I’ve been asked, “Why would a 79-year-old with a degree go back to school?” It had been on my mind for some time. I had a desire to keep learning, and a couple of times, I mentioned BYU-Pathway to my wife. She encouraged it, which encouraged me. I recalled reading an article on growing old gracefully where the journalist suggested that to do so, one needed to find something difficult to do. At age 65, he took up tennis. At 79, I chose to pursue a degree in Family History Research, an area where I had volunteered for years. I felt by learning more, I would be able to help others more.
Launching into BYU Pathway, I discovered PathwayConnect- three 14-week semesters designed to help one reach university-level performance. If you already had a degree, you could skip the three semesters and go directly into one of Pathway’s 150+ degree programs. I thought that would save time and money, so I attempted to bypass PathwayConnect and register directly for a degree program. No luck! Tried again and failed again! I went back to Connect, tried the normal route to register and was successful!
I learned that I can do hard things
That failure was providential because the three semesters of PathwayConnect were fabulous! They were worth every extra study hour and all the effort. They were invigorating! They focused on skills: Life Skills, Professional Skills and University Skills.
Life Skills included Learning Strategies and Thinking Errors. Paramount among the Learning Strategies was learning through the Spirit. This strategy was repeatedly encouraged. Participation in the required Institute of Religion class helped to make each semester a spiritual quest. As a teen, this senior student treated education casually and seldom attained an “A” grade in anything. Relying on the Spirit enabled him to do very well.
Making the brain work harder and being an active learner are also Learning Strategies. An active learning technique requires you to produce something and includes the following: writing, speaking, teaching, memorizing, debating, sharing, planning, presenting, and so on. [1]
The Cornell Note-Taking System [2] is a proven, active learning tool. The form’s three areas- Notes, Recall Cues and Summary- are an aid to learning and recall. Did you know that hand-written notes are more helpful to learning than typed notes? For classes, webinars, and General Conference notes, the Cornell Note form has worked superbly. Next, I intend to test its usefulness in scripture study.
Taking a 5-minute break every 25 minutes or so was another strategy to enhance learning. (I used it. It works! Try it!) There are many more helpful Learning Strategies. [3]
New ways of thinking help me to grow
Thinking Errors are “failures in judgement caused by stress.” [4]This includes things to avoid when we talk to ourselves. They also include negative putdowns like feeling “You can’t do this, you can’t do that, you can’t even try.” Or a Scarcity Mentality- “There is never enough (fun, food, money, opportunities, etc.) and “Giving Up- because you messed up, you give up and stop trying.' [5] I wrestled with the negative voices. They are always there. Like Nephi, I soon discovered that “…there is an opposition in all things.” [6]
Professional Skills include developing an engaging resume and building a network of employment contacts well before your degree is complete.
Other skills, like writing (essential in the real world of work as well as course work) and asking good questions, were included in University Skills. Math was a challenge! I believe it was taught to enhance thinking and reasoning skills. It touched things I hadn’t thought of or used for decades, like the Order of Operation, handling negative and positive numbers and slope. Don’t let this discourage you. It was a struggle but achievable.
The first course of my degree program, “Introduction to Family History,” was included in University Skills. I believe this is the case in all degree programs taken through PathwayConnect. You take the first course of your degree program in this third semester.
The three semesters of PathwayConnect were demanding and went by quickly. They were challenging but it was exhilarating to learn!
BYU-Pathway is a pathway to success and self-reliance
To enable student success, a Student Support System includes the following: a Peer Mentor who is nearing the end of their degree studies, extra course materials, a tutor if needed, and a mature Support Couple who conducts the weekly “Zoom” class. My first mentor lived in Ghana. He contacted me regularly and helped me over some humps in the new student road.
In April of this year, BYU-Pathways reduced all 150+ degree programs from four years to three years. Many universities in the United States are doing the same. Semesters were reduced from 14 to 7-week blocks.
Pathway course costs are low worldwide compared to most local institutions of learning. Every accepted student qualifies for a grant of 25%, 50% or 100%. This grant is provided each semester as they pursue their degree. Because Pathway is taught over the Internet, it is available worldwide.
I really can “do all things through Christ…” [7]- and so can you!
While serving as President of Ricks College, Henry B. Eyring made this telling observation on learning, “Many students come from school systems that somehow helped convince the student that he was not a very good learner. Many students are brilliant. Yet, even among them, the problem is not generally to teach them humility, but to give them confidence that throughout life they can go on learning. The real block to life-long learning is a lack of confidence.” [8]
Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, “BYU- Pathway Worldwide brings an innovative approach to education – one unique to the Church Educational System, and to the world.” [9] I appreciate that he also said, “…the Lord loves effort, because effort brings rewards that can’t come without it.” [10]
BYU Pathway’s mission to develop disciples of Jesus Christ by building self-reliance and strengthening students’ resolve to progress along the covenant path is doing just that.
Can you guess what happened as I forged ahead, persisted against doubt and ignored the negative voices? Just as Nephi of old persisted, and with the help of the Spirit obtained the plates of brass, [11] I discovered everything was doable. Everything! I learned I could meet the demands and expectations of each course, succeed and prevail in spite of the negative voices.
I learned that I am not too old to learn and when we knock, ask, seek to learn and put in the effort to do our part, the Lord responds as He always has.
I have coined a saying, “I’m not done with me yet”! It may not be proper English, but for me it throws open the gate to the covenant path of growth and repentance. So, with the help of the Spirit, on to more learning “…by study and also by faith.' [12]
Footnotes:
[1] BYU-Pathway Resource Center 2024 http://resourcecenter.byupathway.org/skills/s01-04
[2] Walter Pauk and others, How to Study in College, 10th ed. [2010] pp. 235-277
[3] BYU-Pathway Resource Center 2024 https://resourcecenter.byupathway.edu/skills/s01
[4] BYU-Pathway Resource Center 2024 PCB 101, Modules, W04 Lesson: Thinking Errors
[5] BYU-Pathway Resource Center 2024 PCB 101, Modules, W04 Lesson: Thinking Errors
[6] 2 Nephi 2:11
[7] Philippians 4:13
[8] Henry B. Eyring, “The Extra Dimension of Ricks College: A Conversation with President Henry B. Eyring” Ensign, Apr. 1975
[9] BYU-Pathway Worldwide | BYU-Pathway | Apply Today (byupathway.edu)
[10] Joy D. Jones, in Conference Report, Apr. 2020, 16, An Especially Noble Calling
[11] 1 Nephi 4:17, 24, 38