BYU Ed Week

 I flew to Provo for BYU Education week Tuesday, August 19- Saturday, August 23.

I was so excited that Megan Shaheen decided to come with me this year! We roomed in Chipman Halls in Helaman Halls room 3120. Chipman was where I lived the first year I went to BYU! Downside is you have to share a community bathroom, but it actually ended up being fine. It was never very busy and showers were always available. 

My mom was there this year, so it was fun to see her and go to a few classes together! My dad even came for a day. And Christopher came one day too so it was great to meet up and go to dinner that night. One downside was the weather was pretty dang warm. I had been looking forward to nice, cool days, but instead I was dripping sweat walking from class to class. 

I had been so excited for Megan to experience the wonder that is BYU Ed week, but she wasn't familiar with any of the presenters or musicians. I listen to so many of these people's podcasts, follow their content on Instagram or have read their books or love their music, but she didn't seem to know any of them. She didn't act put out, but I guess I felt bad because I don't think she had the same experience I had. I also felt a lot of pressure to pick classes she would like. She was taking a whole week out of her life to be there and I just wanted it to be amazing. So all week I was battling with feeling guilty. I think I learned that the next time I go to Ed week, I'll go alone. Or I'll go with Travis! 

I loved going to Scott Braithwaite's classes again and look who I sat behind! I would say President Steve Lund, but I think he was actually just released as the YM general president. 

Elder Gong gave the Tuesday devotional.

Jared Halverson!!

Sad to say I was a little bored. I had just listened to an amazing podcast he recorded so I had high hopes but for me it fell flat.

My therapist, Crystal Bowman! Love her!

We had to go to Bombay House for dinner .... of course!

I loved Kristen Walker Smith's classes too! 

I was headed to a class in the Richards Building and suddenly found myself walking down the swim and dive hall!!! The text exchange I had with Collin was my favorite all year...

This was a bucket list person for me to meet!! 

I used to listen to John Bytheway's talks on cassette tape while I cross stitched on my bed when I was 12. Clearly, I was popular and going places. Now, I love listening to him on the Follow Him podcast each week. He spoke to the youth about identity, but anyone could go and I'm so glad I did. He's such a relatable, fun to listen to, teacher. I got all choked up telling him how much I appreciate him. How embarrassing. Oh well. 

I got us tickets to see the concert Thursday night at the Marriot Center. Kenneth Cope sang, as well as Cheri Call... I've remember some of her songs from old EFY CD's! 

THE Janice Kapp Perry was there and they presented her with an award and she spoke. What a legend. Then, Michael Mclain sang... love him! He sang a song called "Ninety and Nine" and I just sat with tears streaming down my face. I guess it's an old song of his but I'd never heard it before. I really needed to hear those lyrics that night.

One morning, Megan and I woke up to walk on the BYU track. So fun to get to start the day exercising and chatting.

This slide was from Colin Udall's class! Fun to see him, although, respectfully, his was the only class I legit fell asleep in.

I also went to one of Teryl Givens classes (love his books) but man, that guy is deep! I took a few pictures of slides, but it really went over my head.

I always like going into the art building. Next year I want to spend more time here.

I had decided I did not like BYU creamery ice cream, but then I found some flavors I liked and that was bad because Megan and I got it every night! Now I can't remember what those flavors were haha.

This was my third year going and it really is such a highlight of the year for me. I love this campus so much. I love the feeling here and I love spending a whole week learning about spiritual things and parenting things and therapy things and all the things!! Maybe I'll even try a finance class next year haha!