We know that education opens doors to incredible growth and success in communities, and we are in awe of those who come back to finish at home what they started at BYU.
Catherine Beck, a BGS student who will graduate in August 2019, said of her experience as a mother in the BGS program:
“Becoming a mother was disorienting. I struggled medically and emotionally as I tried to be a 'good' mother. While I planned on continuing my education, I had to put everything on hold for more than a year. The BGS program enabled me as I did what I could, when I could. It allowed me to keep caring for my children, my primary concern. As I studied the material for my Family Life courses, I learned how to better resolve the difficulties I face as a mother.
As I come to the end of my journey, the completion of my degree reminds me that I am strong, I am capable, I am intelligent. That reminder helps me face days when I've made the bed four times and filled the sink with dishes and washed too much laundry and there are piles of things everywhere, all before 11 a.m. Knowledge of my strength, and the resources gained while studying help me make good days and create joy in the relationships with my children. It reminds me that I have a lot to offer. And my education and experience through the BGS program gives me hope that I can continue to progress towards being the exuberant mother I imagined I would be.”
There are many mothers in our program, and we want to echo Elder Holland’s gratitude when he says to all mothers everywhere, past, present, or future, “Thank you. Thank you for giving birth, for shaping souls, for forming character, and for demonstrating the pure love of Christ.”
