Editor’s note by Jacob Conde:
[As Issues and Ideas Editor, I get a lot of interesting e-mails from our readers. Some of the topics I get a lot of e-mails about include raising a family, dating, working and getting your degree. I’ve wanted to respond to some of these, but haven’t really felt all that qualified to do so.
So for today?s column I?ve decided to call in the experts. This would be my mom. And no, this isn?t because I?ve run out of good column ideas, I have loads. I just felt it might be refreshing to listen to somebody who knows what she?s talking about, that?s all.]
Getting the most from BYU
BY TINA CONDE
?What is going on with these girls today?? You would be amazed at the number of moms who utter these words as we share information about the relationships of our children. When I attended BYU, the joke was that girls came to obtain their MRS Degree. While that was a stereotype, it did make sense that if you were looking for an eternal companion, this was a target rich environment. You just had a better chance of finding Mr. or Miss Right (with the attending values, etc.).
Then things began to shift. Young ladies decided that they were somehow in competition with the guys. They started equating education with power and success. Unfortunately, marriage and family started taking a back seat. I mean, who wants to chase toddlers and do potty training if you can be a CEO of a major corporation? Money, power and prestige look mighty appealing compared to helping your mate get through school while raising children on a tiny budget. The sad part is that in seeking power and success these young ladies have lost the true definitions of these words.
There is nothing more powerful, for a woman, than to build an eternal home. Not swing a hammer or anything, but create a gospel centered HOME. It is powerful to raise decent, loving children who make it through their teens without tattoos; body piercing and who have a loving relationship with their parents. You want to hear what real success is? It?s sitting in a temple of the Lord, and seeing your child make eternal covenants with their Father in Heaven. This is also the definition of true joy! You might think ?joy? is the event of a wedding or giving birth. Both are pretty wonderful moments, but that ?joy? is colored by being in love and finally delivering your child after some rather intense physical aerobics!
So the point of my message to you is this: you are some of the most beautiful, intelligent and gifted of Heavenly Father?s daughters here on this earth at this time. Don?t let yourself be conned by that evil one who would seek to confuse you and your priorities about putting off becoming wives and mothers. Let your education continue throughout your lifetime, but use it to teach your children and build a life that is rich with the experiences that Heavenly Father would want most for you as women. Go ahead and find that wonderful guy, and when you do, get your MRS Degree and live happily ever after!
