You Belong

What a tremendous privilege for me to be here today and for me to have this opportunity to speak with you. As we embark on a new semester and a new year, the energy and spirit you bring with you is tangible. It is something that can be felt. And it is a reminder to me, that with God, all things are possible.

When I was asked to speak, I was humbled by the invitation. I grew up in a city where there were more cows than people—we don’t get an opportunity to speak at devotional. So, when I got the invitation, I excitedly called my mother, who I am blessed to have on the stand today. And I said, “Mom, I was asked by Ensign College to give the Devotional”. Her response was immediate, "Are you sure you got the right invitation?!”

I would like just to share a little bit about my mother with you because her journey reminds me of so many of the journeys that you are currently on. And my hope is that, through her experiences, we can better understand each other. Like some of you, she was not born in the United States but in what we now call North Korea. Unfortunately, growing tensions, rumors of war, and increasing acts of violence in her country caused and forced her family to flee to South Korea. Tragically, her father did not complete that journey—he was taken prisoner, and my mother, who at that time was just a little girl, would never see her father again. Despite this unimaginable loss, my mother did not give up on herself or Heavenly Father. In South Korea, she joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - becoming an early member of the church in that country. She also decided to come to America, seeking to provide a better life for her family.

She arrived in the United States with a very limited ability to speak English, very little money, but also, an unshakeable recognition of the importance of a college education for her three children. She worked tirelessly throughout her life. She opened her own business to ensure that the money would be there so that her children could receive the blessings of a college education.

Years later, after her three children had grown up, my mother was asked if all the hard work and sacrifice to have her three children attend college was “worth it.” By that time, my brother had earned a doctorate and was a professor. My sister had become a nurse, then attended night school to earn a law degree, and was working as a senior executive at a large hospital network. And then there was me. I was a late bloomer. At that time, I was doing social media posts for a small company – either in my home or in my mom’s basement. So, when my mom was asked if her sacrifice had all been worth it, she paused and replied with a smile, “Well, 2 out of 3 ain’t bad.” Mom, gamsahapnida—thank you for your faith, for your courage, and sense of adventure. Now, there is an update. Since I have now joined the faculty of Ensign College, my mom assures me that today she would say “3 out of 3”.

As students, you may sometimes wonder if your sacrifices to be here at Ensign College are truly worth it. Many of you are spending significant time away from your families to be here. Some of you are working full-time jobs and attending class. Some of you are first-generation college students navigating the challenges of higher education without the guidance or example of a family member. Some of you, like my mother, have had to overcome financial, language, and cultural barriers to pursue your education.

Let me assure you: it is worth it.

The sacrifices and changes you are making are an investment in the person you are becoming. Your hard work is shaping you into someone who can face life’s challenges with courage, grit, and grace. At Ensign College, you are not just earning a certificate or a degree; you are becoming a more capable and trusted disciple of the Savior. Your time here is worth it because you are worth it.

As I prepared my remarks for today, I felt impressed to share three lessons that have blessed me in my journey. And my hope is that they will likewise bless you in your journey.

First, Continue to Do Difficult Things
You’ll notice that I said, “continue” to do difficult things. Your presence here today, and your attendance at Ensign College proves you have already familiarized yourself with facing challenges and doing difficult things. This year, I encourage you to embrace opportunities that stretch you mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. It will be through these moments of perseverance and effort that you better understand who you are and, maybe more importantly, who you want to be.

The scriptures are filled with examples of individuals who did difficult things. David, as a young boy, stood without armor or a sword against a literal Goliath. Noah built an ark. Nephi built a ship. Samuel the Lamanite stood on a city wall as arrows came his way. Each of these individuals did something difficult that tested their strength, physically, mentally, and spiritually. But not all "difficult things" need to be dramatic or visible to the world. More often than not, our most significant growth comes from the small, quiet victories that no one but you will ever know about. These victories, these quiet victories, may look like:

-Choosing to be a peacemaker instead of fueling discord with our words.

-Finding time to read the scriptures, and engage in personal prayer, on those days when it feels like there is no time to spare.

-or exercising patience and mercy with those who may offend us.

Each victory, large or small, is important. As C.S. Lewis, a gifted author and educator, wrote:

“...[T]he little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance. The smallest, good act today is the capture of a strategic point from which, a few months later, you may be able to go on to victories you never dreamed of.” (Mere Christianity, “The 'Cardinal Virtues”).

Also, as your resolve to do difficult things deepens, keep in mind that it is not necessary for you to accomplish or succeed in your first, second, third, or 100th attempt. Growth requires faith, patience, and the willingness to keep getting up and trying again.

Consider the Apostle Peter. In an extraordinary act of faith, he stepped out of the safety of that boat, to walk on water toward the Savior. The scriptures tell us, “But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.” (Matthew 14:30). Peter could have stayed in the refuge of that boat, waiting for calmer seas or by telling himself that he was not yet quite ready — but instead, Peter chose to do the difficult thing.

Growth often comes not from guaranteed success but from having the courage to act, even when the outcome is uncertain. Whether we succeed, falter, or fail, the very effort of trying shapes us. It builds resilience, and helps us become stronger and more capable. We become more capable and more trusted disciples through earnest effort and through the Atonement, the Savior will provide the necessary strength to carry on with another attempt, so long as we continue to have the resolve to try again.

So, continue to do difficult things.

Second, Help Others on Their Journey

Most of us are familiar with the parable of the Good Samaritan. Its timeless message reminds us that, regardless of who we are or where we come from, we are all neighbors with a divine responsibility to help and uplift each other.

The parable begins with the Samaritan encountering a stranger who, we are told, had been robbed, beaten, and left half-dead on the road. The scriptures tell us:

“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him.” (Luke 10:33)

This passage teaches us that service begins with an authentic concern for others. In this case, the Samaritan had “compassion” for the wounded man. The Samaritan’s help was not driven by personal gain, or the number of social media “likes” or “shares” that could be garnered by providing help - but only by a sincere desire to alleviate the suffering of another individual.

Also, notice how the verse begins, “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed…” The Samaritan was not at home looking for something to do when he came across the wounded man but was on his own journey, heading toward a specific destination with a schedule to keep and tasks that needed doing - perhaps meetings to attend, goods to deliver, or family waiting for him upon his arrival.

The opportunity to provide help did not come at a convenient time. Likewise, our opportunities to serve will often arise during inconvenient moments, requiring us to put the needs of others above our own.

The parable continues,

“And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.” (Luke 10:34).

Here, we are taught another powerful lesson: that meaningful service often requires our personal involvement and time. The Samaritan did not simply write a check or hire someone to help the wounded man. He personally tended to the man’s wounds, took the time to place him on his animal, and transport him to the inn.

When we become personally involved in rendering service to others, the impact extends far beyond the individual we help—it also transforms us. Stepping into someone else’s struggle and investing our time, energy, and compassion invites the Spirit into our hearts and helps heal and refine us. Understanding this adds significance to the covenants we made at the time of our baptism to willingly bear one another’s burdens, to mourn with those that mourn; and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times, in all things, and in all places. (Mosiah 18:8-10).

As we honor our covenant to do these things, by binding up the literal, or perhaps mental of emotional wounds of others, offering comfort, or sharing our resources, we align our actions with divine purposes, allowing God to reshape our hearts, refine our character, and deepen our connection to Him. Service then becomes a sacred exchange, blessing the giver as much as the receiver.

In the next verse we read, “And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.” (Luke 10:35)

Here, we see that service to others may require ongoing commitment. The Samaritan not only rendered immediate life-sustaining help on the road where the wounded man was initially found but appears to have delayed his own journey by staying overnight to help the wounded man recover, even promising to return and cover any additional expense. Genuine service often goes beyond a single act and involves follow-through and sustained effort.

But also understand this: That the Samaritan recognized the importance of fulfilling his own obligations. After providing resources for the man’s care, we are told, the Samaritan departed to continue his own journey. This example teaches us that while service is vital, we must also care for our own physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being in order to serve sustainably. And there is no shame, when we need to take a break and energize ourselves for that sustained effort.

Our acts of service, like our willingness to do difficult things, need not be grand or extraordinary to have a meaningful or eternal impact. We may not even realize the lives that are improved or changed due to small acts of service or kindness.

I remember an experience here at Ensign College when I was recently hired, as a full-time member of the faculty. One evening, after several hours of working on a report, I finished around 7 o’clock at night. The building was almost empty as I left my office on the 6th floor.I went to the elevator and took it up to the 10th floor in order to drop off the report.

After dropping the report off, I waited for the elevator on the 10th floor. Even if no one is in the building, we have to wait for the elevator. I was waiting on the 10^th floor, and, while waiting, President Kusch came out of his office to take the elevator down to the first floor. I asked the president why he was working so late, and President Kusch explained that the college was undergoing its regular accreditation review—an intense process lasting several days, requiring long hours, and meticulous attention to detail.

As a new faculty member, I had several questions about the college, the students, and the administration - and since we were both waiting for the elevator, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to ask as many of those questions as possible. When the elevator arrived, we entered and continued our discussion. I pressed the 6th-floor button for myself and the 1st-floor button for President Kusch. When the elevator stopped at the 6th floor, I stepped outside, and, to my surprise, so did President Kusch.

Thinking the president was mistaken, I quickly said, “President, this is the 6th floor.” His response was unexpected and unforgettable. He said, “I know, but we haven’t finished our discussion, and it seems like you have a lot more questions.”

I’ve thought about that moment many times. Despite what I can only imagine was an exhausting and stressful day, perhaps even a long and stressful week, President Kusch took the time out to make sure that my questions were answered and that a new faculty member felt valued and loved by his college President. I no longer remember the specifics of our conversation, but I vividly remember how President Kusch’s kindness made me feel.

Not every act of service requires monumental effort. Sometimes, the small, simple gestures—a kind word, a listening ear, or stepping out of the elevator to answer a question—carry the most profound and lasting impact.

As we learn to serve others with compassion, we must also recognize our divine worth.

This brings us to the last principle: And that is that you are Exceptional.

We live in a world that constantly tells us that we are not enough. We are not pretty enough. We are not smart enough. We are not rich enough. We are simply not enough. That same world will tell us that to become “enough” and to find happiness or relevance, that we must own the latest gadgets, we must wear the trendiest clothes or have thousands of digital followers online who “like” every post that we make. This narrative is simply not true.

I recently read a book that examined the lives of 400 successful people—scientists, doctors, inventors, athletes, and leaders who changed the world. The authors of the book were searching to uncover a common thread that could explain and answer what makes people successful.

Their research showed that growing up with more money was not necessarily a guarantee of success; being born in one country or another was not a guarantee of success. Even attendance at the world’s best educational institutions could not guarantee success. After reading the book, I concluded that the one factor that had the greatest bearing on whether someone would grow up to be successful was the presence of at least one parent who loved them deeply, sacrificed for them, and moved mountains on their behalf.

We, all of us, are blessed with an even greater truth: we know that we are children with a divine spiritual heritage. This divine DNA flows through us—it is in our veins, our blood, and every beat of our heart. In moments when you feel inadequate, unseen, are told that you are not enough, or feel as though you do not belong, remember your divine heritage and realize that there is no mountain that cannot be moved, no door that cannot be opened, no hurt that cannot be healed, and no peace that cannot be brought. Remember that God does not make average people.

You are exceptional. Continue to do difficult things. Lift others in their journey. Remember that you are exceptional and have a divine heritage and that with God, all things are possible.

That is my testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.