Fall Focus on Women offers chance to be taught

Susie Coss COS03002@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

Hundreds of female students gathered for Fall Focus on Women, which was held Oct. 29, in the John Taylor Building and the Manwaring Center.

Fall Focus on Women began with a keynote speaker, after which women had the opportunity to attend three of the six workshops offered.

Keynote speaker Sue Clark, wife of President Kim Clark, spoke on the theme “By the fruit of her hands,” based on the scripture Proverbs 31:31. She shared a story about how listening to the promptings of the Spirit brought a friend to her and vice versa.

“Charity is the pure love of Christ,” Clark said.

She continued to talk about her life as a mother and friend. She learned that taking care of others helped her to take care of herself.

“The spirit of these speakers is so strong, especially Sister Clark,” said Melissa Finger, a senior from Kennewick, Wash.

Following Sister Clark’s session, students attended workshops based on verses from Proverbs 31.

Devin Shaum, BYU-Idaho Director of Activities Program, and his wife, Kim, did a question and answer session for their marriage-oriented session. In response to a question of what things young married couples can do for Home Evening, Devin said, “You just smooch.”

The Shaums went on to tell some of their experiences from being married.

Other speakers like Rhonda Seamons, BYU-Idaho Dean of Education, taught their audience more about parables and their meanings. Seamons gave background information about oil lamps from the Biblical days to help girls understand the importance of the parable of the ten virgins.

“I really liked the session with Sister Seamons because she expanded on the ten virgins [parable] and I now have a better understanding,” said Debbie West, a senior from Wasilla, Alaska. “She made the story come to life and it has a new meaning for me.”

Shanna Shirley, a teacher for a local school, focused her session on motherhood and the responsibility of nurturing future families.

“If Satan can get you focused on anything other than raising a virtuous family, he has won,” Shirley said.

Other speakers taught about service, historical women in the LDS church and time management.

“I liked this because it gave me the motivation to reach my goals, become a better woman and it was a great experience,” said Laura Romero, a senior from Curridabat, Costa Rica.

Many students felt this was an opportunity that should not be taken for granted.

“We are so blessed to have activities like this on campus. We should take advantage of these great opportunities,” West said.