By Lauren O.

A few weeks ago I entered Brigham Young University as a Freshman. Although my home is only a few hours away, I feel like i’ve been placed on another planet, and while i’m sure the excitement will slowly wear off, I know that I will continue to love my new home, BYU. Now, I’m sure you’re wondering why any normal teenager want to go to a school that has as strict of a code on dress and grooming, language, honesty, morality, and alcohol, coffee, and tea as BYU does, and to be honest, I always did too. I have been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (referred to by the media as “The Mormon Church”) my entire life, but I never understood why the Honor Code was so intense. Now, I understand and am so grateful for it.

I’m sure you know that college life is very different than high school. My mother does not wake me up, make my breakfast, or do my laundry – although if she wanted to, and lived close enough, i’m sure i’d graciously accept the help. I am on my own. If I choose to sleep in and miss class, no one is going to reprimand me. My success or failure is in my own hands. At most universities, fraternities and sororities rule the social scene and also have great impact on the academic aspects because of what happens on the weekend. From talking to my friends, who are scattered at universities all over the country, I’ve learned that drugs, alcohol, and frivolous morality are all defining characteristics of their “college experience”, and we’ve only been in school for a month! BYU is very different, and you can tell by simply walking around campus. The people you see are dressed respectfully and modestly and most wear big smiles on their faces. Instead of swearing and demeaning language,  you hear uplifting and happy words and conversations. At parties, we drink Barq’s Root Beer instead of Budweiser and at dances we actually dance, not grind. Because I choose to adhere to the Honor Code, I never have to worry about getting pregnant out of wedlock or missing class because I was hungover. Likewise, I can always feel at peace with myself because I didn’t cheat on my Calculus exam or swear at my best friend in a moment of anger. I’m not saying that BYU is perfect, but it is an amazing place to live at and be a part of.

Youth at BYU follow the Honor Code

Youth at BYU follow the Honor Code

So, where did these guidelines in the Honor Code come from and why are they so successful? I’ve recently been studying some scriptures that should help answer this question. In 1 Nephi, Chapter 8 of the Book of Mormon (In case you aren’t aware of this volume of scripture, let me tell you what it is and why it’s significant. The introduction to the The Book of Mormon states that it “…is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains the fulness of the everlasting gospel. The book was written by many ancient prophets by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after his resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.”) a prophet named Lehi shares a dream he had. In verses 10 to 12, he says, “…I beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy. And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the fruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen. And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.” We later learn that the fruit Lehi spoke of is a symbol for the love of God and the message is that we must come unto Christ, be filled with His love, and learn to love others as He does. This is also the main message of the Book of Mormon, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Brigham Young University. The Honor Code is inspired of the Lord – the guidelines help me focus on improving and challenging myself to grow socially, physically, and mentally. I know that we have been given commandments and guidelines because God loves us and truly wants us to be happy, in both this life and the next. I know that as I listen to His counsel and obey His words I will be able to succeed in all challenges that I face in life, especially in this time of transition in my life. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true, and I am so grateful to be a part of it and to attend BYU.