About the author: Thomas Ollis, from Taylorsville, Utah, graduated with a degree from BYU-Idaho, supported by BYU-Pathway Worldwide. He now works as a job coach for Deseret Industries.
My educational journey began 10 years ago. I’d lost my job in the 2008–2010 economic crash and was struggling to compete for jobs against those with degrees, so I decided it was time to earn a degree of my own.
When I first learned about BYU-Pathway Worldwide, it seemed too good to be true. But I enrolled, attending weekly gatherings and taking one or two courses a semester. I was balancing a demanding professional career, family, church callings, and even a side hustle plowing snow. BYU-Pathway allowed me to continue working while providing for my family.
In my last year of school, I decided to retire from my career to become a full-time student for the first time in my life. I took 18 credits and finished my degree with a 4.0 GPA.
I studied through many late nights, worked with tutors, and spent countless days in my local library. After 10 years of working toward my degree, I am a college graduate — the first on my side of the family. The many skills I learned through BYU-Pathway have helped me in my current position as a job coach for Deseret Industries, helping associates to learn employable skills and become self-reliant.
Education is a family affair and a legacy blessing that impacts generations. My wife, Leslie, is also a BYU-Pathway student, and we recently became service missionaries for BYU-Pathway. Three of my kids graduated from BYU in Provo while I was a student (they even tutored me in math at times!). Through my example, they realized the importance of education and how it unlocks many opportunities in life.
Education is the key to opportunity, and God wants all His children to reach their potential. It is a blessing to have education so attainable. I am a big believer in BYU-Pathway!