“I did not realize that seven months can make such a difference when I’ve lived so many years,” said Helen Holland, a BYU-Idaho alumna who graduated with her associate’s degree in Spring 2024. “The lessons I’ve learned, the help I’ve received, and the memories I’ve made will be eternal.”
After studying for two years at BYU in Provo over 83 years ago, Holland felt a strong desire in her heart to return to finish her degree. With the help of administrators at both BYU in Provo and BYU-Idaho, Holland was able to transfer her credits and enroll at BYU-Idaho to earn her associate’s in Winter 2024.
“Many people were so kind and helpful,” said Holland. “I’ve always had the desire to go back to school, and so many doors opened when we thought they were closed.”
Holland took five classes in winter semester and two classes in spring. She was incredibly grateful for the experiences she had and the support she received, listing the administrators and faculty who helped her succeed.
“Sister Amberly Nelson in Advising stayed with me from the beginning to the end,” said Holland. “I finally met her in person after graduation, and saying goodbye was not easy.”
Nate Reese in Accessibility Services and Travis Peterson and Adam Cobb in the Religion Department also made a difference. “They were all so kind and helpful,” said Holland.
In her final semester, Holland took a German class. “My background is German, so I thought it would be easy, but it was not easy,” Holland joked. “Sister Nathalie Fairbanks, my professor, gave an uplifting message each week that gave me strength. The last week, she shared the song, ‘If the Way Be Full of Trial, Weary Not,’ sung by the Tabernacle Choir. How can you not give everything you’ve got after hearing that?”
“I went to the language labs for help, and my teacher Sister Miriam Lofthouse would say, ‘Good job,’ at the end. How it’s appreciated when you feel you could have done better,” Holland said. “It was a wonderful experience meeting those young people on Tuesdays and Fridays. Those were wonderful people, and they all meant something to me.”
“I don’t want to lose that feeling of learning and growing,” said Holland.
At the Spring 2024 Convocation of the College of Academic Success and Interdisciplinary Studies, Holland was the first student to walk across the stage. As she stood up from her wheelchair and walked to receive her diploma cover, she received a standing ovation.
“So many of my children and grandchildren came and so many friends at home turned on the video to watch,” said Holland. “How can you describe the thrill of knowing that everyone who loves you is there? Just to see that love made a difference. It stays with you. You have friends everywhere.”
If anyone is considering returning to finish their degree but is unsure, Holland said with emotion, “If it’s in your heart, it’s a wonderful experience you don’t want to pass by. Sometimes it takes a while, it may take one class at a time, but there’s got to be a reason you’re having those feelings.”