BYU-Idaho

Four years ago around this time of year I wasn't BYU-Idaho; I was something else, something that I rarely like to think about. My sister Kayla was just about to start her college career here and I could only heckle and make fun of the fact that she was coming here. I could not fathom a place that you could not wear shorts, flip flops, and you could not wear your own work out clothing; you had to be in your apartment by midnight; this place was not me, so I made fun of it and all that it stood for. However, I paid a visit to Rexburg and Kayla a few months later, and with a desire to change the course of my life BYU-Idaho looked different. Attending church with Kayla I was out of place, long surfer dude hair and all, I felt it, I wanted so badly to enjoy that happiness that my sister and her peers were feeling. When I returned home I prayed and started to ask my Heavenly Father what I should do...my answer came back almost immediately; cut your hair, retake the ATC, and apply for BYU-Idaho. To my surprise I did those very things, it was hard but it was totally worth it! I thought my chances were slim because of past grades and so forth, but when the letter came in March I was completely caught off guard when it said I was accepted. I was surprised but very thankful that I had this second chance at early adult hood, my next trial would come in the form of leaving home. I thought this was going to be very hard, but I knew my sister was going to be there so I had that to lean on, but little did I know another young lady would enter the picture and help me more than I thought possible. This young lady of course was Suzi, my wife.
Now I would like to share with all of my handful of readers the joy of this place...it truly is the disciple training center.

First Suzi:

I would never have thought that a girl in my life would help me hurdle the obstacles of moving away. At BYU-Idaho I met my best friend, fell into a new deeper kind of love, decided to spend the rest of my life with the best person, became a stronger servant of our Savior, and started a family all in Rexburg, maybe 10% happened in Utah, but the rest was here in Idaho.


Friends:

Leaving Utah meant leaving some really awesome and great friends. Was it a sacrifice for things to come? I think it was because I already can see that I am losing contact with many friends and it looks like I will not re-establish that contact; however, you always have those life long friends that will be there for you no matter where you end up or where you are in this life...so to those friends (you know who you are) thanks. The friendships that are forming up here, the Garren's, Kolby's, Dalen's, will be life long because of the connections that are being made even now. I would have never have thought when I first left home this is what I would be gaining when I arrived in Rexburg...it proves that the Lord has his hand in everything. I know that these friends would help in a time of need with no regard to what they were doing.


Sports:
Leaving Utah meant leaving basketball with the gang every week...little did I know I would find basketball that allowed me to practice two times a week with a game at the end of that week. Not only all that, I strengthened myself and became more outgoing, more of a leader, and stronger. Basketball has been a social catalyst and I am very grateful for it! There has also been more than ball; there has been football (full pads on a turf field), softball, flag football, etc. All of these sports have been a benefit to me in one way or another.


Testimony:
I would not have thought it was possible when I first came here, but my spirituality has been beaten and formed into something that I cherish. Attending school and living in Rexburg has helped make me into something that I know I am supposed to be; the Lord had his hand in this the entire time and I am beginning to see why. Everyday while I work on the grounds I get to see the beauty that is the Rexburg temple...I wish you could all see it when the sun is coming up around six in the morning it truly takes your breath away. Even starting class with a prayer has strengthened my testimony and it has shown me that you can use the gospel in all aspects of life.


Four years later I am very happy to be here, more happy than I could have ever dreamed of being! I know this is where I am supposed to be, for how long? No one really knows, but there is a chance that I could be staying here longer than I ever anticipated with my little family. One of the main reasons...this is an excellent place to raise a family! Don't believe me come up and see for yourself. I love it here, I know that I am here for a reason, and I know that there is a lot more in store for me here...I am excited to see what the future holds in store for me.

-The Rexburger