BYU-Idaho Pathway Carlingford Graduates on Higher Ground

“If someone had told me a year ago – that I would be standing here graduating from a BYU-Idaho Pathway course, I would never have truly believed it.”

Such a sentiment was echoed by all of the ten graduates who became the BYU-Idaho Pathway Carlingford graduating class of 2017 in Sydney Australia on April 29th 2017.

This group of remarkable individuals, made up of mothers, wives, husbands, students, aspiring business owners, employees, and faithful, serving members of the church, presented themselves on day one – full of trepidation and uncertainty, but hopeful for the change that only education can bring.

The mantra became ‘education is eternal’ and with that realisation they proceeded to undergo the transformation that is education. Many had not studied at a higher education level. In fact, some had hardly finished high school and came with the inherent sense of loss, and lack of confidence common in so many similar circumstances.

Though many faced personal and family challenges, they arose as confident and successful individuals, many of whom are going on to further education as BYU-Idaho tertiary students and others pursuing their dream of creating their own businesses.

Paige, a young mother, faced her fears with maths. She began with a deep sense of foreboding, bring with her the voices of her past, "you cannot do this; you are no good; it’s too hard". However, through sheer perseverance, learning to do hard things, and with the love and support of family and classmates, she started to excel. 

Roland, like many who join Pathway, had little in the way of formal education. However, he had made a commitment that he would get an education so that he would be better able to support his family. He worked his way through what seemed almost impossible at times. With time and patience Roland’s abilities increased. He is now pursuing his dream to become a dentist. He is joined by those wanting to be writers, graphic designers, social and community professionals, business owners, health practitioners.

In the words of President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counsellor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in announcing the new Pathway international educational effort, "Pathway is a bridge to the world of online college education and a pathway to opportunities for a successful livelihood."

Pathway has been "a hidden treasure within the CES [Church Educational System]", said President Uchtdorf. "We have felt that now is the right time to give increased focus and direction to Pathway and online higher education in the Church."