The Pathway to a Life of Learning

Latter-day Saints from Sydney, Australia share their experiences with Pathway Connect.

Pathway Connect is an inspired programme created and run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that makes higher education more attainable. From its inception in 2009, Pathway Connect enrolment has risen exponentially, from 50 students, to approximately 7,000 students in 2013, to more than 15,000 students in 2017.

This programme provides a wonderful opportunity for higher learning, both academically and spiritually, and it is for everyone.

A Pathway class is called a “gathering” as students are literally taking part in the gathering of Israel. Students are welcomed to the classes where they learn how to educate themselves in the Lord’s way—to prepare themselves for higher education, and to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Saviour.

If you are struggling with anything in life, Pathway Connect can help you become unstuck. It is a programme that gives you hope, shows you how to accomplish difficult things and helps you reach your potential.

Derek Liufau, Campbelltown 1st Ward, Sydney, Macarthur Australia Stake

I want to be an example to my children.

As a youth, I did not take my education as seriously as I should have. For eight months during 2018, my wife had to look after our four children on her own through the week, as well as be the main breadwinner, while I went to police college to become qualified. This was a very difficult time for my family and I realised then how important it is to get an education.

My children are my primary motivation. I want to further my education and set a better example for them. I want them to see that it is never too late to learn and that we have never learned enough. Regardless of how old we are, the more knowledge and education we have, the more opportunities will be opened to us.

My wife encouraged me to join Pathway Connect with her and I’m so glad that she did. I was apprehensive at first because I hadn’t studied in 10 years, but I could no longer progress in the job I was in, so together with my wife, we took a leap of faith and joined.

Through the Pathway programme I learned how to learn. I learned how to manage my time wisely and I gained a huge amount of confidence as I saw that with God nothing is impossible. I have one more year to finish my associate degree in policing practice and I don’t intend to stop there.

Our Father in Heaven is all knowing. If we are striving to become like Him, then our pursuit of knowledge and understanding should never end.

Lisa Roberts, Ingleburn 1st Ward, Sydney, Liverpool Australia Stake

I wanted to be a part of something extraordinary.

I was introduced to Pathway by a family member who had graduated from the first class held here in Sydney. Seeing the amazing success of that first class I decided to join because I knew that this programme was extraordinary, and I wanted to be a part of it.

My experience with Pathway Connect has been amazing.

What some people might not understand is that most universities offer a pathway entry programme. What makes BYU Pathway Connect so special is that it is a gospel-centred learning experience. It seems strange to include math and English with the doctrines of the gospel, but all truth is from God.

I loved learning alongside likeminded people with the same principles and values. Some of my deepest spiritual experiences were shared with members of our gathering class. We shared our successes and failures, laughter and tears, all in a spiritual context, which is not so easy to do at other universities.

I tell anyone who will listen about Pathway and have encouraged many people, including my son who has just graduated himself, to join.

In addition to the spiritual and practical support, the cost is greatly reduced if you choose to matriculate and continue on to a degree with BYU; there really is no reason not to do it.

When I graduated from Pathway in 2017, I knew that this was only the beginning. I made the decision to seek a university degree and am currently in my second year as an online student majoring in business management.

I would not have had the confidence or resources to take the leap without Pathway; it has truly prepared me for an educational journey that will hopefully never end.

May Nouata, Minto Ward, Sydney, Liverpool Australia Stake

Remember your worth, you are a daughter of God.

In 2016 my husband and I were having marriage counselling. I had stopped attending Church at that time and I wanted a divorce. Our marriage counsellor invited us to do Pathway Connect together. Because it was a gospel-centred learning programme, she felt that doing this together would help the doctrines of the gospel sink deep into our hearts.

My first thought was, “oh no, not another Church programme,” but I had always wanted to further my education so I said I would try it and see how it went.

We haven’t looked back!

Pathway helped save my marriage, supported me on my road back to Church activity and set me on my way to lifelong learning.

Education has the power to break cycles. I grew up in one of the most socially disadvantaged suburbs in Sydney. I was surrounded by generations of poverty, hopelessness and everything that goes with that life. Completing Pathway helped me see that it was my responsibility to pursue as much education as I could for the next generation.

I have just started my first semester at BYU-Idaho (online). I am currently studying for a bachelor’s degree in applied management and my ultimate goal is to start and run a business together with my husband.

Pathway is truly for everyone! I had not studied formally for 20 years when I started, so of course I had many doubts to overcome but I also felt the guiding hand of my Saviour, Jesus Christ, every step of the way.

While I was still studying with Pathway Connect, a role became available in my place of employment. It was a role I really wanted but when I found out that a university degree was required, I knew I had no chance. I brushed it off at first but was clearly prompted by the Holy Ghost to apply anyway. I felt embarrassed applying as I knew some of the other applicants and how well-educated they were. I was surprised when I got an interview, but I still didn’t think I had a chance. I was so nervous just before my interview that I decided to pray. As I did, a feeling of calm and love overwhelmed me, and I heard the Spirit say:

“Remember your worth, you are a daughter of God.”

I did get the job in the end, but that blessing was secondary to the testimony I gained that day of the love of Jesus Christ and of His limitless power.