This morning was the 135th Commencement of Weber State University, and what an awesome ordeal it was! No, it wasn't because the orchestra played Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance 762 times in a row without taking a breath or turning blue, which was definitely a feat. And it also wasn't because I got to herd the faculty around like cattle trying to get them into the right places, as I get to do yearly as an Ambassador (which gives me a sort of odd satisfaction). And it wasn't because I was graduating — I still have another three semesters, which seems like an eternity away, especially since I'm already balding and turning grey; yes, both.
Commencement this morning was a once-in-a-lifetime experience because I had the extraordinary opportunity to meet President Thomas S. Monson, a Prophet of God! Weber State awards a few honorary Doctor of Humanities degrees each year to people in the community who have made a difference, and President Monson was a recipient of the degree today.
I arrived at the Dee Events Center early (and we're talking
early) this morning with my dad to work at the event, and I was immediately assigned a small job in the Rich Lounge where all of the dignitaries were gathering. A little after 7 a.m., the Prophet walked in with his wife, and began shaking everyone's hands. When he got to me, my dad had his phone out, so I asked him if I could take a picture with him, to which he quickly responded, "No!" then immediately smiled and said, "Of course you can!"
We exchanged a few pleasantries, then President Monson patted me on my back and went about getting ready to receive his degree.
In addition to receiving an Honorary Doctorate, President Monson was the commencement speaker. He gave some ABCs to the graduates for succeeding in life. Here's a quick summary of what he said:
- A is for Attitude. By changing your inner attitude, you can change your outer life. President Monson said that a good Attitude is one of the best ways to be happy and succeed in life. He said that we have a choice of attitudes every day, and to choose happiness. He quoted Lou Holtz who said, "Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you respond to it." What wise words!" President Monson also said, "Choose to find joy everywhere and leave it behind when you go."
- B is for Belief. Believe in yourself, in those around you, and in your principles (he also mentioned belief in God, but since graduation is very secular, he kept that to a minimum). He recommended one way of acting sure in your principles: "Ask not what will people think, but what will I think of myself?" One important thing to note is that he said, "Believe in the truths of science, the foundations of english and economics, but most of all, believe in yourself. You can achieve what you believe you can." What a great way of encouraging us to believe in what we're learning in college and the academic world. After all when the world was created, it had to adhere to some kind of rules...so we have science.
- C is for Courage; the determination to live decently. President Monson said, "There will be times when you're frightened or discouraged—you may feel you're David fighting Goliath—but remember, David did win. You can win." He encouraged us to have the determination to reach a worthy goal and that sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, "Try again tomorrow."
President Monson is truly a Prophet of God! I could tell that he has a love for all of us college students and a firm belief that obtaining knowledge is extremely important. That's definitely reason enough for me to continue in my schooling. I'm truly grateful for this opportunity to hear a Prophet speak and to see the love his counselors have for him (both President Eyring and President Uchtdorf came to support him). The Church is SO true!
