At BYU — a university rooted in both spiritual and academic learning — student Adilyn Dababneh has been able to fully embrace her faith.
As a teenager in Texas, that wasn’t always the case.
“In high school, everyone knew I was a member of the church, but it was kind of taboo in a way,” Dababneh said. “I almost felt like I needed to hide it because that was the only way I could fit in.”
Being one of the only Latter-day Saints in her grade and in her social circles before coming to BYU often left Dababneh feeling alone in her faith.
Now, in her third year at BYU, Dababneh said that both her faith and her confidence in her religious identity has grown stronger.
She also said that she has come to see how deeply spiritual and intellectual learning are connected at BYU.
“I’ve grown to appreciate how I can go to class and know that we’re going to start with a prayer,” Dababneh said. “We can bring up our faith and it’s normal and it’s not frowned upon.”
In his inauguration address, titled “Becoming BYU,” University President C. Shane Reese spoke about BYU's unique mission and encouraged students to fully embrace the university’s spiritual foundation that sets it apart.
BYU is a Christ-centered and prophetically directed university that embraces both spiritual and intellectual learning, Reese explained.
BYU’s role as a religious university is central to its mission, Reese said. Faith is an integral part of every BYU student's experience. Reese said that BYU’s strength comes from fully embracing its gospel-centered foundation.
Dababneh values BYU’s mission and how naturally faith is woven into student life — something Reese emphasized in his “Becoming BYU” address, where he highlighted the university’s unique blend of religious and academic education.
“The uniqueness of Brigham Young University lies in its special role: education for eternity,” Reese said.
President Reese also said BYU’s mission includes preparing students to carry its values beyond the university. Dababneh imagines herself doing just that.
“I can definitely see taking this experience at BYU — where spirituality has been so involved in my secular education — and taking that to the workforce,” Dababneh said.
In addition to its emphasis on spiritual growth, BYU's education aims to build practical skills that prepare students for life and future careers. The university’s curriculum goes beyond traditional classroom academics, offering meaningful, real-world learning experiences, Reese said.
“We strive for every student to have an inspiring learning experience,” he said.
Dababneh believes her education at BYU has been successful on this front as well, providing her with opportunites to gain practical experience for her future career in public relations. She recalled one PR class she took where she worked with a client to run a full campaign. Through this opportunity afforded her by the class, she was able to gain professional experience while still receiving classroom support.
“It was just super cool that I got to see what it would be like to (work) in a professional environment but in a more monitored classroom setting with guidance,” Dababneh said.
Experiences like that, Dababneh said, have made her feel more confident about applying the knowledge she's gained in college.
“It feels much more applicable than just studying terms and taking a test,” Dababneh said. “I’m actually learning stuff that I can use.”
Dababneh has also come to see the power of kindness and connection in creating the sense of belonging that President Reese described as essential to the BYU experience.
“Belonging comes from our service and the sacrifices we make for others and for the Lord,” Reese said.
Dababneh believes that even small gestures can make a difference — especially on a college campus where students may be struggling.
“If you can just be the person that people know will say, ‘Hi,’ or ask about how they’re doing, or be a friend,” Dababneh said, “that’s one of the most impactful things you can do.”
As she continues her education at BYU, Dababneh strives to live by those principles, shaping both her own experience and the community around her on her journey to “Become BYU.”