“At my school in Boston there were about 8 active members of the church who I usually just saw at church activities. I was surrounded by people who didn’t believe what I believed and it hit me hard that I wasn’t like most people in this new place. Modesty never seemed different until I was the only one wearing sleeves and long shorts. Sometimes I felt like I stuck out. I didn’t drink when I went out with a group of people. Even when I said that I wasn’t going to drink when I turned 21, people were surprised. I began to realize why I was there. I was there to be different and do it with a smile. I didn’t mind telling people I couldn’t do anything on a Sunday. I didn’t mind kneeling down on my knees and praying with roommates around me. And most of all, I didn’t mind answering questions about what I believed. I had to stand my ground with many of the conversations I had with people who didn’t understand my beliefs. I was constantly bearing my testimony when I didn’t even realize it.

I remember a time when my roommates and I were just sitting in our dorm and somehow the conversation alluded to religion. This happened many times and surprisingly went well each time. I was glad that I could stand as a Mormon and actually teach what I know. For once I had to talk to people who had no idea what a Mormon was, and some who had misconceptions. They did not come to church with me or convert and get baptized, but by being different, I was noticed. And by being noticed, my example rubbed off in little ways. My roommates didn’t swear as much as they used to. They would even encourage me to go to church activities. I remember one day I was late to institute and my roommate yelled at me because I hadn’t left yet. They came to a church dance with me instead of going out to party. One of my roommates recently told me she started to pray. Not necessarily to know the truth, but for safety among those she loves. Even though they weren’t a part of it, they cared and accepted me for my differences. My roommates even told me that they looked up to me. They respected that I had standards and stuck to them. I didn’t realize that I could affect people in those ways.

The last lesson I learned was to follow my heart. Unfortunately I had one experience where I didn’t quite jump at an opportunity. I had a roommate who didn’t exactly make a lot of friends or leave the dorm a lot. Once in awhile we invited her to eat with us, but eventually we all just got involved with our own lives. I got a feeling to invite her to church with me, but just thought that was odd. The feeling never really left me as I saw her on Sunday mornings doing what she always did. One day I finally got the guts to ask her, but she declined saying maybe another time because she was so busy, but she lit up so much more when I asked her. Unfortunately this was at the end of second semester and I was unlikely to see her again. I decided to write her a last note and again extended an invitation to call me anytime and join me for church.

When the end of the semester came, I left with only a hope that maybe she would take my offer. It took me a whole year living with someone to finally invite them to church. From that moment I told myself that I would listen more and follow my heart.

My freshman year was long and hard, but I made it through with more lessons than I could imagine. I learned that being different isn’t so bad, and even if you stand out in a crowd, at least you are strong enough to be that person. I learned to trust in the Lord and keep moving on through all the hard times, and I learned that no matter what, you should follow your heart and not be afraid to be the one person to say what needs to be said.

I know that being different is what defines us as members of the church and that is what makes us stronger than most people. I know that our Heavenly Father loves each and everyone one of us, he watches us, and he will always be there when we need him most. I know that our hearts truly do know who we are because that is where the Spirit touches us. By putting our trust in the Lord and remembering that we are sons and daughters of God, our lives become much more meaningful and we are able to interact and help those around us.”