Well, Friday has come and gone and I am facing a long drive home to California on Sunday. But the ride home, which usually consists of excitement like watching sagebrush roll across Interstate 80, will instead be full of chatter with my friend about all the wonderful classes we attended. We will take turns driving and sharing our detailed notes. We will listen to CDs we purchased and we will spend some quiet time, too, reflecting on how we will try to be just a little better because of the things we have learned.
I hope I have gained enough to last me until next Education Week.
As I was walking across campus Friday I passed couples — every one of them holding hands. I passed people talking and visiting with smiles. I passed people walking alone. Although steps were a little slower today than on Monday, the results of the week were in their faces. It was noticeable and I enjoyed being a part of the wonderful feeling of Education Week.
We went to see the performance, "Take the Mountain Down," Friday evening. It was so good. I remember Marvin Payne from years here while I attended BYU — he is still JUST as good, as is his son. The performance centered on the story of the prodigal son, and it was very well done. Lots of great music and the story was interpreted in a very creative way.
This year I really tried to have a well-rounded experience. I went to classes most of the day and into the evening, but I also wanted to take advantage of the extra-curricular activities. And I am so glad I did. The musical performances and films were definitely worth the time in the evening.
In Scott Robleys class Friday he wrapped up the week with thoughts about "Looking to Christ and Live." During part of the presentation he shared some humorous signs seen on some churches around the country. One was especially thought-provoking. It read: "I dont doubt your existence — God."
If I have one complaint (I dont like to even use the word!) about the week it is the problem that still seems to exist when instructors are finishing up and attendees start shuffling their materials and with 300 or even 700 people doing that, it makes a lot of disruptive noise. In Brother Williams' class Friday it was really bad. As he was bearing his testimony people were shuffling books into backpacks and some people were even leaving. I just dont understand this phenomonom. I am not sure what the answer is but I hope it can be addressed.
I have set many goals this week to take home and think about and strive to put into practice — whether it has to do with classes I attended that taught about marriage, trials, personal revelation, humility, finding our weaknesses or whatever. The most important teaching is to go home and strive to be more like the Savior in everything I do. I like to imagine that all 22,000 people who attended this week will do the same. Can you imagine the effect that would have?
The theme for this years Education Week was "The Dawning of a Brighter Day." There would be lots of bright days if that happened!
(Lisa Olsen is from Redding, Calif. She has been married for 32 years and has four children and one granddaughter. She is a professional educator and is currently serving as an institute teacher and Primary music leader in Redding.)