As a new semester dawns at Brigham Young University, a powerful message of hope and faith resonates across campus, leaving students inspired and eager to embrace the future. But here’s where it gets truly profound: the opening devotional wasn’t just about starting classes—it was a heartfelt tribute to two towering figures, Presidents Dallin H. Oaks and the late Jeffrey R. Holland, whose legacies continue to shape the university’s spirit. And this is the part most people miss: their stories aren’t just about leadership; they’re about resilience, urgency, and an unshakable belief in the goodness to come.
BYU President C. Shane Reese kicked off the winter semester on January 13th in Provo, Utah, with a stirring address that honored these two giants. President Holland, who passed away on December 27, 2025, was celebrated for his unwavering optimism and his teachings on faith. Reese recalled Holland’s profound belief that Jesus Christ is the ‘High Priest of Good Things to Come,’ a message that continues to inspire. Controversially, some might question whether such optimism holds up in today’s complex world—what do you think?
President Oaks, the current Prophet, shares this same vision of hope, urging students to believe in themselves and in a future filled with promise. ‘President Oaks believes in you,’ Reese emphasized, ‘and so does Jesus Christ, who sacrificed everything for you.’ This call to self-belief and action was a central theme of the devotional, encouraging students to trust in God and work toward a brighter tomorrow.
Sister Wendy Reese, who spoke alongside her husband, reinforced this message with her own testimony. ‘Trust in God with all your heart this semester,’ she urged. ‘He will guide your paths as you move forward with faith.’ Her words were a reminder that divine guidance is not just a possibility but a promise, one that can transform lives in ways beyond imagination.
But here’s where it gets even more compelling: President Reese didn’t just praise these leaders—he humanized them. He shared stories of their struggles, from President Holland’s weeks-long coma after losing his wife to President Oaks’ challenging childhood marked by loss, bullying, and academic struggles. These weren’t perfect men, but their faith was extraordinary. ‘If BYU had patron saints,’ Reese declared, ‘they would be Presidents Oaks and Holland.’
Their influence, he noted, is ‘immeasurable and ongoing.’ They walked the same paths as today’s students, faced similar challenges, and yet never stopped serving. This shared humanity was a powerful reminder that greatness isn’t about perfection but about perseverance and faith.
Reese closed with a challenge, inviting students to reflect on two questions: What is God calling you to do with greater urgency? And how can you respond to the teachings of prophets with equal urgency? He referenced President Oaks’ 2000 general conference talk, ‘The Challenge to Become,’ which contrasts the world’s focus on knowing with the gospel’s call to becoming. ‘Become something,’ Reese urged. ‘Become a disciple.’
And this is the part that might spark debate: In a world that often prioritizes achievement over transformation, is becoming a disciple still relevant? Or is it a call that resonates deeply in our modern age?**
Reese’s final words were a testament to hope, anchored in the atonement of Jesus Christ. ‘Everything unfair in this life will be made right,’ he assured, ‘not just in eternity, but here and now.’ Echoing Sister Holland’s wisdom, he concluded, ‘Your future holds everything for you, because of Him.’
As the semester begins, BYU students are not just starting classes—they’re stepping into a legacy of faith, resilience, and hope. The question now is: How will they write their own stories? What do you think—is such optimism realistic in today’s world, or is it exactly what we need? Share your thoughts below!
