Since starting kindergarten in ’99 I have always been a very eager and dedicated student. When I was in grade school I loved to go school supply shopping and organize everything neatly in my back pack before Meet the Teacher Night. I always laid out my First Day outfit and packed my lunch the night before the big event. Though my enthusiasm never changed, my preparation process had to as I grew older. College required a bit more than just buying some supplies and making sack lunches, but I certainly rose to the occasion. Classes had to be scheduled around work, tuition had to be paid and degree plans had to be followed. After registration I would print all of my syllabi, read through and highlight the important parts and color-code my planner with significant due dates and deadlines. Then I would conduct a campus walk through to make sure I had enough time to traverse the courtyards between classes. I have been called a nerd, but I really loved it every minute of it.
This year, I won’t be in school and it is a bitter sweet experience. However; despite my lack of educational obligation I still find myself pondering supply lists, albeit a different kind. In lieu of filling our backpacks with notebooks for homework and glue for arts and crafts I suggest these spiritual school supplies be the priority, not just for grade school kids and university students, but for all of us.
Patience
“Life is full of difficulties, some minor and others of a more serious nature. There seems to be an unending supply of challenges for one and all. Our problem is that we often expect instantaneous solutions to such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience in required.”- President Thomas S. Monson
Nothing brings about difficulties like the start of a new school year. I once sat outside of my classroom for an hour thinking that it hadn’t started yet and realized only in the last 15 minutes of the period that I had been thinking of the previous semester’s schedule and had just missed my class. New schedules take getting used to. Morning traffic seems horrendous and someone may be forgotten at football practice once in a while but eventually everyone will settle in and a routine will be established. Free time and family time might seem nonexistent at first but eventually they will be possible. New teachers, classmates and coworkers can be considered future friends. New stages of life mark growth and progress and make for lots of learning experiences. Remember to be patient with yourselves and with your family members and as patience is practiced the difficulties of adjustment will fade away.
Humility
Humility is the willingness to submit and it is essential to learning. Just as students need to submit to the authority of their teachers we all must submit to the authority of the greatest teacher; Jesus Christ. As we do so learning and understanding can take place.
Diligence
“Diligence is steady, consistent, earnest and energetic effort…The Lord expects you to work diligently-persistently and with great effort and care.” – Preach My GospelI once took a final exam with very little preparation. Before starting the exam I prayed for clarity of mind and help to do well. As I finished the prayer I realized that what I was asking for was unfair. I hadn’t been diligent in doing my part. In fact, I hadn’t studied or prepared for the exam at all. I couldn’t reasonably ask the Lord to just give me a good grade. I realized that even though the Lord is always willing to help us, He does ask that we work diligently to fulfill our part of the deal. Besides, it is often surprising what can be accomplished through true diligence. (D&C 58:27-28)
Kindness
The world is not always a nice place and it is full of differences and difficult situations. Today’s schools are full of unique challenges. Rumors are no longer notes passed in class but are text messages sent to everyone instantaneously and cyber bullying has made horrible impacts on many young people. In an age and an environment where social acceptance is paramount and consideration of others is forgotten we must all strive to be the difference. Keep in mind that people will not always remember what was said or done but they will always remember how they felt.
“[Miracles] can happen and will happen when there is kindness, respect, and love. Why do any of us have to be so mean and unkind to others? Why can’t all of us reach out in friendship to everyone about us? Why is there so much bitterness and animosity? It is not a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. – Gordon B. Hinckley
Love
A man once asked Jesus, “Which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus replied: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matt. 22:36-39). As the new school year begins, strive to love it. Love the opportunities to grow and try new things. Love the teachers and the classmates and the challenges. Love math. Love literature. Love learning. Love it while it lasts because next year it will be different and a few years after that it will be over.
Love the Lord and show kindness to your neighbors the rest of the list will come naturally. This school supply list will definitely prepare you to be a good student and will assuredly make for a wonderful year.
Koby Dudley is the loudest and proudest member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 2017. After double majoring in Spanish and Communication for her Bachelor’s degrees, she plans to pursue a Master’s degree and a career in the field of Bilingual Speech Language Pathology. Koby loves surprises and tries to focus on the little things in life. Her personal motto is "preparation brings blessings."
