BYU Assistant Vice President for Information Technology Michelle Bennett delivered a devotional on Tuesday, May 14, at the Marriott Center. She talked about cultivating both her secular and spiritual knowledge while attending BYU.
Bennett explained that there are several aspects of her identity that make her different from others. She was the first in her family to pursue higher education. With the support of her family, she decided to attend college on a basketball sports scholarship.
Bennett, who grew up loving technology and computers, had a unique experience as a young woman. There she was often the only girl among the men in her class.
Additionally, when Bennett came to BYU to work at OIT, she was faced with a different kind of business that married the religious and secular.
Because of these isolating experiences, Bennett said she often wondered if she had a place.
“Life is full of ups and downs. We make mistakes. We can feel alone and out of place,” Bennett said. “You might ask the question, ‘Do I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?'” Change the question to, “Why don’t I belong?” ”
Bennett encouraged students to remember that they are and will always be Heavenly Father’s children, regardless of their worldly accomplishments.
Since realizing this in his life, Bennett said he has felt his spiritual growth increase and his testimony grow each year. She emphasized that secular and spiritual learning amplify each other and create deeper understanding.
“In the Church’s education system, we have the opportunity not only to advance our academic knowledge, skills, and experience, but also to be spiritually nourished to equip, serve, lead, and influence the people of the world.” said Bennett.
Ms. Bennett shared a recent experience where BYU OIT employees were asked to find a scripture related to their work. She found that learning how ancient scriptures related to her day-to-day technology-centric work was an incredibly spiritually strengthening opportunity.
Bennett taught that belonging comes by relying on the Holy Spirit.
“As you consider where you are in life, I ask you to listen to the whispers of the Holy Spirit. And when questions arise, I ask you to take a leap of faith and know where you belong. I want people to fight that problem with the knowledge that this is the case,” Bennett said. “That knowledge will be a valuable gift in your life and will help you overcome all kinds of challenges as the world changes around you.”
Bennett shared the importance of spending time learning about Jesus Christ and His ministry while attending frequent worship and service to strengthen your foundation in gospel understanding.
Bennett, who was on a work trip to Sweden with her husband, attended the Stockholm Sweden Temple, the only nearby temple in many neighboring countries. She talked about how members travel for weeks at a time to visit and serve in the temple, and she said she was impressed by their sacrifice and dedication to the gospel.
Bennett also opened up about her struggle to be forgiven for past mistakes. She said she felt liberated through the Infinite Atonement, relying on her Savior to achieve her self-forgiveness and gain her spiritual strength. She said keeping her heavenly perspective, as President Nelson advised, will help her guide herself.
“Think about where you are in your life story, where you belong, what you want to improve on, and ultimately what you want,” Bennett says. says. “It’s important to have a plan to guide your life’s journey. Without true intention, time flies and life unfolds without direction.”
After sustaining a head injury playing basketball with family and friends when he was younger, Bennett realized something wasn’t right. After trying to shake off her pain and worry, she soon realized she had a severe concussion. Her dependence quickly grew and she had to accept help from others, especially her Heavenly Father.
Ms. Bennett found that sincere prayer completely transformed her healing experience.
“Despite our natural tendency to hide our suffering, we know that Jesus Christ is always there for us and will help us more perfectly in our personal trials. “We should remember that he took on additional suffering,” Bennett said.
Bennett reminded the students that they should not go through trials alone, but that they can rely on Christ to carry their burdens.
“As we strive to improve, find our place, and overcome trials and tribulations, we can find joy by remembering to keep Jesus Christ at the center of our lives,” Bennett says. Told.
Mr. Bennett concluded by telling the students to put in the same effort not only in their worldly achievements and studies, but also in their spiritual endeavors. In doing so, she taught, students can find blessings and experience joy.
