The first PathwayConnect programme in Wellington, New Zealand honoured alumni on Sunday evening August 12, 2018.
Designed to give students the confidence and skills needed to succeed in college, PathwayConnect is a low-cost educational opportunity that combines online courses with local gatherings. Students earn college credit that is eligible for transfer to a BYU-Idaho online program headquartered in the USA.
New Zealand mother of five, Theresa Pauga, was among those honoured in the first graduating class.
As a young adult member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she accepted a call to serve in the Melbourne, Australia mission. While there, she dedicated her time to serving friends in the community and teaching the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
"To have a successful mission," she said, "I learned to work hard, focus on the needs of others and to be obedient to the counsel and direction of my leaders."
I always planned on continuing my education," said Theresa, "but before I knew it, I was happily married and raising a family."
"My husband continued to encourage me to further my education, but the timing did not feel right. Student loans were beyond our reach as we struggled to make our ends meet."
"With lingering doubts about my ability to be successful, especially with math, I found myself rehearsing the same old arguments in my mind that convinced me I could not succeed."
One day a friend sent Theresa a message on social media about a program called PathwayConnect, a program provided by the Church that can lead to higher education.
Feeling encouraged, Theresa was delighted to find that there would be an informative meeting about the program that night at her local church building.
She loved what she heard, and the program overview dispelled her anxiety and concerns. She said, "As I sat in the room and listened, I thought, 'I can do this!'"
Now that she has completed the three-semester course of study with Pathway Connect, Theresa plans to enroll in BYU-Idaho online and pursue her educational goals.
The dedication learned on her mission and the life's lessons learned while being a wife and mother have all contributed to the success she has enjoyed in pursuing an education.
Theresa encourages those who have thought about furthering their education and are facing the same self-defeating thoughts and obstacles to investigate PathwayConnect. It is truly a way to a better future.
Watch a short video on PathwayConnect.
Mormons believe that acquiring education is an important component to a stable family life.