The Gordon B. Hinckley Award winners from the fall 2023 semester.
Stephen Henderson presenting me with my award.
The Gordon B. Hinckley Communicator Award honors students who exemplify President Hinckley’s legacy, recognizing students with leadership skills, character, talent, diligence, and a commitment to excellence.
To receive this, you must be nominated by multiple Communication faculty, and recipients are seen as exemplary representatives of the Church, university, and department. As President Hinckley stated, “Communication is the basic element of leadership.”
Isabelle was granted her award on December 12, 2023.
BYU-Idaho’s news organization, Scroll, received first place for general excellence from the Idaho Press Club! This was thanks to my leadership and the work of my reporters, colleagues, and faculty.
This award is given to a news organization that demonstrates the highest overall quality in journalism across all aspects of their reporting, including writing, design, and coverage, within the Idaho region, signifying exceptional work across the board in their publications.
To see all the work we did as a team, click the post below!
Scroll received first place for its documentary coverage of Idaho National Laboratory from the Idaho Press Club. As the pre-producer for this film, I can certainly say it was a team effort! This award is given to a video story, planned or unplanned, and it can be issue or event-oriented.
My article received third place in the Idaho Press Club’s “Light Feature Award.” This award is given to stories that show a human interest or humorous feature. Check out the story below!
In April of 2020, zero people visited the most photographed mountains in the world — the Tetons — due to COVID-19. In the last 10 years, visitations to the Teton mountain range have been at a record high. As our world becomes digital, people crave the promise of peace a drive past the mountains can give. But, this comes at a cost.
The pandemic, as a whole, impacted the health of Earth positively and negatively. In 2020, air and water quality improved, greenhouse gasses dropped and noise pollution decreased, specifically in tourist destinations, according to a study from the National Library of Medicine. However, medical, plastic and hazardous waste increased to cope with the demands of hospitals.
So, what about the Tetons? Was this little corner of Wyoming impacted by the pandemic too?
Yes, immensely.
In a study done in 2021, only 5% of those who visit the Tetons were from the Jackson, Wyoming area and 91% of vehicles stop at least once in the park. That means from May through September, traffic is inherent.
Summer 2023.
Melisa Bigelow, a Jackson resident, watched how this global change and influx of vehicles affected her community.
“Since I’ve lived here, we totally have more visitors coming to Jackson,” Bigelow said. “When COVID hit, that was the year that National Parks just went bonkers because no one flew anywhere and everyone was driving to outdoor places. It was just an insane amount of visitors here, so there is an interesting vibe from locals that live here that are like, ‘I won’t even go in the park anymore because there’s too many people.’”
Since 2015, over three million visitors come to enjoy the beauty of Grand Teton National Park each year, and nearly four million people came in 2021. The most popular month to visit the towering mountains is July and August, as many excursions are closed in the winter months.
The traffic has hurt some of the most beautiful places in the park.
“There are all these special hikes that used to be ‘locals only’ that Instagram kind of ruined,” Bigelow said. “There’s one in particular called Delta Lake that only locals knew. There’s not even a really direct trail to it and it’s not on that many maps. I heard that if you were to ask a park ranger how to get to Delta Lake, they would guide you to another one. And then, everyone posted so many pictures about Delta Lake that it went viral, and now it’s just overrun.”
On the other side of the Teton mountain range lives Selena Miskin, a resident of Alta, Wyoming. Alta is a small town of 367 residents that is on the state line between Idaho and Wyoming. It is surrounded by other towns like Driggs and Victor, Idaho, and all three places experience similar trends.
“During the pandemic, people wanted to get away from the density of big cities,” Miskin said. “I think during COVID they just didn’t want to be around people. Teton Valley is clean, it’s fresh and it’s small, so it’s the place to get away. It’s also a big stop for those who want to visit the (Grand Teton National) park.”
Jackson, Wyoming, on the other hand, has a population of 10,728 people and suffers similar problems to Alta and Driggs. But on either side of those jagged mountains, there is one thing that residents can agree on — they love their home.
“I really love the serenity that I feel around the mountains,” Miskin said. “I love living right in its shadow — the Tetons are right outside of my bedroom. It’s honestly the most peaceful place I’ve ever lived in.”
Trends at Grand Teton National Park.
On the other side of the Teton mountain range, Bigelow feels the same.
“I love them so much, I feel like they’re mine,” Bigelow said. “I think for everybody that lives here, you think that mountain range is yours. Every time we leave and when we come back to town, my family and I are just like, ‘Oh, we’re home. This is it. We love it.’”
Both Bigelow and Miskin buy a pass to Grand Teton National Park every year, and they visit in June and September to avoid the crowds.
“Before COVID, we had a ton of international visitors that would come from Salt Lake City in big buses,” Miskin said. “After the pandemic, countries took a long time to open, so since then there’s been a lot fewer international visitors. Now, people come from all over the country. They don’t fly in planes to get here anymore, they drive. Fewer big buses, but we have lots more cars.”
The growing number of cars is one of the biggest issues the park faces. A trend noticed by Grand Teton National Park is that people are “enjoying the park in new ways,” by using more hiking trails, according to the park’s Visitor Use and Experience page. For example, trails in September 2023 were used 4% more than in September 2022.
And the number of people coming to the park is expected to increase. Last year was a relatively “low” year for visitors, with just under three million people. But in September of this year, the park saw a 21% increase in visitors, clocking in at just over three million people.
“Parking is insane, it is overflowing,” Bigelow said. “Being a local, I kind of am aware of when to go and when not to go. You either have to get there earlier, or you get there later in the evening by the time all the tourists have left the park.”
And many locals are even more “anti-growth” in Teton Valley, according to Miskin.
Winter 2023.
“They don’t want the ski resorts to expand or have them put in new runs or put in condos,” Miskin said. “They don’t want farmers to sell their land. I mean, they just want a cap on housing. They don’t want the valley to change, they don’t want it to grow. Driggs doesn’t want to turn into another Jackson or another Park City (Utah). People move here to get away from cities like that.”
In cities like Jackson or Park City, more people are visiting or moving to the area, and more people means even more change, according to Bigelow.
“Jackson is almost filled up with people, and Driggs is their overflow,” Bigelow said. “If you can’t get to Jackson, they’re going to Driggs is kind of what is happening. It’s hard because I’m kind of one of the people that moved in, right? We were just this family that moved and we work hard in the community — we’re a big part of it. I think the problem is that people are buying second homes, raising the prices, but they don’t live or contribute here.”
Change can be hard to watch, especially for those who work hard to preserve the majesty of the Tetons. For some who stay in the area year-round, they choose to look at the positive that change can bring.
“I think there’s those that are so sad to see their Tetons changing, it’s a bitter pill to swallow,” Bigelow said. “Then there’s those that love the change so much and they just want to make it work.”
This article was written for BYU-I’s news organization, Scroll.
Did you know that this is the 50th year that our school news organization, Scroll, goes by the name of Scroll?
In 50 years, and over 100 years of local history, Scroll has gone by many titles: Viking Flashes, The Student Rays and The Purple Flash, to name a few. In all these years, all the changes in management, the different styles of editors-in-chief and the stories that affect Rexburg, Scroll remains the same in one fundamental aspect — it’s a platform for writers to learn and grow.
When I came to BYU-Idaho, I felt smaller and quieter than I ever had in my life. I knew that my Father in Heaven loved who I was, but I didn’t believe it. I only knew myself as a girl capable of failure.
Now, despite the challenges I have hidden in the personal corners of my life, I feel larger than life. I feel confident in myself as a leader, a friend, a wife. Having the opportunity as editor-in-chief of Scroll gave me the tangible experience necessary that has verified something: I can accomplish whatever I set my mind to. Now as I embark on my professional career, I know I can handle whatever comes my way.
Trust me, I am terrified and excited to embark in the world outside of college. But, I pray that as Scroll continues to grow, those who take the practicum or work on staff can have a similar experiences. I want them to know they are loved, valued and needed, and that whatever their past, whatever their struggles, there is a place for them at Scroll. Writer or not, creative or not, Scroll is a place to learn and feel included.
In my work as editor-in-chief, the staff and I brought back a printed edition of Scroll, which covered the inauguration of President Meredith. We successfully covered the October 2023 session of general conference. We created a documentary that covered the work of Idaho National Laboratory. We reignited the Journalism Society on campus. We rebuilt our website and reworked our style guide. We dusted, organized and decorated the Scroll office in the back of Spori 114.
The only reason we were able to do all this is through the help of our wonderful faculty, students and staff. So, as the semester rolls to a close and my time as a college student ends, I can only think of one thing to say to those who work with Scroll.
This project was completed for BYU-I’s news organization, Scroll. This documentary won an Idaho Press Club award.
During the 2023 Fall Semester, Scroll visited Idaho National Laboratory to understand how their projects impact Idaho and the nation.
As Editor in Chief, I organized, edited, took photos and published all content for this project. This video is the result of the students’ visits and collaboration with Soapbox, BYU-Idaho’s creative agency. This video is a student’s interpretation and might not reflect exactly all the work done at INL.
Documentary
Articles in the series ‘Idaho and the Energy Future’
This article was written for BYU-I’s news organization, Scroll.
On the corner of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, a man in a kilt plays hymns on his bagpipes.
“I’m happy to do it — it’s a workout,” said Tim Fowers, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Centerville, Utah. “About 20 hymns I can do, I know nine notes on the bagpipes so I have to kind of pick.”
Fowers began playing for neighbors in 2020 when COVID-19 hit Utah.
“I started going out and playing (the bagpipes) in the community,” Fowers said. “I would post on (a city’s) Facebook and say, ‘Hey, I’m in the neighborhood playing,’ because we were all stuck. So every week, every Sunday, I would get out and play.”
Isabelle Justice, Scroll’s Editor in Chief, speaks to Fowers on the corner of the conference center.
Once in-person conference began again in 2022, Fowers played hymns at the corner of the Conference Center, right next to where protestors shout their message.
“I’m not trying to make money, I’m not trying to sell DVDs,” Fowers said. “I’m just playing for people. This is a great audience.”
According to Fowers, the best part of playing the bagpipes is the connection he feels in Salt Lake City.
“We just had a whole bunch of people packed in here and they started singing,” said Fowers. “That meant a lot.”
For a journalism course, I wrote a feature article about a new thrift store from a BYU-Idaho alumna. This article is also on Scroll.
With stores like Thrifted Lennon’s, Daisy Links and Superlame, thrift shopping is an easy way for students to connect in Rexburg. But for BYU-Idaho alumna Lily Galer, thrifting is more than just a hobby — it’s a way to use her degree.
“(After graduation) I was looking for a job in marketing,” Galer said. “But really, my dream jobs are all in major cities. It’s harder to find jobs here in Rexburg that are specific to what I want to do — I want to be a creative director.”
Originally from Washington D.C., Galer came to small-town Rexburg after serving a mission in San Diego, California. She graduated from BYU-Idaho as a communication major with an emphasis in social and digital media in December 2022.
After graduation, Galer met her husband while working as the marketing manager for the local artisan drink shop, Crush.
“After we got married, I was really struggling to find a full-time job,” Galer explained. “I’m really into buying clothes and finding thrifted stuff. Usually when I go thrifting, I think of a friend when I like a piece of clothing. I pick my favorite pieces, but I’m sad to leave the rest. I was trying to figure out how to make money, so, I started my thrift Instagram page.”
Two Names, One Mission
Galer’s Instagram thrift store is called ‘Lily’s Thrift Finds,’ with one exception.
“There are two different names,” Galer said. “I was trying to find a name on Instagram that I didn’t have to repeat a letter or put an underscore or dot in between, because that’s what businesses try to do — they stay original. I was trying to find that name, and that’s how I got the username ‘Lily’s Vintage Thrifts.’”
Galer uses the spare room in her apartment as her storefront for ‘Lily’s Thrift Finds.’ She has seemingly everything, from graphic tees to jean jackets to leather boots.
“It’s really cool to see how women can bond through something as simple as shopping,” Galer said. “I’m really into buying clothes, dressing up and just finding thrifted stuff. I really don’t ever shop at retail stores or online unless it’s something really specific that I can’t find. I like to shop at local stores.”
Womptober Music Festival
On Oct. 13, a chilly Friday night, Rexburg experienced its first Womptober Music Festival. The event featured 10 bands from the Eastern Idaho area and a variety of vendors attended the event.
Lily Galer was one of them.
“As I was unloading everything, a lot of the girls that were at the festival were curious,” Galer explained. “I hadn’t even finished unloading and girls were like, ‘Hey, how much is this?’ It was actually really crazy how people interested … It was retail therapy for them, but not like breaking the bank.”
Galer has not begun a physical marketing campaign; everything she does is completely on her Instagram. Having an in-person event was a new experience for the store, one that she claimed she was not prepared for until the event began.
“I was invited by a friend to sell at Womptober,” Galer said. “I didn’t realize that it’s so much work to bring all the clothes and everything that I own to sell.”
Because Galer’s brand focuses on staying affordable, her store has easily gained new followers on Instagram. This is what Galer feels sets her apart from other thrift stores in the area.
“I feel like what’s been lacking in Rexburg is a place where girls can go and shop,” Galer said. “There are places that increase their prices so they aren’t affordable for college students.”
In ‘Lily’s Thrift Finds,’ she focuses on having a wide range of clothing sizes. And that, Galer says, is what she loves about thrifting the most.
“In thrifting, you can’t really shop based on sizes,” she said. “You buy it and whatever size it is, it’s that size, you know? So, it’s cool to see that if I saw something that’s an extra small and someone can buy it … It’s hard to find specific sizes, but with this, people can find unique sizes and you can connect with them.”
Lily’s Vintage Thrifts can be viewed on Instagram.
Feature Video ~ Oct. 17, 2023
Lily Galer Podcast Narrative
Cue introduction.
Narrator: Hello listeners of BYU-Idaho Scroll Spotlight! Tonight, we have a very special topic, one that is quite popular among the girls here on campus. We are going to be talking about thrifting, specifically, a new shop called ‘Lily’s Thrift Finds.” Lily Galer is a BYU-I alumna, and she graduated in communication with an emphasis in social and digital media.
Lily Galer: It’s really cool to see how women can bond through something as simple as shopping.
Cue podcast theme music.
Narrator: Hello everyone! My name is Isabelle Justice, and this is the BYU-IdahoScroll Spotlight. Thrifting is arguably a big part of the culture here in Rexburg, especially for the girls. We have some thrift stores here in town like Thrifted Lennon’s and Daisy Links, but did you know there are thrift shops here without a store front? And one of them uses Instagram to sell her clothes. I want to introduce you to Lily Galer and her store, ‘Lily’s Thrift Finds.’
Lily Galer: We do have a couple thrift stores or retail stores here, but I feel like what’s been lacking in Rexburg is a place where girls can go and shop. There are places that increase their prices so they aren’t affordable for college students.
Narrator: With big-city dreams, Lily came to small-town Rexburg to get her degree in communication with an emphasis in social and digital media. But a degree was not the only thing she was able to gain by living in Rexburg.
Lily: My husband and I met in Rexburg. He’s from here, and I was just working at the local drink shop called Crush. We were just chatting and I was helping him take his order. And he just said, ‘Hey, do you know my friend?’ and then that’s when we met and started hanging out.
Narrator: Before graduation, Lily worked at Crush as their marketing manager for her internship. But after she received her diploma, she struggled to find a routine that fit her big dreams.
Lily: I graduated in December. Then January through June, I just planned our wedding. I also had to find a place to live because in Rexburg it’s harder to find apartments that are nice and affordable. I was kind of living by myself — it’s hard to find affordable housing that has all the features you want, you know? We’re really lucky to be able to find an apartment, and then I just planned our wedding.
Narrator: After the wedding, Lily struggled to find a job position that fit her new life.
Lily: I was looking for a job in marketing. But really, my dream jobs are all in major cities. It’s harder to find jobs here in Rexburg that are specific to what I want to do — I want to be a creative director. But here, I was just not finding the jobs I wanted, and then I applied to those jobs anyway and didn’t getting them. I just thought it was strange that it’s not working out, but I did end up finding a job. Before that, I was like, ‘If I don’t find a job here, what could I do to make money?’
Narrator: Part of the secret to Lily’s success was her new apartment, which was a gateway to new opportunities. Specifically, a thrift store.
Lily: I’m really into buying clothes, dressing up and just finding thrifted stuff. I really don’t ever shop at retail stores or online unless it’s something really specific that I can’t find. I like to shop at local stores. I usually find a lot of great things but I don’t buy it all. In my head, I usually think of a friend when I like a piece clothing. I pick my favorite ones, but then I’m sad to leave the rest. Like, ‘Oh, my friend would like this,’ or ‘My other friend would like this.’
Narrator: With women in mind, Lily began to piece together her perfect thrift shop.
Lily: When I started my mindset was, ‘Okay, who’s my target audience? It’s college students, that’s most people I know who live here, and what’s their budget?’ And so, I price my clothing based on that. I think it’s a bit more difficult because I don’t make as much money, but it’s more fulfilling for me. I don’t really know the future of what I’m doing, but hopefully I could have a storefront and then have college students come in and make it a place that they can go to.
Narrator: Lily’s shop is marketed completely on Instagram. She explained that it is expensive to do a physical storefront, and having an online store allows her more opportunities to be a vendor at different events. But price was not the only obstacle she ran into. While naming her store, Lily uses two different names.
Lily: I was trying to find a name on Instagram that I didn’t have to repeat a letter or put an underscore or dot in between, because that’s what businesses try to do — they stay original. I was trying to find that name, and that’s how I got the username ‘Lilys Vintage Thrifts.’”
Narrator: Fortunately for Lily, the Womptober Music Festival came to Rexburg on Oct. 13th. There, she brought all her merchandise to sell, but the event did not come without a little bit of anxiety.
Lily: I was invited by a friend to sell at Womptober. Before, I thought, ‘I don’t think I would be able to sell like a vendor because I’m not prepared for that.’ So, when she asked me, I didn’t realize that it’s so much work to bring all the clothes and everything that I own to sell. But I brought it anyways because I just wanted to have it all so that people can see. It was really cool to see how many girls were interested in coming to my shop because I didn’t even have a tent. I haven’t really done anything with storefront or physical marketing, like a sign or flyers, stickers or business cards. It’s all been through social media that I’ve been doing marketing.
Narrator: Once the nerves settled, Lily couldn’t believe the amount of connection she saw at the event.
Lily: At first, I didn’t know how this is going to go. As I was unloading everything, a lot of the girls that were at the festival were curious. I hadn’t even finished unloading, and girls were like, ‘Hey, how much is this?’ It was actually really crazy how people interested. I saw that so many girls who were enjoying it. It was retail therapy for them, but not like breaking the bank. It was really cool because I felt like I could connect with all the people that I talked to.
Narrator: One way Lily has remained unique in her store is that she bases her brand on affordability and having a large range of sizes.
Lily: In thrifting, you can’t really shop based on sizes. You buy it and whatever size it is, it’s that size, you know? So, it’s cool to see that if I saw something that’s an extra small and someone can buy it. If someone is super tiny, there’s someone that can be interested in it. It’s hard to find specific sizes, but with this, people can find unique sizes and you can connect with them. At Womptober people were like, ‘I’ve been trying to look for this but I am like a weird size and like I haven’t been able to find it and I’m glad that you found it!’ And then a lot of girls asked if I sold clothes online and I showed them my page. It’s really cool to connect that way. And a lot of them talk to each other when they shop and it’s really cool to see how women can bond through something as simple as shopping. And then I really care about the people who shop, not because of money, but it’s so cool that someone can like the stuff that I like. It’s deeper. Like, ‘Oh, we like the same things as I do,’ and we can bond through that. It’s so cool because I’ve got gotten to meet a lot of girls through that and just like be friends with them, you know?
Narrator: For those who are interested in looking at Lily’s inventory, you can find her account on Instagram under, ‘lilysvintagethrifts.’ For BYU-Idaho Scroll Spotlight, this is Isabelle Justice, signing off. I will see you next time!
This article was written for BYU-I’s news organization, Scroll.
On May 16, Alvin F. Meredith III was announced as BYU-Idaho’s 18th president, succeeding Henry J. Eyring who served as president for six years. The announcement was made during Devotional by Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
President Meredith has served in many different Church capacities; he’s been the chairman of the Executive Committee of BYU-Idaho’s Board of Trustees, a General Authority Seventy, president of the Utah Salt Lake City South Mission, a bishop, stake president and Area Seventy in the North America Southeast and Asia Areas.
With his church service aside, who is Alvin F. Meredith III, the new president of BYU-I?
From the Bible Belt
Known as “Trip” by friends and family, President Meredith was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on July 22, 1970. His mother, Mary Smartt Meredith, was a convert to the church, according to a Church Newsroom interview.
“We come from good stock, just not pioneer stock,” President Meredith said. “There were no handcarts in our family history, no crossing the Plains.”
President Meredith was an athlete in high school and served full-time in the Utah Salt Lake City mission after graduation.
Studied psychology and business
After his mission, President Meredith earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at BYU in 1994. He later earned a master of business administration in finance from the University of Chicago in 2001. He met his wife, Jennifer Denise Edgin, during his time in Provo.
“We were set up on a blind date by some mutual friends,” President Meredith said in a BYU-I Devotional. “My wife is the very best person that I know … Over time, the accumulation of small and quiet reassurances made me realize that she was someone that made me think my highest thoughts, aspire to my noblest deeds and made me wish that I was better than I was. And I just really loved her too.”
They were sealed on Feb. 8, 1998, in the Salt Lake Temple. They have been married for 26 years and have six children.
Sister Meredith’s parents are converts to the Church. She served a full-time mission in the Argentina Salta Mission and earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from BYU.
President Meredith has served in many different Church capacities and began his service at BYU-I on Aug. 1.
Lived and served overseas
After graduate school, President Meredith’s job offered a position in Hong Kong, China.
“At the time, our oldest child was ten years old and my wife, Jennifer, was six months pregnant with our sixth child,” President Meredith explained. “It was daunting to know that this decision would affect not only me, (but) the people I love the most — my family.”
President Meredith prayed, studied and counseled with Church leaders to make a decision.
“It became clear that this would be a good move — not an easy move — but a good move for our family,” President Meredith said.
The Merediths lived in Hong Kong from 2010-2011, and upon returning to the U.S., President Meredith was sustained as an Area Seventy in the North American Southeast Area from 2012-2016.
The Merediths returned to Asia once more for work in 2016, and President Meredith was sustained as an Area Seventy in the Asia Area where he served until 2018.
In the last decade, President Meredith completed Church assignments in Utah, Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama and North Carolina. In Asia, he served in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Pakistan, China, Thailand and India.
Mission president and General Authority Seventy
President Meredith was later called as the mission president for a place that he knew well — Salt Lake City, Utah.
“We’ve learned that wherever you go, it’s the Lord’s work and it’s the Lord’s Church regardless of the language or culture they come from,” President Meredith said in a Church Newsroom interview.
After his service as a mission president, President Meredith was sustained as a General Authority Seventy in 2021. He will continue to serve as a General Authority during his time at BYU-I.
When is the inauguration?
Meredith began his duties as president on Aug. 1. His first act as president was leading the first devotional of the summer.
“It’s my first day of school,” President Meredith said to a chuckling crowd, according to a BYU-I Scroll article.
President Meredith’s inauguration is on Oct. 10 at 11:30 a.m. in the BYU-Idaho Center. The event will be available online, BYU-I Radio and YouTube.
“The university invites students, employees and the public to gather to celebrate this milestone in BYU-Idaho history,” said Brett Crandall in a BYU-I news release.
This article was written for BYU-I’s news organization, Scroll.
Ember Anderson, a BYU-Idaho student, shared that if she were to go back to Front Street in Lahaina and imagined that it could ever be burned down, she wouldn’t have believed it.
On Aug. 8, a wildfire on the island of Maui devastated the historic town of Lahaina. Over 100 people were killed, including five Latter-day Saints. Nearly 3,000 structures were damaged or destroyed in the fire.
On Monday, Maui police confirmed 114 fatalities and identified 27 individuals. There are three active fires in Maui: the Olinda, Kula and Lahaina fires. They are 85% or more contained. The Pulehu/Kihei fire was 100% contained on Aug. 12.
Ember Anderson
Anderson was born and raised on Maui and was interviewed by BYU-Idaho Radio Tuesday.
“I was going to Lahaina early in the morning to work with my dad at one of the resorts,” Anderson said. “We were driving down and I looked up the mountain, and I saw the fire upcountry.”
Anderson mentioned that fires in Maui are typical, but this fire was unique due to a hurricane passing south of the island.
“(The hurricane) created this gnarly sucking action. At the resorts all the power was off … It was just super windy all day. You could smell the smoke,” Anderson said. “None of the sirens ever went off … which they test every month, but they never went off for some unknown reason.”
Anderson and her father left Lahaina due to the strong winds — two hours later it was nearly impossible to leave Lahaina.
“We were stuck in traffic because they closed one of the roads,” Anderson said. “You could see the telephones bending and swaying toward the cars.”
Anderson made it home safely. Her house in Makawao was untouched by the flames, but she could see the smoke from where she lived.
“We were all sitting together watching the fire progress through social media,” Anderson recalled. “We had some friends in Lahaina. It was really scary.”
Latter-day Saint relief efforts
Anderson, like other Latter-day Saints in Maui, helps in relief efforts for locals.
“Me and my family have two stake centers in town, Kahului, that we’ve been volunteering at,” Anderson said. “We’ve been doing clothing, food, just kind of everything like that.”
On Saturday, Church Newsroom highlighted the stories of Latter-day Saints through a news article and video. Eighty members of the Lahaina 1st Ward lost their homes and many members of the Lahaina 2nd Ward were displaced, but the two meetinghouses in Lahaina did not burn.
“Those coming to the stake centers for help seemed shocked,” said Anderson. “They are trying to process what just happened. Many of them, their entire lives are just decimated. For a lot of the people that live over there, those homes are just ancestral.”
On Friday, Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke toured two Maui stake centers which were used as temporary shelters.
“We are just so grateful for the outpouring of support; this shows what people are made of,” said Governor Luke. “In a time of crisis, in a time of devastation, it’s people, it’s community, it’s the Church that steps up.”
Anderson and other Maui locals have worked together to provide relief.
“Not a lot of the government has gotten involved,” said Anderson. “The community has really pulled together and there are so many boats and jet skis that just keep going over to Lahaina. You can’t really access it right now by car, so they are taking food, clothes, shelter, propane, gas and just everything they need.”
On Sunday, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced they will donate $1 million to the American Red Cross, which will provide shelter, meals, bedding, hygiene kids, mental health services and more, according to a news release. The Kahului Hawaii Stake Center shelter was also dismantled, as people found other living spaces.
How to help Maui
But the best way for Maui to heal, according to Anderson, is for tourists not to visit the island.
“There is this guy on Maui who is pretty active in the water sports community, his name is Kai Lenny,” said Anderson. “He has a (fundraiser) called the Positively Kai Foundation. He’s been a huge help in orchestrating all the supply runs. From the first day, he was on jet skis with all of his buddies just hauling stuff. And that’s a long jet ski ride all the way to Lahaina.”
Despite the tragedy of the wildfires, Anderson noted that the people of Maui are strong.
“I want people to know that as bad as this is, there are so many people that have pulled together,” said Anderson. “It’s really cool to see how well our community works together to fight for each other.”
According to a BYU-Hawaii notice, the Church is currently discouraging gathering items to ship to Maui. Instead, Church leaders encourage members to make a donation to respectable organizations. Donations can also be made online to Maui County.
Anderson’s interview with BYU-Idaho Radio can be viewed on Spotify and on the radio’s website.
This article was written for BYU-I’s news organization, Scroll.
On Tuesday, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced a no-cost print subscription for its three magazines: Liahona, For the Strength of Youth and Friend.
This offer is available in specific parts of the world, but over the next several months it will reach every part of the globe, according to the Church Newsroom. To qualify, users need a church account which allows one annual subscription per household.
“The Church wants to give greater access to the words of the prophets, and we are excited to make the printed copies of the Church magazines available at no-cost.” said Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in a press release.
In 2021, the Church magazines underwent major changes to better serve its readers across the world. Today, all magazines are available at no-charge in the Gospel Library and are translated into 50 languages.
Members 18 years and older can manage their Church magazine subscription and can sign up for email notifications.
Liahona
The Liahonais a Church magazine that contains messages from Church leaders about difficult topics and gospel principles. It also highlights inspiring stories from members across the world.
The Liahona‘s target audience is adult members of the Church.It began printing in 1907 and has been available worldwide since 2021.
For Strength of Youth
The For Strength of Youthwas created for adolescents ages 11 to 18, and shares spiritually strengthening messages and activities. The publication was originally called New Era, but, in efforts to be a global church, was rebranded in 2021. The For Strength of Youth has fewer pages than the New Era which allows it to be printed in 48 languages.
“This will be the first time that many youth … outside of English-speaking countries will be able to subscribe to a magazine with messages specifically directed to them,” stated a press release from the Church.
Friend
Formally called The Children’s Friend from 1902 until 1970, the Friend is a magazine curated by the Church for children under the age of 11. It includes scripture stories, child-friendly messages from Church leaders, coloring pages and testimonies.
On the Friend’s 50th anniversary, the magazine became global. In January of 2021, the Friend was printed into 48 different languages and sent to about 150 countries.
This article was written for BYU-I’s news organization, Scroll.
On Tuesday, BYU-Idaho students shared their thoughts with Scroll about the upcoming fall semester, and what kinds of changes could be coming to campus.
“I’m looking forward to the cooler weather and all the fall leaves,” said Kallie Larson, a BYU-I student. “I’m excited to meet new people, learn new things and have new experiences.”
Accompanying the arriving semester is a CES-wide change to the Honor Code, Dress and Grooming standards and Ecclesiastical Endorsements.
“I think it’s pretty cool,” said Natalia Perry, a student majoring in international studies, when asked about the update.”It’s quite inspired and it’s exciting to have those little changes.”
Although the changes are small, the way campus expectations are now worded has left an impact on students.
“I love how it talks about thinking about whether you’ve been endowed or not to think about if your clothes will cover your garments,” Larson said. “And how you would feel being around the Savior with what you’re wearing.”
Summer devotionals have been held in the Gordon B. Hinkley chapel, but next week, devotional will be held in the I-Center. Photo credit: Isabelle Justice
Bella Sonae, a student at BYU-Idaho, said she was excited to wear shorts during the warmer season.
“It has been really hot because we have been walking from the Cedars to (the Manwaring Center),” Sonae said. “It has been really hot in pants, so I’m so excited to wear shorts and skirts.”
Another big change at BYU-I has been the change in presidency. On Aug. 1, President Alvin F. Meredith III began his tenure at BYU-I.
“He’s actually one of my friend’s mission presidents,” said Perry, when asked about President Meredith. “He’s done a great job so far.”
President Meredith served as a mission president for the Utah Salt Lake City South Mission and began his service as a General Seventy in 2021.
“He seems close to the Lord,” Larson said. “He is very aware of the students and their needs.”
A video sharing student’s responses can be seen on Instagram.
This article was written for BYU-I’s news organization, Scroll.
On Friday, Pocatello Animal Services announced that the city will work with Petco Love Lost, an animal facial recognition database, to help find lost pets in the Eastern Idaho area.
“We see firsthand how quickly a pet can go missing,” said Crystal Anderson, Pocatello Animal Services Department Specialist, in a press release. “There’s nothing more rewarding than reuniting families with their beloved pets.”
Petco Love is a nonprofit organization that has worked with animal foster families since 1999. Petco Love Lost, a program from Petco Love, allows owners to upload photos of their dogs and cats to be added to the database which contains over 170,000 photos, according to their website.
“Petco Love Lost … uses patented facial recognition technology to make finding lost pets quicker and easier,” wrote Marlise Irby, Pocatello’s public information officer. “Uploaded photos of a missing dog or cat are immediately scanned to determine whether the lost pet is at a participating shelter or with a neighbor in the community.”
Stray animals are kept at the Pocatello Animal Shelter for three business days and then may be made available for adoption. With Petco Love Lost, the city hopes the database can help pets find their homes.
Click here to view the Pocatello Animal Services Stray Animals list.
For a journalism course, I wrote a feature article about the Library Aid in the Special Collections archives at BYU-Idaho. I created a magazine with this content, and below are the results of this project. This article is also on Scroll.
“It’s important that history is recognized as being important,” said Braden.
His aviator glasses sat comfortably on the bridge of his nose. His honey-blonde hair was tucked behind his ears. His index finger and thumb rested on his chin as he calculated an insightful answer to my overarching question. When I asked Braden Chancellor if it’s important that everyone has a basic knowledge of history, he didn’t give a long-winded answer like I was expecting. He didn’t preach about how the study of history is a dying art, instead, he explained that historians want their profession recognized and respected.
“We have a lot of focus on STEM, right? Just as a university and a nation,” Braden said, his hands danced in the air to emphasize his point. “I think that a focus on STEM is great and some could argue that it has more value, but I know history has a significance that people don’t recognize.”
Many historical texts are located in the Special Collection archives for students to see.
Braden Chancellor is a Library Aide for the Special Collections, an archive on campus that is tucked away on the second floor of the library. It is a place where prehistoric artifacts and the history of Upper Snake River Valley are kept safe. The room itself is quiet. Cozy. Serene. The carpet was brown and blue. Vintage, from the 50s, Braden said. There were shelves of books and bust statues, lines of blue-clothed rocking chairs, and an exhibit about religious texts. Braden pulled a chair for me, and we sat across each other on a long table on the north side of the room.
“I led this,” he said and pointed around at the foam posters and glass containers that surrounded us. Each exhibit protected religious books that were hundreds of years old. “I started getting involved with the exhibits and writing … they said that I was doing a good job and asked if I could be in charge of planning the others.”
While the exhibit sat perfectly in the front of the room, Braden did most of his work in the back. The archives. They spiral like a maze and are only open to the employees.
“At first, I took old materials that people donated and organized them,” he said. “It was just indexing for a little bit, but I wasn’t on that for very long. I got introduced to exhibit planning, right?”
And that’s where his passion lies, he clarified. And as he did, something switched in Braden. His eyes lit up and a smile crept across his face. It’s the kind of smile only those passionate about their career show, and he reminds me of myself. Braden’s niche is history, mine is writing. Writing gives me the space to speak my mind or speak it for others. History gives Braden the space to understand the world. It’s not often that I meet someone so vocal about what they care for.
“I would love to be in a museum and teach people about history in a creative way,” he said when I asked him about his dream job. “As long as I can make enough to support my family. Whether it’s a city historian, state historian … I like the idea of being able to be a well-respected authority. You want people to say your name and know who they are talking about.”
I asked how he first started to love history. He told me that it was because of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.
Braden Chancellor in front of the David O. McKay Libraryat BYU-Idaho.
“I loved learning about these stories,” he said, laughing. “I would get little fact books about pirates and tell my friends and family about what I learned.”
And when Braden got into advanced placement classes in high school, his interest in history blossomed into a passion, one that followed him into his college career. Once at BYU-Idaho, Braden realized that a history degree was more versatile than he originally thought.
“There is this area of study—it’s kind of new—comes from the 1670’s, and it’s called public history,” he said while tapping his pointer finger on the table. “Examples of that would be working in museums, battlegrounds, and national parks. Those are areas of employment that historians actually get hired to do rather than teaching.”
Braden does what many are afraid to do: follow their dreams. He explained that it was understandable why many don’t, but it’s necessary to follow through with the gifts God has given us. And it’s more than just wishful thinking. Braden completed an internship with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he was able to index records that were hundreds of years old. That internship got him his job in the Special Collections.
And that’s why I interviewed him. Actually, that’s why I interviewed him twice. I couldn’t get enough of Braden’s bright mind, or shake the notion that more people need to be as driven as he is.
“What if this hobby is so important to me that I want it to take eight hours of my day?”
“I received a blessing that said how important my education would be; that I would be able to find a career that supports my family,” he shared. “I think back to why it’s okay that I didn’t pursue a STEM career even if it’s more valuable. It’s because I’m naturally interested in answering these questions.”
Do you think that everyone needs to ask why as you do, I ask.
“I think it’s necessary for some people to ask why in life, but I don’t think it’s necessary for everyone to,” he responds, buckling my argument that everyone needs to be fueled by their interests alone. “There’s going to be some that are curious, and there’s going to be some people who want to take it as it is—that’s okay.”
And then it makes sense: just like it’s not essential to know the periodic table, it’s not crucial that everyone has definite knowledge of history. All he, and historians want, is for us to value them. Include them in the modern discussion too, because they do have a voice.
“I’ve had some people say not to make your hobby your job,” Braden confessed. “What if this hobby is so important to me that I want it to take eight hours of my day? I don’t want to sit in an office and do sales … I want the bulk of my life to be focused on my family. I want history to be a part of it.”
If I could have dinner with one person, I would have it with my 60-year-old self.
We would sit in a cafe on my birthday. I wouldn’t ask her how many kids I have, how my husband is doing, where I live, or how much money I make. I would ask her for tailored, hand-picked advice. I would ask her if I was doing life well and how much I should trust myself. I would ask how much pain is ahead – if things really do get better. I would ask her if I was able to slow down enough to enjoy my life.
She would smile, her long hair sitting so comfortably on her shoulders. She would take my hand and give it a squeeze.
My 60-year-old self would say that I should trust myself completely and love myself even more. She would say that I am doing my best and that would be enough. She would say that things get infinitely better, and your life would only reflect the kindness you give, but only if you slow down. She would say to let go of grudges. To relax, and not plan so much. To stay close to God.
I would probably cry. She would give me a hug and say that she was with me all along. We would drink herbal tea, eat an almond croissant, and laugh until dusk. She would pay the bill, give me one last squeeze, and be on her way. The smell of her perfume would stay with me.
This article was written for a journalism course at BYU-I.
As Marcia Davis walked through the halls of Cambridge Prep Academy in Lake City, Florida, she felt out of place. Davis could see some students talking, while another group of friends waved “hello” to her. Most high school students feel awkward, but for Davis it was different. She was accepted, but it wasn’t the same. Why?
Because Davis has severe hearing loss.
Marcia Davis, 2017
For 22-year-old Davis, a student at Brigham Young University-Idaho studying communication, hearing takes all her effort.
“My hearing aids help with my articulation,” said Davis. “It makes me feel every click in my mouth, so I can talk more clearly. I would not be anything like I am today without hearing aids.”
For Idaho citizens that have hearing loss, Davis’s story can now be theirs. According to the Idaho Deaf and Hard of Hearing Council, certain residents are now eligible for free or discounted hearing aids.
“Assistive technology promotes greater independence by enabling people to perform tasks that they were formerly unable to accomplish,” said the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Council on their website.
Heidi Smith, BYU-I’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Coordinator, helps Rexburg, Idaho residents get access to hearing aids.
“If a deaf or hard of hearing person qualifies, they might get their hearing aids paid for,” said Smith. “It needs to be either student or job-related. If the hearing aids will help the student graduate and find a good job, or if the person needs hearing aids to work, then it is my understanding that they will help to pay for them.”
Smith recommended contacting Vocational Rehab, which is a state-funded program that has offices across Idaho.
“Vocational Rehabilitation … provides comprehensive vocational services to individuals with disabilities,” stated the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation on their website. “The scope of rehabilitation services that may be provided is extensive and includes services that lead to employment which will also result in increasing an individual’s independence and self-worth.”
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation focuses on getting residents with disabilities functioning in a school or work environment. But for Idaho residents who don’t want to go through state services, there are other ways they can get hearing assistive devices.
Davis, 2018
Idaho residents can apply for grants or payment through Ear Nose and Throat Offices across the state, such as Idaho Assistive Technology Project in Moscow or the Assistive League of Boise in Boise. Additionally, national programs like The Hike Fund, Easter Seals, and Optimist Club can get residents free or discounted hearing aids.
For many deaf and hard-of-hearing residents, hearing assistive devices are outside of their financial means. According to Customer Affairs, hearing aids average at $2,300 per device in 2023, making this a nearly $5,000 investment.
Davis was able to invest in hearing aids and got her first pair at 15 months old.
“When (my parents) found out I was hearing impaired, I was so behind and couldn’t speak,” she explained. “Because I was still young, I still had the chance to learn how to talk.”
With the help of her hearing aids and speech therapy, Davis now blends into a hearing world.
“There were lots of moments when I did feel behind, but the hearing aids have always helped,” Davis said. “Without hearing aids, I wouldn’t be able to talk. I would just use ASL, write, read lips – it would be a completely different life.”
However, the deaf and hard-of-hearing community does not always want hearing aids. Davin Glenn, a BYU-I graduate, is hard of hearing but never learned American Sign Language.
Davin Glenn (right) and his wife Corinne Glenn (left), April 2021
“Not every deaf person wants to blend into hearing culture,” said Glenn. “It can be controversial and I only speak for my own experiences as a hard-of-hearing person. I am able to lipread and I can get along fine, but many deaf people love their culture and don’t want to change it.”
Davis understands this, but still thinks the free or discounted hearing aids can benefit Idaho.
“I know there is a lot of debate about this,” Davis said. “I’m glad that I can fit into the norm of society rather than go and have to be in a specific community, which would be the deaf community.”
But Davis respects the deaf community, whether they want hearing-assisted devices or not.
“If (only learning ASL) had happened, I wouldn’t have known the difference and it would have been fine,” Davis explained. “But I wouldn’t be able to sing or be able to talk. I like being part of the norm. I’m glad they pushed not doing ASL and just focusing on speaking and hearing aids. I wish they did teach me ASL too just as a backup, but sign language was not encouraged back then.”
Sign language was not encouraged in mainstream culture until the late 2000’s, but Idaho is an anomaly in the deaf and hard-of-hearing world, according to Smith.
“In eastern Idaho there really is not (a deaf culture),” Smith said. “We have fully deaf students who have cochlear implants and they don’t consider themselves deaf, they consider themselves hard of hearing … the circle could be bigger but because there is not a big deaf culture here so many of them do not associate with being deaf. They kind of just want to blend in, which isn’t normally the case.”
Davis, October 2022
Whether deaf or hard-of-hearing residents choose blend in or stand out, the state of Idaho has resources. The most popular one, according to Hearing Link, is the FM system. This is used in the classroom and is available statewide in public schools.
“FM systems are wireless assistive hearing devices that enhance the use of hearing aids”, says Hearing Link on their website. “(They) also assist people who are hard of hearing but do not wear hearing aids, in particular over distance and in noisy environments.
Juston Wadsworth, affectionately known as the ‘Soupman,’ passed away unexpectedly on December 13, 2022. To celebrate his life, family members gave away his soup to the community.
Juston Wadsworth was born on August 28, 1978. The father of three children and the owner of Rexburg’s very own soup shop, “Soup For You,” Wadsworth positively impacted the sleepy college town of Rexburg, Idaho.
Inside the red brick shop with yellow antique tiling, the ambiance was heavy but full of love. Parents, children, family and college students created a line outside of the door, all for Wadsworth and his house-made soup.
The food options for the little soup shop’s last day of business were: Curried Seafood, Chicken Soup For the Soul, Cheesy Jalapeno and Bacon, Herbed Lentil, New Mexican Corn, and Creamy Tomato Pesto.
“Soup For You” was still filled with the same recognizable plants and collectible art, but this time, a shrine was made in Wadsworth’s name at the center of the store. Rexburg locals gave their condolences and graciously donated funds for Wadsworth’s funeral.
This article was written for BYU-I’s news organization, Scroll.
From baggy jeans to checkered Vans, skateboarding culture remains similar worldwide. But nestled in the small town of Rexburg, the atmosphere at the skatepark is a little different than normal, thanks to a strong religious influence and college-town atmosphere.
Mason Clark, a junior studying communication, is one student who lives to skate. Clark spends his free time making skateboarding videos and found it to be his passion.
“I love the skate scene in Rexburg because I feel like I am surrounded by a lot of people I go to school with,” Clark said. “I like that because we all have common ground … no matter how old you are or what level of skateboarding you are in, we can all connect.”
Rexburg’s skate culture runs strong, according to Clark.
“There’s definitely a culture at the skatepark, just like any anywhere,” Clark explained. “Everybody is automatically friends.”
Kalani Azabache, a student studying communication, is also a skater in the Rexburg area.
“I love the skate scene in Rexburg because we are all part of the same team despite our differences,” Azabache said. “There are a lot of young high school kids that come skate with us and it’s fun to hang out with them because they are learning.”
Azabache, otherwise known as “the man that falls the most”, loves the encouraging atmosphere at the park.
“Even when I take the gnarliest slams, everyone still motivates and encourages me to get back up,” Azabache said. “When I do land, everyone is super excited. It’s such a fun time to skate in Rexburg, everyone is like your family there.”
However, nothing comes perfect. Clark and Azabache shed some light on improvements that could be made to the Rexburg skatepark.
“I’ll be completely honest, I love the skatepark at Rexburg, but it’s definitely not made by professionals,” Clark said. “There are a lot of cracks everywhere — I feel like it’s made poorly.”
With chipped concrete and awkward placement, the park is not easy to skate.
“I love skating there with all my heart, but there are a couple of things they could get better,” Azabache said. “The transitions of the park are not the best, I wish it had a better flow to it. I feel like it appeals more to … the regular stance. For us goofy footers, we have to adapt to it.”
Despite its cracks and bumpy transitions, the skatepark holds a special place for Rexburg locals and BYU-Idaho college students.
“I still love the park,” Azabache said. “I’ll still skate there whenever I can.”
As the end of a college career is just within fingertips, nine BYU-Idaho seniors studying communication dedicated a portion of their evening to mentor inquisitive students. Free pizza and drinks were served in the basement room 35 at the Jacob Spori Building on Thursday, June 9.
Here are four things you missed from the communication department’s senior panel that can apply to all majors.
What’s the best way to set yourself apart from others?
Debroah Ownes said that making lasting and productive relationships with your professors is what will get you far. Owens explained that it is more important to put your differences aside and to receive critiques on your work.
Another senior added that one way she motivates herself is by creating a “to-do” list filled with little accomplishments. When something small gets done, she can build her confidence and work ethic piece by piece.
One senior, who has a video production emphasis, encouraged communication students to put their work online even if they do not feel confident in it. He explained that it is still an additional project that will show your growth, and someone may love your work and even use it.
Victoria shared her experiences with TikTok and the viral videos she received when she just put herself out there. She cautioned that within vulnerability, there is bullying, especially online. However, if we never put ourselves out there, we will never grow.
How did you know what emphasis to choose?
One senior shared that video production is something that he loves, but he was concerned about finances. After spiritual and academic reflection, he decided that it was better to do what he loves.
That passion has driven him to new and creative outlets. He said that if you continually strive to live the gospel and pay tithing, within the means of Heaven, the Lord will help you achieve the life you desire.
How did you know what emphasis to choose?
Owens shared to increase your chances of getting a leadership position would be to be a leader when no one is looking. Whether it’s staying after classes to ask questions, helping others with their work, doing the extra project, or developing beneficial relationships with your professors, you need to find ways that set you apart.
Matt elaborated on this concept and encouraged the students to ask themselves, “What sets you apart? What value can you add?”
The seniors collectively agreed that after graduation, people don’t care about the details of your degree – they just care you got one. Although having the physical Diploma is a reward, other factors must set you apart.
Ask yourself: What are your portfolio pieces? How are your people skills? What leadership experiences do you have to offer?
Last words of advice
As conversations came to a close and the evening grew darker, the communication seniors left us with some powerful words of advice and shared 3 golden qualities that create a successful individual.
First, someone that produces quality work. When people get to the top or a leadership position, it is usually reflected in their work.
Second, someone that is easy to work with. Other times, people will get to the top because of their charm and charisma.
Finally, someone that manages time efficiently. This means being on time, staying after and going the extra mile.
The seniors clarified that only two are needed to be successful, but all three are what will make you powerful. Communication students were also encouraged to take their time in school in order to produce better portfolio content.
Finally, they shared that it is okay to be selfish, as this is a selfish time in life. Burnette elaborated that as Latter-day Saints, this is an unpopular thought process, however, it is necessary when juggling projects, classes, internships, and the upcoming career world.
This is a column piece written for BYU-I’s news organization, Scroll.
“You’re going to hate it.”
That was the response I got when I told my friends and family that I was transferring from Utah State University to BYU-Idaho.
To give context, I graduated high school in 2019 and went to Utah State that fall. I moved to an apartment complex where I didn’t know anyone, worked at a soda shop and took some general classes — your typical Utah college student.
I loved my experience in Logan. The campus was beautiful, my classes were uplifting and my roommates influenced my life in a positive way. While placed in fortunate circumstances, I continued with an aimless direction in my classes and life.
When the pandemic hit and in-person classes were canceled, I was relieved. I was unsure how to handle the college workload, so even though the world was afraid, I felt a weight off my chest. The lockdown ended up being a period of pristine reflection.
On paper, my life seemed complete, but I felt I wasn’t where I needed to be.
I remember sitting in my kitchen and a thought came to my mind, “You could go to BYU-Idaho.”
That sentence was quiet and vague. Although soundless, those thoughts spanned my mind, and I realized I was at a crossroads: I could stay and live my life in Logan or go on a different course in Rexburg.
After reflecting for a few weeks, one of my friends decided to transfer to BYU-I and asked me to be her roommate. To me, that was the push I needed. I didn’t let the confused responses I received cloud my vision, I just did it. I moved to Rexburg, Idaho, in the fall of 2020.
That first semester wasn’t what I had in my head.
The campus looked completely separate from a contemporary university. The people were different, the town was small and I wondered what I had gotten myself into. On day two of living in Rexburg, I called my family and told them that they were right.
But I decided to stay.
Close to two years later, I am a married woman planning to graduate next fall. Looking back, I realize that Rexburg has given me my entire life. This simple town has given me joy, relationships and lessons that are the most beautiful things I can offer from my life thus far.
Nothing is perfect — Rexburg is cold in the winter, hot in the summer and sometimes feels limiting. However, I let that modest location change my world in a positive way.
I started this process by going outside of my comfort zone. I changed my major, applied to be an editor for the school newspaper and spoke up about what was important to me, even if I was afraid of what others had to say. It was how I met my husband and learned to love who I see in the mirror.
If Rexburg is a difficult place for you, I get it. Despite what you have in mind, I encourage students here at BYU-I to take advantage of the social, academic and spiritual opportunities around them because it is more beautiful than you think.
So why did I choose to come to BYU-I? It was because I wanted to. I felt like it would give me a positive change.
Create direction in your life, even if you are discouraged and unsure. Your time here in Rexburg could create a stunning story for you if let it.
A lot of work and thought went into interviewing the students and choosing the direction of my story. As someone with serious hearing loss, deaf representation is a topic I am passionate about. I am happy I was able to shine a light on what deaf culture in eastern Idaho is like.
A vibrant silence fills room 286 in the Gordon B. Hinkley building on Tuesday evenings. The numbers are small, but the deaf and hard of hearing student body at BYU-Idaho is a welcoming group, proving that ASL culture runs beyond just the number of deaf students.
Jadyn Townsend, a student studying graphic design, is a part of the deaf community here on campus. Townsend is teaching the ASL workshop this semester, alongside hearing students Katie Stubbs and Kendal Murray.
Townsend shared her experience growing up in the small vacation town of Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, where there was little deaf representation.
“I always have been by myself ever since I was little,” Townsend said. “Back in my hometown, there are no deaf people, so I was mostly isolated all the time until I decided to go to BYU-I. I thought I would be an outcast again — just myself.”
Townsend said that even though she was used to the isolation, she has been able to find her place here in Rexburg.
“There’s not a lot of deaf students here, but I made friends with them and we hang out outside of school,” Townsend said. “It’s nice to have a community, even if it is small, and to see other hearing students wanting to be involved.”
While Townsend has found her niche, most of Idaho’s deaf culture resides in the city of Boise, said Heidi Smith, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Coordinator at BYU-I. She explained that on campus there are “about five deaf students and 15 to 20 hard of hearing students.”
That is where the ASL workshop, also known as “Talking Hands,” comes into play. With participants of different levels chatting and growing their skills, this kind of immersion gives real-world experiences, said Davin Glenn, a senior studying public health.
“The workshop is focused on voices off, and I think it works really well. I’m glad they’re doing it that way,” Glenn said.
Glenn said that even though he is hard of hearing, he does not speak for the deaf community, only his own experiences.
“Having no ASL classes, that makes a dead zone for opportunities,” Glenn explained. “I think ASL classes would really help because it would bring more awareness about the deaf community, even if it is really small. They would feel a lot more included with the student body.”
Despite a lack of ASL classes offered at BYU-I, Smith encourages students to come to the workshop and communicate with people who are different than them.
“It’s okay to try and communicate,” Smith said. “The deaf students are more than willing to teach them sign. They want to communicate and have friendships just like everyone else. Don’t be shy; if you’re interested in making friends with deaf students, just try.”
Click here to view ASL devotionals and here to see the ASL workshop on Instagram.
Isabelle Justice 