Since starting my higher education, it sometimes feels like I’ve been studying forever. The challenge of maintaining motivation and giving my best doesn’t get any easier with time.
When I returned from my mission in 2018, I was excited to begin this new phase of life. Enrolling at LDS Business College (now Ensign College) felt like a welcome change after two years of gospel study and service. My time there was precious. The challenges stretched me to improve, and I graduated with a great GPA and a job I loved.
As an international student, I could work for a year in my field and relished not worrying about homework or tests. When that year ended, I decided to pursue another degree. In 2022, I began my studies at BYU. The classes were more challenging, and my motivation soon faded. After two semesters, I was exhausted and felt I couldn’t give my best anymore.
That’s when a friend offered me advice inspired by Alma 32: "When the people lacked faith, Alma told them to pray for the desire to have faith. Maybe you could pray for the desire to keep going." I took that advice to heart. While I’m not perfect at completing homework or attending classes fully prepared, I’m better at not giving up. I’m grateful for friends who share wise counsel and for scriptural examples that help us keep trying to improve.