Back to School

Stephen started school last week. He is going to the University of Utah to get his Master’s in Computer Science with his emphasis in graphics.

This whole decision to have him go back to school has been a leap of faith for us. We always knew getting a higher degree was something we wanted and felt we should do. The timing finally seemed right and we left the comforts of  steady work hours and salary for long days of lectures, homework and very little money. But promptings from the Spirit, inspired blessings and many answered prayers are proving to us that we are making the right decision.

Through the process of applying for school I knelt and prayed one day specifically that he would get accepted to the U. I wanted it so that we could stay in our home, our ward and especially near our family. A few days before we found out he was accepted to the U, I was on the computer doing something when I had a very strong impression tell me that the Lord heard my prayer and will give me what I want.

Sure enough he got into Utah’s program, a highly ranked program, while he was turned down by many other lesser ranked schools. We couldn’t be happier to have him going there.

He was accepted to the U, but without funding. Many grad students get offered paid tuition and a stipend when they are accepted. We were not so lucky. We had financially prepared for school, and with the worst case scenario (we pay for everything) we knew we could do it. But, every night we would pray that some teaching assistant position or research assistantship would come our way. The answer I always got to these prayers was a peaceful reassurance that God would provide. Over and over again as I would read my scriptures the most random scriptures would reconfirm to me that if we were obedient and trusted in the Lord we would prosper.

Last month Stephen found an online application to be a teaching assistant and filled it out. The deadline for it was the month prior, but he still submitted it hoping it could lead to a position next semester. To our surprise, the next week he was contacted by a professor asking him to be a TA for her class. Tears of joy filled my eyes.

With this position, his tuition is waived 100%, and he receives a regular living stipend plus free health insurance for him. Which means, less financial stress on both of us.

God does provide. Prayers are answered and miracles do happen.

So far schooling has been busy, overwhelming at times and physically draining for him. But, we have already been so impressed with the cool projects he is doing and all the new information he is learning. Stephen is at the U, though I won’t go so far to say he is a “Ute” because we all know his blood runs BYU blue. But he is gaining new respect and appreciation for the U.

This coming Friday is “Show Your Colors Day” at school. He is threatening to wear a BYU t-shirt. I think that is a BAD idea. I was on campus last week and saw a bumper sticker that read, “I HATE BYU.” I don’t want Stephen to run into that guy while wearing a BYU shirt.