BY JENNIFER GROSKREUTZ
groskreutz@newsroom.byu.edu
I wanted to attend a church-owned college when I went away to school, and I didn't want to live where it snows. So, I applied to BYU-Hawaii.
What I've learned throughout my BYU experience could not have been learned at any other college institution.
I spent my first semester at Orange Coast College (OCC), a junior college in Orange County, Calif. Because I procrastinated turning in my application for BYU-H, the school was already full for fall. I couldn't attend until winter semester.
I'm glad I had the opportunity to attend a school not run by the church, so I could compare the differences.
When I enrolled at OCC, I didn't sign an honor code, and I knew there were no special ideals and principles to abide by.
To some, that might sound like freedom.
However, after the first week of classes, I found myself wishing there were such honor codes and 'rules' at OCC.
I didn't mind the 'interesting' hair do's, beards and scantily-clad women as much as the filthy language and the smoking.
A few of my classes were night classes, which meant they lasted about three hours.
We often had 15-minute breaks to stretch, use the restroom or grab a snack.
Every single time I stepped outside of the classroom, at least one classmate, usually three or four, would already be smoking a cigarette. The smoke was prevalent around the classroom door, as were the abundant foul-language conversations.
Since I was taking 17 credits that fall, the semester ended almost as soon as it began. Next, I found myself at BYU-H ... paradise.
Not only was smoking on campus banned, but people actually wore clothes that covered their 'private parts.'
The experiences I had in Hawaii were irreplaceable and invaluable. Where else could one person be Primary president, Primary chorister and a CTR teacher all at once?
In addition, the first time I ever sat in the same room with a prophet was at BYU-H.
A plethora of people packed into the Canon Activities Center to hear President Hinckley speak.
I will never forget how it felt to have the Spirit fill my body from head to toe while I stood to sing, with several thousand other people, 'We Thank Thee Oh God For a Prophet.'
At OCC, I couldn't walk down the halls and ask students if they were going to do baptisms for the dead that night. But, at BYU-H, I could.
Aside from gaining intellectual and spiritual knowledge in Hawaii, I gained a cultural awareness which could not be learned from a book.
As an employee at the Polynesian Cultural Center, I discovered a lot about Polynesians simply by working with them. They are some of the happiest people I know.
Also, several of the people I lived with in the Hales (dorms) were Polynesian, so I was able to observe their customs, such as removing shoes before entering a home or dorm room.
The best part was eating Polynesian food at ward and stake activities.
Coming from Hawaii's campus, with about 2,200 students, to Provo's campus, with an enrollment of about 32,000, I was hesitant that I would have similar experiences.
But I didn't need to worry.
Only this time, the experiences were added upon. I heard President Hinckley speak again. Not only did I hear him speak at Devotional, I stood ten feet away from him when he came up to NewsNet for a quick tour. I did not ever expect to be such a short distance away from a prophet.
And the cultural activities continue to flourish here with Devotionals by Living Legends and luaus, which students can participate in.
When I long for Kalua Pig and a Polynesian atmosphere, I can walk over to The Little Grass Shack and satisfy my appetites.
The Provo temple is not far away, so I can continue to go to the temple as frequently as possible.
One of the things I'll miss most about church schools is Devotional. There's nothing like a good spiritual message to lift you up and keep you going throughout the week. Devotionals were always a little perk in my schedule.
As I leave the world of BYU and church-owned universities, I cannot help but reflect upon the memories I've made that will last a lifetime and carry me into the future.