What I learned in seminary this year.....

In August 2008, I was asked to teach a seminary class at church. Seminary is taught at 6 am every morning to a group of 14 to18 year old students. My first reaction.... I am NOT a morning person!!! I LOVE to stay up late working - sometimes until 2 am and then sleep late or late according to me!!! But this year I would have to give up that habit since I would have a little boy attending pre-k and he needed to be at school before 8 am so I said yes I will teach seminary. I actually attended seminary for 4 years when I was a youth - even though I graduated from seminary I always felt that I slept through most of it....so this would be a good opportunity to re-visit the scriptures ---- AWAKE!!!

Well the year has ended and I survived and so did my students!!! One of the assignments given to my students at the end of the year was to write a 500 page paper on "What I Learnd in Seminary This Year." They were to do this in order to "letter" which is basically to recieve a special award for their work.....in addition to the paper, they must also memorize 25 scriptures, attend 90%, read the New Testament, and pass a final exam.

So I decided I would write my paper (not 500 words!) on what I learned in Seminary this year.

First, I learned that yes I can get up everyday at 5 am to get ready for the day and then go teach teenagers about the scriptures!!! I also learned that 5 am is VERY EARLY and it is still dark outside!!! I also learned that I can go to bed at 11 pm or 12 am and still get up at 5 am!!!

I learned that preparing a lesson for teenagers is EXTREMELY HARD since they already know a lot!!! I also learned that these teens were not as awake at 6am as I thought they should be but we worked through that!!!

I learned that these teens are extremely knowledgeable about the New Testament and scriptures in general.....they taught me a lot!!!

I learned that it is easy to LOVE these teenagers and that they are so fun to be around early in the morning (or anytime). I learned to care about their well-being, about who their friends are, how they are doing in school, and what they like or dislike.

I learned that these teens love thier phones and ipods but they know how to put them away when it is time for class.

I learned that these teens have a great love for the gospel, for the scriptures and for the Savior. I learned that these teens are great examples to adults in how to live the gospel, in their actions, words, and in their deeds.

I learned that there are many ways to teach teens so they can learn -- you can bring do-nuts and bribe them!!! I also learned that I want to be more prepared next year than I was this year. I want to put in 150% instead of 100%.

I also learned to love the scriptures more than I ever have in the past. I learned a lot more about the life of Christ and his Apostles. I learned that I want to walk in His footsteps and strive to become more like Him.

I learned to LOVE seminary and everything it stands for.

For now, the doctor is out....preparing her lessons, games, and activities for next Fall....see you then bright and early!!!!