President Worthen visits BYU Jerusalem

Just have to start out this post by saying I am SO impressed with our BYU president, President Worthen.

I listened to his devotional at the Marriott Center when he was inaugerrated in September, where he spoke to BYU's 30,000 student body.

Tuesday night he spoke to all the Jerusaelm students, around 80, with a central theme of us being the "cream of the crop--the students who will change the world".

Here are some statistics he gave us about BYU admissions and success:

• In 1974, BYU's average admission GPA was (3.3) and ACT (23.5)

• 2014 admission GPA was (3.81) and ACT (28.6)

• 70% of admissions played a varsity sport in high school, 77% participated in an arts or performance in high school, 77% worked while in high school, 99% were seminary graduates, and 40% were early morning seminary graduates (of the 99%)

Part of the BYU mission statement states:

"BYU's mission is to assist individuals for their quest for perfection and search for eternal life. This university will offer assistance in providing intensive studying, excellence is expected, and full potential pursued. The school is founded, supported, and guided by the Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

There are so many people around the world who pay an honest tithing, and have never even set foot on BYU's campus. I have really grown to appreciate all the worthy tithe payers and how grateful I am that the church funds us so we can gain a higher education.

President Worthen then spoke about the Board of Trustee's, with our Prophet, President Monson, as the President of the board. President Monson meets with President Worthen monthly to discuss different ways to help strengthen the University of BYU.

(PS when he said that, it gave me chills!!)

President Worthen asked the question: Where does the Jerusalem Center fit in?

His response: As the motto states, here at the Jerusalem Center, All students at the Jerusalem Center are taught truths of the gospel while receiving strong general education. There's hardly any other experience that could measure up to the truths you learn and visit here in the Holy Land. You are very blessed to be able to learn and enrich your education in such a sacred place, please always remember this. You will forever be changed by this experience and please pass the knowledge you learn on in your future callings.

He challenged us to think to ourselves:

-What ways have I changed and what am I really all about?

-How will I be a great leader?

He left with a promise that as we continue to push through the many challenges we face in our lives, that we continue to grow and experience new challenges. It will help you in the long run to be a stronger, tougher person in life.

I am so thankful for the oppurtunity I had to hear from our President, President Worthen.