner-city locations and what do you think is the best method we can use to approach improving their school system?

So I've been thinking throughout the day about what my passion is in life and that is teaching but also teaching in a way that will bring others closer to Christ, in reference to the public school system-- bringing them closer to Christ without them even noticing it. So my passion is to teach, inspire, mentor, care, love, and show compassion. The task will not be easy to teach, but I am ready for it. Life is such an interesting journey and we never know where it will take us. I look out to the West in Utah and see mountains and more mountains... but nothing beyond them. However, I do know that there is land and life beyond the mountains. They stand in our way for a moment until we have the courage to go beyond them. Such is life, and life my friends, is Good.