Will's Story

None of my family ever attended university before me. We never had enough to support ourselves – I wanted to break that cycle. I figured that going to college would be the very first step.

I almost did not come to college, mainly for financial reasons. After graduating from high school, I started working full-time to save up for college. Once I started earning money, something I was not used to having, it tempted me to keep working instead of spending the money on schooling. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that despite the financial challenges of going to school, it would open doors to more opportunities to succeed in the long run. This is why I decided to keep pursuing my education and do a master’s degree.

When I was applying, my ward members who already attended BYU schools helped me a lot. They were supportive and encouraging. Having assistance from those who already have the experience is really helpful.

Both my younger sisters didn’t care to finish high school, and they certainly never had plans to attend college. They didn’t have a clear direction or purpose, and I wanted them to live better lives. I told them that going to college will give you a real pathway to having a prosperous life. I encouraged them to go to college by helping them find ways to do a makeup year to be qualified for university. My sisters had the potential to go to college – they just needed someone to point them in the right direction on how they can get through college and their future. They now have both finished undergraduate, one with a nursing degree and the other with a business degree.

If you have a desire, you can do it - there will always be someone who can help you to get through. If you are worried about paying for school, there are resources available for you such as merit scholarship, private scholarship, need-based scholarship, financial services, student jobs, etc. Just do it; it’s worth it.