For reasons too complicated to describe here, I could probably go to BYU absolutely free. Many people are surprised when they discover my religion that I didn't attend BYU and that I root for their opponents most of the time. Part of the reason why revolves around the assumption that in order to be a good Mormon you must go to the Y. Ask around among those who know me, and they will tell you I'm the best Mormon they know. Sad, I know, but true.
General Petraus put out a list of reasons why he likes to work with BYU grads. The same could be said of me, almost without exception.
10 — They have already been on many a mission.
I went to Austria. It was tough. I was there when Clinton ordered bombings of Milosevich of Yugoslavia. I could tell you stories. Maybe some day I will.
9 — Army chow is no problem for folks accustomed to eating green Jell-o and shredded carrots.
I happen to like MREs, not that they're my favorite, but it beats having to pack in stuff with which to cook, not to mention the light from a fire lights you up like a candle for snipers...
8 — It's not a problem if they don't know what rank someone is, they just refer to them as Brother or Sister so-and-so.
Ask my bishop and he will tell you that I get up to greet people who outrank me at church. I learned, because my father was a combat veteran, to respect adults, to listen to authority, and to honor those whose sacrifices earned them that honor.
7 — They never go AWOL. They just call it being less active.
I have never left the Mormon church because it is true.
6 — They will seize any objective swiftly if you tell them refreshments will be served.
I don't go for the refreshments. I do what I do because I believe it matters to God that I do it.
5 — They know how to make things happen. In fact if you ever need a base built quickly in a barren wasteland, stride out to where you want them to start, plant your walking stick down and say in a loud voice, "This is the place."
This one is just funny. It's particularly helpful if you stick the stick into the ground next to a monument of Brigham Young...
4 — They have innovative ideas for handling insurgents — like assigning them home teachers.
This might be a good time to link to one of my favorite YouTube videos where a british commentator suggests Al Qaeda take tips from our book...
3 — They always have a years' supply of provisions on hand.
Not just food...quilts, toilet paper, pencils...you name it. I even plan to have coffee and tobacco. After all, money will eventually be worthless like fiat currencies always are.
2 — They are the world's most reliable designated drivers.
I usually just opt against going out, and my closest friends usually don't bother to invite me.
1 — They understand how far Iraq has come over the last seven years, and they think that Iraq's old spot in the "Axis of Evil" can now be filled by the University of Utah.
I like the U. I also follow the admonition of CS Lewis who wrote, "IF you take away all the good in mankind you are not left with a bad man. Take away everything good about a man and you are left with nothing at all."
I learned a great deal of other things I find useful in and for life because I attended other institutions of higher learning. Contrary to popular opinion of the student body, BYU is the least diverse major college campus.
You can be a great person no matter where you go. What you get out of college depends largely on you. You will get out of it what you put into it. My favorite professor in college earned his PhD from the University of Nebraska. A school just needs to be big enough to challenge while small enough to care. Thanks to the Ag school. You will be missed.
General Petraus put out a list of reasons why he likes to work with BYU grads. The same could be said of me, almost without exception.
10 — They have already been on many a mission.
I went to Austria. It was tough. I was there when Clinton ordered bombings of Milosevich of Yugoslavia. I could tell you stories. Maybe some day I will.
9 — Army chow is no problem for folks accustomed to eating green Jell-o and shredded carrots.
I happen to like MREs, not that they're my favorite, but it beats having to pack in stuff with which to cook, not to mention the light from a fire lights you up like a candle for snipers...
8 — It's not a problem if they don't know what rank someone is, they just refer to them as Brother or Sister so-and-so.
Ask my bishop and he will tell you that I get up to greet people who outrank me at church. I learned, because my father was a combat veteran, to respect adults, to listen to authority, and to honor those whose sacrifices earned them that honor.
7 — They never go AWOL. They just call it being less active.
I have never left the Mormon church because it is true.
6 — They will seize any objective swiftly if you tell them refreshments will be served.
I don't go for the refreshments. I do what I do because I believe it matters to God that I do it.
5 — They know how to make things happen. In fact if you ever need a base built quickly in a barren wasteland, stride out to where you want them to start, plant your walking stick down and say in a loud voice, "This is the place."
This one is just funny. It's particularly helpful if you stick the stick into the ground next to a monument of Brigham Young...
4 — They have innovative ideas for handling insurgents — like assigning them home teachers.
This might be a good time to link to one of my favorite YouTube videos where a british commentator suggests Al Qaeda take tips from our book...
3 — They always have a years' supply of provisions on hand.
Not just food...quilts, toilet paper, pencils...you name it. I even plan to have coffee and tobacco. After all, money will eventually be worthless like fiat currencies always are.
2 — They are the world's most reliable designated drivers.
I usually just opt against going out, and my closest friends usually don't bother to invite me.
1 — They understand how far Iraq has come over the last seven years, and they think that Iraq's old spot in the "Axis of Evil" can now be filled by the University of Utah.
I like the U. I also follow the admonition of CS Lewis who wrote, "IF you take away all the good in mankind you are not left with a bad man. Take away everything good about a man and you are left with nothing at all."
I learned a great deal of other things I find useful in and for life because I attended other institutions of higher learning. Contrary to popular opinion of the student body, BYU is the least diverse major college campus.
You can be a great person no matter where you go. What you get out of college depends largely on you. You will get out of it what you put into it. My favorite professor in college earned his PhD from the University of Nebraska. A school just needs to be big enough to challenge while small enough to care. Thanks to the Ag school. You will be missed.
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