16. Come Unto Christ

Near the end of my Junior year in high school, I got a call from a member of my Stake Presidency to come meet with them. I did not have the slightest idea of what they wanted to talk to me about. To my surprise they called me to serve as a member of Seminary Council at my high school. Two members per stake are chosen to serve, and I was ecstatic. I got set apart as the first councilor in the Seminary Council presidency, and it changed my entire Senior year. I felt quite overwhelmed and very incompetent, but I went forward in my calling with faith. As a Council we spent the summer getting ready for the new school year. We spent hours every week meeting and planning. We also had a lot of time for fun! As first councilor, I was in charge of all publicity for the Seminary. I had my own committee to work with and although it got stressful at times, it was a great experience. 

The theme for the youth of the year 2014 is Come Unto Christ, which comes from the scripture Moroni 10:32 from the Book of Mormon. We met as a council over Christmas break and hung up the theme in big letters high on the wall, so it could easily be seen by all who walked in to the Seminary building. We loved the new theme, and tried to incorporate it as much as we could. I remember I felt so strongly that this was the theme we needed, and it was what we needed to focus on as a Seminary, and even for myself personally. I started to think about the image I was giving off and the choices I was making. Was I being a proper example? The Seminary teachers told us many times that we need to be aware that people were watching us and we needed to be active and involved in Seminary, as well as be examples back at the school. I wasn't necessarily doing anything bad, but I knew that there were things I could give up so that I would personally be able to come unto Christ and in doing so, hopefully bring others to Christ as well. As I worked on this, I  noticed a major change in my happiness and behavior. I never have felt to close to the Savior and God than when I used the Atonement and worked on progressing. 

I share this because Seminary Council, and Seminary in general changed my life. It helped me gain a testimony and allowed me to make the adjustments that I needed. Because of this, I feel so blessed to be able to continue in taking religious classes here at BYU. I know that when we follow the teachings of the prophets and guidance of the scriptures we will be blessed immensely. When we fulfill our callings and do our best to come unto Christ, we will be strengthened and find true happiness.