One of the happiest days of my life was graduation day from BYU! I loved school, and had so much fun attending high school, but attending college was a hard for me. I felt overwhelmed with lectures, homework and exams. I had fantastic roommates and was easily distracted from studying. Because of procrastination, there were many stressful nights losing sleep studying for exams. What a great feeling it was to think of never having to take another test or write another research paper again.
I followed my mother’s example and got my degree in Elementary Education. I was fortunate to get a job teaching 6th and 7th grade but it would be another challenge in my life. I was not prepared to teach teenagers! My experience student teaching was with third or fourth graders. Then I became extremely sick with morning sickness in November and wondered if I could carry on with my job.
I made it through that difficult year with the help of an understanding principal and the encouragement of my husband and parents. My mother, Virginia, became my mentor and role model. She taught school in Oak City, a class that combined students of different ages and levels of learning. It must have been hard for her, but she had the qualities of a great teacher that truly cared for her students. I’m sure she was a kind and patient teacher because that is how she was as a mother.
Back in those days you only needed a two year college degree to teach grade school. My mom had the desire to continue her education and earn a four year degree, so along with raising her seven children, she also took classes at BYU when she could. One summer, she carpooled with my brother, Michael, so she could attend school and take a heavier load. With great determination, she reached her goal and graduated with her oldest son, Lyman, in 1961.
My father, Milo, was also an inspiration to me. His father was a farmer and unable to help him financially with school. He managed his time and showed great discipline as he worked his way through college and medical school. One of his jobs as a night janitor required him to work at 3:00 AM. He lost a lot of sleep to work and study, but another difficulty came when his father, Milton Moody, died at age 66. His life was cut short in a farming accident and my father didn’t have the money to return home for the funeral. Dad sacrificed a lot to get his education.
I have been thinking about my parents this past week as we would have celebrated their birthdays: Dad April 5th and Mom April 7th. They never quit learning! I remember early in the morning, I could find my dad reading his medical magazines and other books to increase his knowledge and provide his patients with great medical care. At night he would come home to read the newspaper and keep up on current events. He wrote many letters to political leaders and articles in the paper to express his concerns on health issues.
My mother loved art and continued to learn by taking oil painting lessons from noted artists in the area such as Glen Turner and Paul Salisbury. She became a wonderful artist herself but didn’t sell many of her paintings. Instead she blessed the lives of her children and others. Copies of some of her best paintings can be seen in temples around the world.
Graduation day should not be the end of our education but just the beginning. There are tremendous opportunities for us to learn and improve ourselves and it’s never too late to learn! I have seen the example of my oldest daughter, Melinda, who decided to take violin lessons at age 30 with her daughter, Elisabeth. A few years later, she started playing the organ. Organ lessons have helped her use her talents for service as she plays the organ for many church meetings.
I would encourage every one to find an area that you love and continue to learn. Help yourself and your family by learning how to grow vegetables. Plant a garden to save money and provide better nutrition for your family. Certify to become an E.M.T. and serve your community as a first responder. Attend Education Week at BYU and take classes in areas of interest. There are many ways you can become better and bless the lives of your family by continuing a lifetime of learning.
