When I tell someone they should go to Brigham Young University - Idaho for college, they give two main responses: “It’s too cold” and “there are too many rules.” Honestly, if you can’t handle it getting below 0 degrees and following a few simple rules put in place by God’s servants, how the heck are you going to be able to make good enough grades to get any kind of degree?
BYU-Idaho is not a perfect college, it’s not 'The Lord’s University,' and it’s not an easy ride. There is something special about this place, though. They call it "The Spirit of Ricks." It has a special spirit about it because of what they call “the Honor Code.” Now, don’t roll your eyes and stop reading. I’m serious about this! Some people think it’s a set of rules set in place to make students’ lives miserable, but maybe you need to look at it with a new light. Maybe you need to be let in on this University’s secret.
HOW TO SUCCEED AT BYU-IDAHO
I have since graduated from BYU-I, and lucky for me, I had a teacher/Stake President/Unofficial Mentor who really drilled into me the secret to getting an education here. First, there are two laws that we are supposed to keep at all times and specifically while going to school here: the letter of the law/honor code and the spirit of the law/honor code.
To sum them up, I would say that the letter of the law is following the rules and the spirit of the law is having a desire to follow the rules. You can follow the rules, and be reluctant about it. You can have a desire to follow the rules, but have an excuse for why you stayed out past curfew. Now listen closely, because here is the secret to succeeding at this college, the key to making it through BYU-Idaho and enjoying your time here is by actually obeying the rules while wanting to do it! President Clark called it "The Path of Discipleship."
Let me explain…
Classes can often be difficult, and being called as the Elder’s Quorum President or the Relief Society President isn’t going to make it any easier, especially while you’re up to your knees in homework all the time, but God gives us a promise that if we do as he asks, he will always be right there with us to help us along. That means with school work too! If the code says to not wear shorts, flip-flops, or beards on campus, be obedient! If you promise to attend all of your church meetings and fulfill callings in order to attend the university, be obedient! Trying to get away with doing less than is required of you is only going to bring yourself down.
During one of my semesters at Brigham Young University - Idaho, I had a bigger load than I thought humanly possible. Going into the semester, I had 15 credits (which included 4 upper-level English classes along with some general classes), 2 callings, depression, family issues and concerns, roommate drama, and boy drama. Surprising as it may seem, though, I look back at that semester as being not only my favorite but also the least stressful. Why? I honestly believe it’s because I chose to attend every church meeting, fulfill all of my callings to the best of my ability, make sure to be in my apartment by the stroke of midnight, wear appropriate clothing on campus, and never miss a class or an assignment due date. I prayed harder than ever before that semester. I can’t tell you how I was able to keep good grades and have a social life, but I’m pretty sure it was because both God and myself were keeping our promises to each other.
Your education and happiness are important to your Father in Heaven. He might give you a bigger load than you can carry alone, but that is only because he wants you to ask him to help you carry it. Praying is a start, but putting forth some effort by acting and following the honor code shows Him that you need and truly want his help on your path to becoming a true disciple. That is why the Honor Code matters and this secret to succeeding at BYU-Idaho (and in life) is one I hope you share.
