six months and still strong...kinda

Contributor: Angela

It's been a little over six months since I moved here to Seattle. I'm a transplant from Happy Valley, Utah (ie Provo). Like many graduate students, I had shining hopes of finding my dreams in the Emerald City. I can only speak for myself, but it's been less than dreamy.
Who knew how hard it would be to move to a new place? No wait. Who knew how hard graduate school would really be? I feel like it's a mission. You know it's gonna be hard, but you don't know how hard until you're on one.

Even though I'm in my mid-twenties, I still have this yearning to belong somewhere and to be a part of something. It's been half a year, and I find myself still searching. Sometimes I want to give up, and just isolate myself. It's easy to do that here in Seattle. I find people are independent in this unique "Seattle-ite" way. You know what I mean by that? Anyways, though it seems simple to mainstream myself to soloing it out here, shying from conjugal laughter and merriment, something won't let me completely hide myself.

I need people in my life. People who encourage me, who ask me how I am (and actually are waiting for an answer). I need that hug and definitely that smile. I need someone to make me laugh and remind me that I'm helpful.

I don't think I'm alone in this feeling. I decided that I needed to stop waiting for people to reach out to me. Surprisingly, when I reached out, I found that many have echoed a similar sentiment of loneliness. Especially for so many who are trying to find their niche out here. It surprises me as I discover how many incredible people there are out here. Why are we hiding from each other? So let's make one together. Let's be there for each other.

Making Changes

by Katie and Cassie

As Institute wrapped up its Winter quarter this week, it was time to get down to what our classes here are really all about: progress.

In Book of Mormon this week, we learned about the experiences of Alma the younger, and of the process of repentance. With a visit from an angel, he was finally brought to realize the wrongs of his actions, and to truly convert to the ways of the Lord. For him, repentance was prompted by a single event-- however, experiences like Alma's are not the norm. Repentance is usually a result of progress; of self-evaluation and resolution. Only after making changes to their own lives could he and the sons of Mosiah spread the gospel to the Lamanites.

Only through faith in God and the righteousness of his commandments may we come to know our duty here on Earth. The Lord's gospel is one of progress and charity: it is our responsibility to assess our own lives and see the changes that we must make. Then, we can help others.

So Precious!

Yesterday while I was getting my lunch ready at the institute before my o-chem lab, from the kitchen I heard shuffling around the foyer and a voice ask Sister Anderson and Sister Harwood if they needed help. As I went out to the car to help unload, I couldn't help but be grateful for all the people who immediately stood up to help these wonderful Sisters. It literally only took one trip out to the car to gather everything because so many people gave of their time. I'm so grateful to be associated with so many wonderful people who reach out to others no matter the circumstances.

Growing Is Forever

Growing is Forever from Jesse Rosten on Vimeo.

This video was shared not too long ago at the Leadership Committee Meetings on Fridays that the Institute has every week. It is a beautiful video that is analogous to our own lives and how we continually grow and it is an eternal concept. It's beautifully edited and created. Let us know what you think and some of the insights you had watching it!