By Kayla Merriman
Over the past two years, eight of my 11 engaged female friends have dropped out of BYU. Some have done so to start families, others because they found a husband and no longer feel an education necessary. Brigham Young University has a reputation for women attending to find a husband. Though I believe these women are in the minority, cases are prevalent enough for rumor to exist. However, marriage is no excuse for women to abandon higher education.
In the LDS culture where women are encouraged to stay home, men and women alike have difficulty picturing the matriarch being the main financial contributor. It is common for couples, newlyweds included, to get in situations where the wife needs to work including unemployment, illness or handicap. In emergencies, women having an education beyond high school, more specifically a college degree, could prove vital. I know many women forced to take odd and minimum-wage jobs to support their families. This is one reason education is so strongly supported. It can not be an oversight; marriage does not make one immune from life's pitfalls.
President Gordon B. Hinckley encourages 'All women of this church to get all the education can.' Dallin H. Oaks said 'An education is just as important for a woman, married or single, as it is for a man.' Also, Brigham Young said, 'We believe that women are useful, not only to sweep houses ... and raise babies, but that they should stand behind the counter, study law or ... and all this to enlarge their sphere of usefulness for the benefit of society at large'. These general authorities support and encourage women pursuing an education. They do not, however, say, 'Pursue your education now because we need educated women, nevertheless, once married you will no longer need to proceed.'
After asking his class why the prophet has told women to get an education, a BYU professor stated their anticipated responses were good, but wrong. In his opinion, women need education so they don't have 'stupid kids.' He explained that mothers are the primary teachers for children, and without educated mothers, few children are truly educated. Though less educated children may not be 'stupid,' they are disadvantaged in a world needing highly educated individuals. As parents or potential parents, I pray we teach our children we can not so readily excuse ourselves from life's necessities and obligations.
Women discontinuing or not attending college is increasing and many reasons, admittedly, are valid. However, for every legitimate excuse, there are equally legitimate ways around that excuse. Those struggling financially or beginning families can still pursue an education. Scholarships, grants and loans are available. Parents can alternate schedules to make school possible. Online courses are accessible at virtually every college including BYU.
Though I do not propose to have the solution for every problem, no matter the circumstance, an education is available and should be attained. Women become more self-sufficient and have a better sense of self with education supporting her. Though the idea of staying home after marriage is appealing, priorities ought to be focused on future needs of a family, including women gaining their own much needed education.
Kayla Merriman is a sophomore majoring in music education. She is from North Las Vegas, Nev.