By Erica Teichert
As a freshman, Megan Botts has pushed through many trials and experiences that come with college. Like many others, Botts found comfort and guidance through this weekend”s general conference.
“”Being a new college student, prayer has become a greater part of my life as I”ve tried to overcome new challenges and fight my way through this new stage of my life,” Botts said. “I especially appreciated Elder [David A.] Bednar”s talk because he emphasized the need for prayer and the great comfort that it can be.”
After listening to four or five sessions of general conference, students walked away with many pieces of counsel and advice from the brethren. Many particularly noticed how the mantle has fallen on 16th president of the church, Thomas S. Monson, and his personable style.
“President Monson told a story in priesthood session about a young boy imitating him at a conference until he wiggled his ears,” said Sterling Horne, a BYU student from Sandy, Utah. “I enjoy it when the apostles are personable and share anecdotes.”
This conference”s priesthood session was especially memorable to the men. Many of their favorite experiences included President Monson”s stories as well as the counsel shared in other talks.
“Elder [Dieter F.] Uchtdorf used a metaphor about a plane being off-course by only two degrees, but crashed into a mountain,” said Ben Browning, a business student from Ogden, Utah. “You don”t realize how minor mistakes can make big differences and how important it is to keep ourselves in line and watch for those minor shifts.”
Some students noted the closing remarks, in which President Monson shared a story about his wife”s recent hospital stay after a bad fall as well as his family”s part in bringing the gospel to his wife”s father.
“President Monson”s words and testimony are so powerful,” said Sarah Alvarez, a BYU student from Falls Church, Va. “It is amazing to see how humble this man is about his calling.”
Members of the BYU choirs participated in the Saturday afternoon session of Conference.
“Singing in the choir was a terrific experience,” said Carrie Robinson, a junior from Albequerque, N.M. “It”s not quite real until you look out from that view of the Conference Center and see how many people there are. It was great to have a part in bringing the spirit into that meeting.”
Elder M. Russell Ballard”s talk about mothers and women also struck home with Robinson and other women attending conference.
“At the very beginning he said God has a plan for all of his daughters,” Robinson said. “That was very reassuring to me.”
