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Find a BYU-Idaho Friend

We invite prospective students from all over the world to get to know a typical BYU-Idaho student. Below, you will find bio's of students who want to connect with you. Please click on the picture of the student you would like to talk to, which will bring up an email form. Write your questions, thoughts, and/or concerns. Your new friend will be in touch with you soon. We are excited to hear from you!


Ambassador: Heidi Olsen Home State: Utah Major: Political Science & International Relations Class: Senior Interesting details: I come from a family of six girls. I like singing, dancing, dating, making home videos, and any kind of sport. I love being outdoors. I transferred to BYU-Idaho from the LDS Business College and plan on serving a mission after December graduation. Favorite thing about BYU-Idaho: The Spirit felt when walking on campus & BYU-Idaho has an awesome activities program. I love BYU-Idaho!	Ambassador: Heidi Thacker Home State: Utah Major: Undecided Class: Freshman Interesting details: I am a person who loves to be spontaneous and try new things. I love random pictures, playing games, and doing fun and new things. Favorite thing about BYU-Idaho: The Spirit of Ricks that touches you because of the friendly people.	Ambassador: Jonathon Diaz Home State: Florida Major: Psychology Class: Junior Interesting details: The first day that I walked into his class, I was impressed at the fact that the teacher knew my name. He shook my hand and greeted me with it smile. Favorite thing about BYU-Idaho: Jonathon loves the sports program. I get a chance to play basketball, volleyball, soccer, and football on leagues at the skill level I feel comfortable at.

Ambassador: Meghan Ball Home State: Minnesota Major: Elementary Education Class: Senior Interesting details: I am the oldest of seven children. I grew up with music and love to play the violin. This semester I have the opportunity to play with the University Orchestra. I’ve been married for almost a year and I love to read, write, go walking, and serving others. Favorite thing about BYU-Idaho: I love the Spirit felt on this campus. I always feel welcome and wanted.	Ambassador: Will Batista Home State: Florida Major: Political Science Class: Sophomore Interesting details: I come from a non-member family, yet I felt that I fit right in at BYU-Idaho. I was accepted into five different universities yet was impressed that I should come here. Favorite thing about BYU-Idaho: I love the Spirit that you feel everywhere on campus. There is a strong feeling of community and friendship.	Ambassador: Katie Lloyd Home State: Idaho Major: Public Relations Class: Senior Interesting details: In high school, I wasn’t sure about my future. Upon coming to BYU-Idaho, I found friends and I felt the Lord guide my steps. Thanks to those things I now know where I am going. Now I want to be a tool in the Lord’s hand and help others find their way. Favorite thing about BYU-Idaho: Everything! I love the friendships with people I don’t even know and the daily opportunity to grow and expand mentally and Spiritually. Come here and it will change you!


Ambassador: Noreen Beus Home State: Utah Major: Nursing Class: Junior Interesting details: I love to hike, paint, read, sing, play the piano, and spending time with my family. My most treasured moment of BYU-Idaho is participating in the Rexburg Temple Open House. Favorite thing about BYU-Idaho: I love the Spirit that is felt here. I love to go to each of my classes and have a prayer before hand- it usually helps me learn. I also love the beautiful summers.	Ambassador: Johanna Hanks Home State: Utah Major: Psychology Class: Freshman Interesting details: I come from a big family. I love people and vacations and the outdoors. I played in my high school band, and loved it! I love food, especially cheesecake. Favorite thing about BYU-Idaho: The people are incredible!! And the Spirit is so strong. BYU-Idaho is AMAZING!	Ambassador: Brynn Bowthorpe Home State: Utah Major: Elementary Education Class: Senior Interesting details: I love to travel, and was lucky enough to go to England a couple of summers ago. The experience changed my life, I loved learning about the people and seeing the sights. Favorite thing about BYU-Idaho: I love how campus is so personal. Teachers and students alike take time to make individuals feel needed, and are always willing to help and serve. The people at BYU-Idaho definitely foster success in every way.

Ambassador: Lindsey Pruden Home State: Utah Major: Chemistry w/ Math Minor Class: Sophomore Interesting details: One Spiritual experience that I had while attending this school was when I had a math teacher who was worried about the class’s performance on a test. He expressed his concern for us and then bore his testimony to us about the Savior. Favorite thing about BYU-Idaho: My favorite thing about BYU-Idaho is that the Spirit is felt everywhere on campus. I love how we start each class with a prayer.	Ambassador: Mackenzie Petersen Home State: Utah Major: Biology Education w/ Emphasis in Human Biology Class: Sophomore Interesting details: I had no desire to come here but after attending Utah State for a year, I wanted a change. My parents mentioned BYU-Idaho and next thing I knew, I was up here! Favorite thing about BYU-Idaho: I love the people here! All the teachers are amazing and care about you on a one-to-one basis. It’s the best!!	Ambassador: Donald Kelly Home State: Florida Major: Business Management Class: Sophomore Interesting details: I am a convert to the church, joining when I was fourteen and am the only member in my family. I served a mission in Detroit, Michigan. I also love being at BYU-Idaho and the focus of disciple preparation. Favorite thing about BYU-Idaho: Dating, soccer, football, anything dealing with business, eating, and barbequing.


Ambassador: Elissa Randall Home State: Texas Major: CIT Class: Junior Interesting details: I am the youngest of three. I am clustering in Communications and dance. I enjoy music and am involved with percussion on campus. Favorite thing about BYU-Idaho: I love how involved you can become. They want you to learn and become successful, using the knowledge you obtain to do, not just know things.	Ambassador: Crystal Lyman Home State: Utah Major: Horticulture Class: Senior Interesting details: This semester I have had the chance to be involved in a soccer team. My roommate was the one who organized the team and we play about two times a week! It’s so much fun! Great stress reliever. Favorite thing about BYU-Idaho: In between classes it is great because on the loud speaker we listen to hymns being played. After a really stressful class or day, it helps to calm me down and feel the Spirit.	Ambassador: Danelle Arbogast Home State: Washington Major: FCS Education Class: Sophomore Interesting details: I used to be a student at Utah Valley State College and ended up transferring to BYU-Idaho in 2006. It was probably the best decision that I have made in my life thus far. Coming here has changed my life is so many ways for the better. Favorite thing about BYU-Idaho: There is definitely a feeling that sets it apart from other universities. Also there is an ability to be involved in so many different things between sports, activities, and Student Ambassadors.

Ambassador: Sara Nielsen Home State: Iowa Major: Animal Science Class: Senior Interesting details: When I was looking at schools I was not planning to attend BYU-Idaho. I got accepted to my favorite school. For some reason, I decided Rexburg is where I should be. I still do not know why I came. But, I do know all the reasons I am still here. Favorite thing about BYU-Idaho: The best thing about BYU-Idaho is the opportunity to experience things that would otherwise be hard to do.	Ambassador: Tiana Fresquez-Tailor Home State: Colorado Major: Business Management w/ cluster in Communications and Marketing Class: Junior Interesting details: I am a convert to the church and ever since I was baptized, my goal was to come to BYU-Idaho and now, I’m here! Favorite thing about BYU-Idaho: I love all of this university. I love the campus, the people and the overwhelming feeling that makes you yearn to always come back.	Ambassador: Daniel Denney Home State: Utah Major: Communication w/ Business Minor Class: Senior Interesting details: I transferred from a good university in Utah. My older brother invited me to come up to BYU-Idaho and take a tour. I was skeptical that it wouldn’t be very different. I was surprised that it was different. I immediately felt the spirit and fell in love with the school. Favorite thing about BYU-Idaho: This is absolutely the Lords University and the Spirit here has testified that. We have a very unique opportunity to be able to learn and be here.

Ambassador: Marilee Ashby

Home State: Utah

Major: Recreational Leadership

Class: Freshman

Interesting details:

I am a gymnast, love horses, went to cosmetology school, loves anything outdoors, and loves ice cream and Student Ambassadors.
Favorite thing about BYU-Idaho: I love the environment, all the people you meet, and how small the classes are. I also love the Student Ambassador program, and all the activities!