Fall Final Reflection

It has been such a blessing to be able to work with not only my fellow executive directors and the presidency this semester but also the new volunteers who have come into the office now that school has officially begun. I have gotten the chance to improve so much of my leadership skills as well as interpersonal skills, skills that are acquired and kept for a lifetime.

Some of the things that we do in the office are still the same as what we did during the summer, but there are so many more additions that also have significantly changed the atmosphere of the office experience for me. Something that stood out most to me this semester is the adherence to the honor code and being aware of how I am perceived as an officer as well as a person. I think that one of my biggest struggles this semester is with dress. Though it was hard for me to thoroughly understand it at first and I really did not like being talked to multiple times over strict dress codes, but it has really had a positive impact on me because now I am aware of how others really feel when I don’t do my part in honoring the honor code. Now I want to do my best to represent myself and BYUSA well so that I am setting an example to others and encouraging others to do the same.

Another significant impact I’ve experienced is learning how to work well with different people with different work ethics. At first it was so hard to get all of my program directors going and I had several challenges with the ones who were my friends, which put me in a harder position. But I had so many resources that aided me in overcoming those problems. I learned to put myself in other people’s shoes so I could understand what their mindset was and that helped me better help them with their jobs. All of my program directors are so different. Their work ethics are so different it’s incredible, but because of that it has been such an example for me to learn different ways of approaching situations and problems.

Being a part of BYUSA has also helped me become a lot more confident. I see myself become more mature in the sense that I don’t let little insignificant things bother me. Being a part of a service organization, I am able to put others before myself and that feeling has helped me stop dwelling on myself and my own problems. I am trained to act appropriately according to the appropriate situation, which includes putting my own problems aside when I walk into the office.

It has been such a blessing for me to be a part of BYUSA. I have been able to participate in so many opportunities and so many doors have been opened to me that have changed my life in more ways than one. I have such a passion to strive to be a leader like unto Christ and I believe that I am in the right place to be pursuing that goal. 

Change

1.    1. Please describe a situation where you have watched someone successfully lead an organization through a change.  Identify what went well and how they helped the process succeed.  

I don’t mean to be a kiss up but I think that watching Ryan and Brittanie reinstate some of the old programs that BYUSA has done in the past have been so incredible. Programs like Redefine Service is such a great way to remember what little service can do to help someone. The most significant change I think that has gone amazingly successfully is their initiative to create more volunteer opportunities. I have seen that executed perfectly, we have so many volunteers that it has improved the office atmosphere as well as helped the programs we put on run a ton more smoothly.

2.   Please share the three discovery statements that you wrote down as you completed each of the challenges.  What do those statements help you understand about your abilities to lead change and what insights do they give you on how you can be effective as a leader in a changing environment

I wasn’t here this class, so I wasn’t there to learn about discovery statements and doing the challenges :/

Teamwork/Collaboration

1)     Give an example of a time in your life when you've seen successful teamwork or collaboration in action. What can you learn from that example that you can apply today?

I think the most successful teamwork/collaboration I have seen is from my program directors Leah and Joe. They have pretty different personalities even work ethics but they seem to fit each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Though sometimes I may not be a good leader to them, they know what their tasks and responsibilities are so they will meet up on their own to solve the problem or task. They are really good about working with each other’s schedules and they are respectful of each other’s busy lives. They also show tremendous support for each other. They will stand by their partner no matter what, sometimes one may not have as much knowledge of what is going on but they have faith in their partner that they will fulfill what they are lacking. I learn from their example that I need to have faith in the work ethics of others and that I need to not always want to do everything because I don’t trust other people’s work. Sometimes it’s time to let go.

2)     What challenges do you face with teamwork/collaboration and how can you overcome them?

Sometimes disagreement on ideas can be a challenge because in our team, all of us have very strong and outspoken personalities and so it’s not hard to detect when someone is not pleased with another’s idea. But “agree to disagree” is a great way to overcome this problem, along with compromise can make our differing ideas into an advantage. Another challenge that is nearly fatal in all teams is not understanding their teammates, and not putting ourselves in their shoes. That can be fatal because clashes happen without reason and grudges and tension arise. But a way to overcome this challenge is strong communication and letting others know what’s on your mind without thinking others can read your mind. 

Integrity/Trust

1.       What are some ways you can build integrity and trust with your team?

Trust falls! But more effective ways are that we should not only build relationships as a team but also as friends, because friendship is built on trust. Another way is to be honest, whether when asked on our input on things or when we feel necessary. I feel that being communicative with our team is always a good idea because then everyone will feel included and that creates trust because there are no secrets.

2.       In what ways do you make sure your team is in agreement with a project before moving forward?

Make sure everyone is on the same page!!!!! It is crucial that everyone is kept in the loop and updated on a project’s progress. Even with busy schedules, send them an e-mail, leave a note, set up a time to talk, are all effective ways to make sure everyone is informed.

3.        What are a couple of creative ways you can communicate a new idea to your team?

I always like powerpoint presentations for some reason, I think it’s an organized and effective to project ideas to an audience without any confusion. But also coming up with examples of a new idea and showing the results coming from the new idea could also be a good idea because it gives people an image in their head so they are better able to understand the new idea in the same way you do. 

Technical/Professional Expertise

1)       Share one personal experience where you have seen the Technical/Professional Expertise leadership competency in action.

I don’t think I have really ever experienced the sense of professional expertise and professional leadership until I started BYUSA. I was never really aware of how important being professional in an appropriate setting was to the contribution to the atmosphere and even the work ethics of the people in the atmosphere until after Brother Ward’s lesson on protocol and professionalism. So the most experiences I have had with seeing professionalism in action is within the office, whether it is with the way officers dress or there are protocols that we must follow.  

2)       Share one personal experience where you have applied skills from the Solves Problems and Analyzes Issues leadership competency.

The experience that I can think of is that after the first office social we had, I asked my fellow officers how we could improve and do better next time. I wanted to know what room for improvement we had. I really appreciated the compliments we received, but I took the suggestions seriously and made adjustments for the next social we put on.

3)       How does innovation apply to your specific responsibilities?  How do you show support of innovation in others?

I think being volunteer appreciation means being especially innovative with our ideas for our program. We need to think outside the box to be able to come up with different, fun, and appealing ways to get our volunteers to participate in our programs. It makes me more appreciate of innovation in others. When I see that innovation utilized by others, I can show support by backing them up with their idea, providing constructive criticism, and offering more ideas that could enhance theirs. 

Servant Leadership

1. In your own words, briefly describe the "servant leadership" model we discussed in class.

2.  Identify someone with whom you have been personally acquainted and who exemplifies the concept of servant leadership.  Briefly describe the leadership/life style of this person(s).

My former bishop, Bishop Clason, exemplified that a lot because he always put others before himself. He has a very well off career and he travelled a lot before he was called as bishop but after he received his calling, his travel time reduced significantly and he put his responsibilities as bishop first before anything. He was a family man and he incorporated his family into a lot of the things he did with his calling and all of the youth became close to his family. He always thought of different ways to help the youth improve on our spirituality and I have seen his impact everyone including myself.

3.  Some argue that a servant leader will not have much success in his/her career because they will give too much attention to others and too little consideration of their own professional advancement.  How would you counter this argument?

I disagree because I have witnessed in my life that when I put others before myself, I seem to have even more time for my personal life. When I serve, my mood gets better and I get more motivation to better myself.

Divine Centered Leadership/Motivation

1.     1. Motive is the central element of the Divine centered Leadership Model.  Please describe what motivates you to volunteer as a leader in BYUSA.

My biggest motivation to be a volunteer leader in BYUSA is to see the impact my efforts have on others that I serve. I strive to see that smile on their faces and I genuinely want to help others feel that happiness I feel when I am impacted by BYUSA and the people around me

2. "Each of us might well ask, “In what ways am I shrinking or holding back?” Meek introspection may yield some bold insights! For example, we can tell much by what we have already willingly discarded along the pathway of discipleship."  Describe how you can use this question to help you improve as a leader in terms of the concept of challenging unrighteousness.

When I ask that question to myself, it sometimes scares me to know that I hold back because I am afraid. I am afraid of failure and rejection. But then I tell myself that I should not be afraid because if I come across failure, then try try again, as cliché as that sounds, it works. If I am rejected, then improve then go for it over and over again. Fear not because there are a million ways to become successful.

3.  Describe an experience where you have had to make a sacrifice in a leadership role.  How did this experience help you improve as a leader?

I think that most I have had to sacrifice as a leader is time and energy. But I feel that those two things are what I can contribute most. Though sometimes it is hard on other aspects of my life and my body to give up time and energy but it has helped me learn how to be a leader like unto Christ. He has sacrificed so much for us without any complaint and if I am able to achieve that then I am one more step closer to be like him. 

Final Reflection

BYUSA has been such a blessing to me since summer term has started. I have not only acquired such a wide array of leadership skills, I have also made so many lasting friendships that have really helped me get out of dark times. I had a very hard spring term and I felt like nothing was looking up. When summer finally came and I started BYUSA with Adventure Experience, it was like a complete life change.

            Simply through the example of the other BYUSA officers, I have learned how to love genuinely and unconditionally. I learned the value of friendship and how strong of a bond the friendships made within BYUSA have created. Everyone has made me feel so welcome, and I can see that their actions have reflected off of me and now I have made efforts to make other feel the same way when they walk into the office.

            I have always had a passion for serving others. Seeing others smile because they have received benefits through my contributions makes me feel happy. But having been in BYUSA and constantly reminded of the vision and mission statement, it has given me a new purpose of serving. I now serve with being a divine centered leader in mind. I look to Jesus Christ as my role model to how I want to be perceived as a leader. I strive to serve with the love and compassion that Jesus expressed to his followers. I want to be a role model for the students of BYU and be worthy for them to look to me for their needs.

            Something that has changed a lot of my perspective since starting at BYUSA is the concept of professionalism and how important it is. I can honestly say that I have never really thought about the concept of professionalism until Brother Ward gave his lesson. But since then, I have really tried to maintain a level of professionalism that is appropriate within the office. I learned about how dress and grooming really does affect how professional one is perceived by others. I learned tips and tricks to a successful interview process and it has really helped me in real life. I learned to separate work with play. It has really helped me learn that there is a right place and right time to do certain things. When it is time for business, maintain a professional attitude. I still have a lot of room for improvement on this area of skill but I have definitely learned to take those first steps toward that goal.

            One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned since being in the office is assuming my responsibilities. I’ve learned so many important jobs that must be done on time, precise, and efficiently, such as the financial processes, how to fill out an EAF, the role of meal docs, certification, training, meeting deadlines, being on time, reflection journals, and so much more. All of these responsibilities are equally important, and I have definitely had my fair share of trial and error with a number of these responsibilities. But it is really enlightening to see myself learning these skills and accomplishing these goals because I can see myself growing up and overcoming a lot of the obstacles I used to have such as meeting deadlines and prioritizing.

I have become much more organized than I have ever been my entire life. It meant a lot to me when Phil asked me to teach the area training on time management because it is almost ironic since I used to be the least productive person in my class. On several occasions, my mom has asked me how I could change so drastically. She doesn’t believe I’m her daughter sometimes. My parents seem to be more proud of me for being organized but struggling academically than I would expect. It makes me happy that I can make my parents proud and it motivates me to want to continue to be excellent.

Since working as executive director for volunteer appreciation, it has really taught me to be more creative with my thinking and planning. It has definitely opened my eyes to how tough this job entails but it has also given me a challenge that I would love to conquer by the end of the year. I have become more open to new ideas and other people's suggestions. My job has become one of the most enjoyable part of my day and I always look forward to office hours and working to create volunteer appreciation opportunities. 

Although being a part of BYUSA, I am supposed to be the one serving my peers and university, I feel that I have been served in more ways than I can give back. I have been uplifted emotionally and spiritually. I have been given an attitude makeover. The Lord has blessed me with so much, and I will make a commitment to serve with dedication and contribute all that I can in this upcoming year to make this university an ever better place for my peers. 

Delegation, Empowerment, and Follow-Up

1. Identify one SPECIFIC action item you will implement to improve the five core dimensions of empowerment for the organization/area

Self-Efficacy: Provide Information 
Self-Determination: Provide Resources
Personal Consequence: Personal Mastery Experiences 
Meaningfulness: Emotional Arousal
Trust: Build Confidence

2. Develop a methodology or tool that will help you measure your success in each of those action items, explain what it is, and how/when you will follow up on your progress with your coordinator or team

Self-Efficacy: I will be sure to always share my knowledge with my peers. I've always been a very sharing person and I like to see other people succeed, and in order to do that I must share the knowledge I know with them so we can combine our skills to progress together. 


Self-Determination: I will try to provide as much of my own resources as I can. Whenever there is a need for something that I may help with, I will volunteer to help. 


Personal Consequence: When I am faced with large tasks, I will take the time to break it down into progressions of smaller tasks and write them down into a to do list. I will measure this by seeing how well I follow the to do and how often I actually check back and cross of things I have accomplished. I will see if by doing so, it makes the larger tasks completion process faster and more efficient. 


Meaningfulness: I will make sure that I always plan with purpose and let my fellow volunteers know our purpose so that we can all work together to work toward that goal. I will measure this by always checking with my PD's and volunteers to see if they know the reason behind our planning and programs. 


Trust: I will create confidence by ensuring that my area and PD's and volunteers are well bonded and know each other well. I will do so through area training, meetings, stewardships, etc. I will always be open with them and encourage them to do so. I want to create an environment for my volunteers that makes them feel welcome and equal. 

Leading with Honor

1. From your experience, why has the Lord required an honor code at BYU?


The honor code lifestyle that we live at BYU reminds us of our standards as members of the LDS church. It keeps us out of trouble and helps us to stay on the righteous path easier. By committing to living the honor code, it trains us to develop will power, patience, and responsibility. By helps us better determine right from wrong and we are able to see the light during dark times. 


2. What blessings have come into your life because of your obedience to the honor code?


My former roommate had a boyfriend who would always sleep over because she had her own room across the bathroom vanity. It was very inconvenient for the rest of us and also very uncomfortable. But thanks to the honor code, she was not able to continue doing this for very long because it was against BYU Housing Guidelines. My other roommate and I were able to get back our privacy and live within our apartment with peace. 


3. Through your role in BYUSA, in what ways can you "inspire and educate" other students about the Honor Code?


By living by the Honor Code, I can "inspire and educate" others through the example I am projecting. Having a leadership position in BYUSA, it is my responsibility to be an example for my peers. And by having this role, people do look to me for that example. I can make sure that my visitors leave at the right time of the night, which will invite others to do the same. I can make sure that I abstain from anything that will hurt me physically, emotionally, or spiritually. 

Leader of Leaders

1. In what ways are you a leader of leaders?


I am a leader of leaders because I am a leader over my program directors who are leaders over their committee members and their volunteers. I am also a voice within a university full of voices that speak out and lead within their colleges. Being in the LDS community, I feel that all of the members are leaders because we are the Lord's missionaries and we lead others into finding the true gospel. 


2. How can the love which you reflect reflect to volunteers?


I recently was home taught on President Monson's article in the new Ensign about Showing, Expressing, and Sharing your love. And I think it is really important for me as well as all of the leaders of BYUSA to make sure that we show, express, and share our love to ALL of the volunteers that come into the office. It is our vision for us to not leave anyone behind, and by extending our love to everyone in the office, we can better reach our goal. 


3. How can you be a more divine centered leader of leaders?


It is always the most effective when I keep the leadership skills that Jesus practiced in mind when I am leading others. It is also important that I keep the BYUSA vision in mind whenever I am executing leadership so that I am never forgetting our purpose as a service association. Incorporating the Lord's will into my actions as a leader will help me strive to be like a leader unto Jesus. 

Conflict

Choose one skill you use in dealing with conflict, research it, pounce on every chance to practice, teach someone else about it, and then write 3-4 paragraphs about what you did and what you learned.


The skill I use when I deal with conflict is saying sorry even if I'm not the one at fault. Sometimes this action is a sign of defeat and many people refuse to use it because they don't want to "lose", but I believe that this skill is very useful and effective. I can see that this skill may be overused or used for the wrong circumstances, but when perfected, it is a very powerful way to build better relationships with the opposing party. 


One instance that I used this skill is when I recently had conflicts with my roommate. There were many miscommunications and we were not on speaking terms at all. I knew my side of the story and I stuck by it. When we decided to talk about it, I took the time and listened to her side of the story and realized that I really wasn't at fault. My initial reaction was that I wanted to fight it and "win" because I was right all along. But I knew that our fight wouldn't end anytime soon if I fought because she's never going to back down. So I decided to just admit my faults, even the ones that weren't true, and tried to make amends. This experience really opened my eyes up to how effective this skill worked. My roommate and I instantly stopped fighting and both of our hearts were softened because someone had the guts to apologize first. We were talking with softer voices and we became willing to compromise. 


We talked about this skill during home teaching today and it was interesting how we can relate that to the gospel. President Monson talked in the new Ensign about how we need to Show, Express, and Share our love. We started talking about conflict situations that were similar to the one I experienced. It was cool to find that connection that by saying sorry and being the bigger person, it is a way to express our love for the other person. We care about the opposing party enough to swallow up our pride and just apologize instead of prolonging our conflict. 


I learned that sometimes it is important to keep your dignity, never letting someone make you feel inferior. But this skill of saying sorry at the appropriate time requires you to act inferior in order for you and the opposing party to come out superior together. Sometime it is ok to suck it up and let that ego down and have the courage to do something that is difficult. 

Finances

1. How will you make sure each new person in your area is trained and held accountable for our financial processes?


I have made a routine to have all of the volunteers in my area go through the same procedures before they get started with volunteer appreciation. After they get a tour of the office and receive the volunteer packet, they are introduced to the computer lab and certification test. I work with them to make a deadline to finish taking the test. When they struggle with it, I try to give them tips on how to remember some of the procedures with the financial processes. When I was a program director, my ED was there to help me with each step of the first EAF I filled out. I plan on doing that for my program directors this year to ensure that they know exactly how to fill out an EAF properly and correctly. I will always make myself available to them whenever they have questions with the financial processes. 

In what ways can our financial processes help you in managing your own finances?


The BYUSA financial processes are very precise and "on top" of everything. It gives me incentive to be on top of my own finances. Having to plan and be careful about the spendings within my budget for BYUSA reflects on my own expenses and makes me more careful about my personal spendings. 

Team Dynamics

1. What stage is your area team progressing through?


To be a little challenging to myself and our area team, I think that we currently are still in the Forming stage. We have built good trust but we have not yet "Stormed" and because we have not past that stage, I don't think we have yet to get to the Norming stage. But that doesn't mean that I don't think our team is progressively improving and advancing together as a group. I just think that we will always have room for improvement. And since we are still new to working together and working on a new project, we will eventually get through to the Performing stage together and thrive!


2. How will you help your area achieve and maintain the performing stage?


I will help my area reach and maintain the performing stage by always making sure I am on top of my responsibilities. I want to get to the level that I never hesitate to help my teammates when they are overloaded with work. I will strive to do my work punctually and with quality. I will always appreciate the work done by others. 


3. How will you help BYUSA achieve and maintain the performing stage?


I will help BYUSA reach and maintain the performing stage by doing my part in appreciation to all of their hard work, contributions, and dedication. I want to be uplifting and positive for my peers so that when they need a smile they can look to me to brighten their day. I will do my best to lend a helping hand wherever is needed. 

BYUSA Brand

1. Why is it important to have consistent branding in BYUSA?


Consistency is always a prerequisite of success. It reduces the confusion that may arise if we are constantly changing our look. Consistency also shows that we are confident with how we are portrayed through our branding that we don't constantly have to change it. 


2. 2 things learned from the Marketing Style Guide


-I didn't realize how many resources and places to advertise we have on campus. I know that I constantly see the BYU Brand around different places on campus but there are more than I possibly could imagine. I definitely have overlooked the technology and digital resources that are available in the Wilk and other buildings that are also helpful to our advertising. 


-I find the 5 steps of brainstorming interesting, funny, and very useful. 
1. Define the Problem
2. Gather the Information
3. Search for the Idea
4. Forget About It (haha)
5. Put the Idea into Action

Volunteer Recruiting, Retention, and Rewarding

1. Why do you volunteer?


It is the biggest reward for me to see the smile on someone's face when I see that they got something out of my services. I'm the type of person to always put others before myself because I get joy out of making others happy. Volunteering with BYUSA is not only a way for me to serve my peers but also a way for me to serve myself because I get to be a part of an uplifting environment and I get to make so many friends who have the same aspirations as I do. 


2. In what ways do you contribute to the culture of the office? What can you do individually to make our BYU community a Zion community?


Well first off, my Asian-ness makes the cultural diversity soar in the office ^_^ :P But I also like to think that I try to contribute to the office by bringing more appreciation since it is my role in BYUSA to show love and appreciation for everyone. As an individual, I think it's important to not hide my talents and contribute the skills that the Lord has given me to the community so that we can all compile our skills together to thrive together. It is my responsibility to be an example of a divine centered leader and encourage others to do the same. 


3. I got a friend to come into the office and get a tour! She is just currently deciding which area she wants to serve! :)

Raising the Bar: Professionalism

How does professionalism create credibility?

Professionalism creates credibility because it shows that whoever is practicing professionalism is taking their job/responsibilities seriously. It is important enough to them that they will make an effort to dress cleanly and appropriately, to be punctual, etc. Being professional shows that one can act appropriately in appropriate situations. 

Describe a unique protocol you have learned or experienced. 

I used to work at a clothing store called Aeropostale. They are a nation wide company that is very well known in the retail business. In order for them to stay so successful within their competitive field is that they are very strict on their protocol. They have a guideline that all employees have to follow and enforce while working called Giving Ten. It is 10 actions/protocols that we must always perform on the customers.

 

1. Greet with enthusiastic pitch 

2. Acknowledge every customer

3. Ask what size

4. Add on items to their purchase

5. Everything in store must be in size order

6. Store Manager/Sales Lead must stand out on the floor

7. Cash Wrap fast, friendly, and efficient

8. Ask for e-mail

9. Say thank you

10. Earn a recommendation

Every single customer is supposed to experience all Give Ten guidelines. And I can see that this company is very successful and lifted up by these protocols that they set for themselves and their employees. It makes the customers happy and satisfied, it also makes the employees' jobs easier. 

Divine Centered Leadership

1. What is your motive for service?


My motive for service is that I want to see the smiles on people's faces when I know they have benefitted from my efforts. I do not seek appreciation nor have I gotten many, which I have no complaints about. I love to serve and I'd always rather put others before myself. Though sometimes it does not do me any good to put myself last, I always feel closer to becoming like Christ when I strive to be selfless. 


2. As instructed in Elder Robin's talk, create a "to-be" list for yourself. 


Humble
Genuine
Happy
Truthful
Hardworking
Dedicated
Trustworthy
Loving
Forgiving
Knowledgeable
Selfless


(in no particular order)


3. Pick an individual in BYUSA that you don't know as well and find a way to get to know their heart. 


I learned a lot about Eric Cecil in a way that I never did before. I got to hang out with him for a good amount of time this past weekend and it was a great bonding and even spiritual experience. I  learned his personality in more depth and found that he is such a faithful servant to the Lord. He does everything in his power to make himself more available to God and he strives to be a servant of God at all times. I admire so many of his traits and I'm so glad to be working with him this year. 


4. Yes I have read the Divine Centered Leadership. 

RACE

In what ways does RACE prepare you to be a more successful leader?


RACE gives me an exact template of how to stay organized during what could have been a hectic planning process. It lays out the steps and paces my steps so I will not get too ahead of myself. It also reminds me of the tasks that may be overlooked, such as evaluating after the event is over. This is such a useful tool for me to use but such a great resource that I am able to share with my peers also.


How do you plan to use RACE in your area throughout the upcoming year?


I plan to use RACE in my area very often this coming year. I will need to plan and carry out big events such as the end of the semester appreciation activities. RACE will help me and my program directors to stay organized in a timely manner and be able to see everything visually. It will reduce the risk of us leaving anything out because RACE is so thorough.

Vision and Mission Statement

How will you implement the vision in your role?


When I compare the vision to the role I play in BYUSA, the first thing that pops out at me is when the vision says that there be no intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, or physically poor among us. That line strikes me as that we do not leave anyone behind. That is important for my role because I want to make sure that as "Volunteer Appreciation," we do not leave anyone out of our thoughts. This vision reminds me that like Christ, he would never leave even one sheep behind, I must be like him and make sure no one feels left out.


Read the BYUSA mission statement and write your reflection/thoughts on it.

I participated in BYUSA last year and from my experience last year I feel that BYUSA has really made a conscience and successful effort to implement everything said in the mission statement. The mission statement emphasizes service as the core of BYUSA, and it is so apparent that we are so different from the other student government/organizations on other campuses. We have a special purpose and we do it so well. Something that is very personal to me is the sense of belonging stated. When I started BYUSA again this year, I instantly felt that sense of belonging. It was amazing how I literally gained so many friends all in one day. I had a very bad experience my Spring semester this year, and everything has just looked up and brighter since I stepped into the office.