We went on a hike up a steep hill that was slippery from snow and had trees and other woodland obstacles. My older nephew was able to make it up the hill more or less by himself, while my younger nephew required my help. So we hiked the hill hand in hand and followed the trail blazed by his older brother.

As I helped my younger nephew and called out for the older one to wait for us, or to be careful, I found myself in an allegory. The times we learn most in this life are often the ones that are most challenging. My young nephew came to a branch in the pathway and looked at me for help, but I told him he could do it. He tried and with some intense two-year-old effort, he made it. Heavenly Father is always there to help us, but often lets us try it ourselves: He wants us to realize what we are capable of.

At a point in my life where school work, decisions about my future, and being pulled in nine million different directions, it was a comfort for me to know that Heavenly Father was expecting me to figure a lot of these things out on my own. Not because he had given up on me or didn’t care, but because he wanted me to realize my potential and abilities.

Just like my nephews, in God’s eyes I need a lot of help, especially up those slippery hills. He’s there and let’s me learn from these challenges. As Parley P. Pratt reflected, his trials refined him into what the Lord wanted him to be. So thanks little nephew, for calling me.

- Dan Shirley, Industrial Design Major and Education in Zion Student Gallery Educator

One of the most important elements is the presence of the Holy Spirit.  I feel the Spirit in a lot of different places on campus; I think that’s what sets BYU apart from many other universities.  But to have a space so concentrated with scriptural texts, words of the prophets, inspiring stories, and documentation of the faith and inspiration in establishing this school is a perfect way for myself and visitors to the gallery experience the spirit of this university.

Many visitors and students in the Joseph F. Smith Building wander up the spiral staircase completely unaware of what they have walked into.  As soon as these individuals figure out what is offered in this space, they begin to wander through the rooms of the gallery or take a seat in front of the massive windows and enjoy the quiet peaceful environment.  In a place that is dedicated to sharing the stories of how BYU came to be—through faith, trials, and direct revelation from the Lord—there is no doubt that the Spirit resides here as it whispers truths of the spirit of education and the truthfulness of the gospel.

Since we ask that visitors do not eat or drink in the gallery or move any of the furniture, I have seen students start to appreciate this space for more than a convenient location to study.  These rules alone set Education in Zion apart from many other spaces on campus.  They help maintain the Spirit by perpetuating a clean, quiet, reverent environment.

So come to Education in Zion!  Take a break from your busy day on campus, enjoy the peaceful spirit that lingers through the gallery and be inspired by BYU’s great educational legacy.

-  Danielle Julander, English Major, Education In Zion Gallery Educator