Just want to share my talk during last Stake Con's Youth and Single Adults Devotional
If you were to pause and think seriously about things you do on a regular basis that would make a positive influence in your life to be more self reliant what would they be?
Two weeks ago we had an orientation to My Path to Self Reliance which really empowered us to evaluate our goals and see what steps we need to do to be more self reliant. Those who have chosen to improve further on their education will be using the new Education for Better Work workbook. Remember that this is not only for those who want to apply for a PEF loan. Even if your family can support your education or even if you think you are already doing well in school, this 6-week workshops can help you to further become an effective student.
President Monson said “I urge you to pursue your education and learn marketable skills so that, should such a situation arise, you are prepared to provide. Your talents will expand as you study and learn. You will be able to better assist your children in their learning, and you will have peace of mind in knowing that you have prepared yourself.”
We are so blessed with the many resources the church has offered through the Self Reliance Services. We must grab the opportunities so we can be more prepared to be self reliant.
Education is a key to opportunities. The world needs men and women of who have the ability, skills and training. Do not short-circuit your education. How far are you doing so far in school?
I want to share with some of the effective ways I have done when I was your age that really helped me to excel in school.
1. Establish good study habits
Set a time each day to study and be sure to follow what you have planned. Don't just study if you have exams the next day. It's always good to be prepared because there might be some projects or school work that you also need to do.
If we study on a regular basis we can also keep the Sabbath day. The tendency if you cram, you may be tempted to do school stuffs on Sundays. I have graduated in college with honors without studying on Sundays. I have also passed the board exams without reviewing on Sundays. The Lord helps those who help themselves and obey his will.
2. Capture and remember what you learn
Make it a habit to take down notes and review them when you get home while the lessons are still fresh in your memory. I love taking down notes and I still have my high school notes until now. And it can benefit my sister since I have kept the simple formulas in solving trigonometry and algebra problems.
I’ve noticed that majority of our youth today come to classes, activities, devotionals, workshops and even right now without a pen or notebooks. I believe your parents and leaders would want you to look always like a learner not just spectators.
They say the pen is mightier than the the sharpest minds. Human as we are, we sometimes forget but notes can help us recall important principles we learned.
3. Use Time Wisely
To avoid cramming we should be wise in spending our time and make sure we have completed our assignments.
There will sometimes be immediate, fleeting pleasures that will eat up your time like spending much time on Facebook and other social media platforms. Lost time is lost forever so be productive in any way
4. Make Seminary/Institute a priority
Seminary and Institute are not just options if we have time. We have to commit to make time for it. Lessons learned in the seminary and institute will prepare us to become better students.
Elder Dallin H Oaks said “Cherish and nourish your spiritual life. Seek spiritual growth at the same time that you are seeking to enlarge your learning in other areas. Nourish your spirit just as regularly as you nourish your body or mind. Don’t neglect study of the gospel and activity in the Church during the period of your schooling. It is needed then as much as or more than at any time during your life”
For those SAs who have finished schooling and are already working, continue to love learning. Those that I have shared are still applicable to you as you work out for further learning opportunities to improve yourselves.
May I add just a few tips on how single adults who are already working can be more self reliant .
5. Learn the art of Money Management
Your future self will thank you if you have the right attitude towards money. We can't deny the fact that money really matters. Elder Dallin H. Oaks mentioned in the Philippine area Special broadcast last week that we can find ways to earn even if we are still in school.
Be a saver because in due time you will get married. Butch and I got married without asking financial assistance from our parents because we have saved enough to get married.
Be a saver rather than a spender. If you are saving at least 50 percent of your income you are way close to establish your emergency funds in time.
6. Be Proactive at Work
Don't just wait for you to be instructed. Being proactive means thinking and acting ahead of anticipated events. You create a plan and see which tasks are priorities
7. Learn New Skills
Do not limit yourselves to just the things you know. Continue to seek new learnings that can help you and your family to be more self reliant.
I know that it is important to start being self reliant during the early stages of your life.
Education is one of the greatest investments that we will have. Though the experience will be challenging most of the time especially if you are already in college, everything will pay off. Our success really depends on our attitude. If we see things in an eternal perspective we will be more motivated to be more diligent.
4. Make Seminary/Institute a priority
Seminary and Institute are not just options if we have time. We have to commit to make time for it. Lessons learned in the seminary and institute will prepare us to become better students.
Elder Dallin H Oaks said “Cherish and nourish your spiritual life. Seek spiritual growth at the same time that you are seeking to enlarge your learning in other areas. Nourish your spirit just as regularly as you nourish your body or mind. Don’t neglect study of the gospel and activity in the Church during the period of your schooling. It is needed then as much as or more than at any time during your life”
For those SAs who have finished schooling and are already working, continue to love learning. Those that I have shared are still applicable to you as you work out for further learning opportunities to improve yourselves.
May I add just a few tips on how single adults who are already working can be more self reliant .
5. Learn the art of Money Management
Your future self will thank you if you have the right attitude towards money. We can't deny the fact that money really matters. Elder Dallin H. Oaks mentioned in the Philippine area Special broadcast last week that we can find ways to earn even if we are still in school.
Be a saver because in due time you will get married. Butch and I got married without asking financial assistance from our parents because we have saved enough to get married.
Be a saver rather than a spender. If you are saving at least 50 percent of your income you are way close to establish your emergency funds in time.
6. Be Proactive at Work
Don't just wait for you to be instructed. Being proactive means thinking and acting ahead of anticipated events. You create a plan and see which tasks are priorities
7. Learn New Skills
Do not limit yourselves to just the things you know. Continue to seek new learnings that can help you and your family to be more self reliant.
I know that it is important to start being self reliant during the early stages of your life.
Education is one of the greatest investments that we will have. Though the experience will be challenging most of the time especially if you are already in college, everything will pay off. Our success really depends on our attitude. If we see things in an eternal perspective we will be more motivated to be more diligent.
Great lady. Great talk.
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