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Garret W., 18, North Carolina, USA

When I was set apart to serve in the California San Bernardino Mission as a full-time missionary, my family was right there with me. This picture is of me hugging one of my brothers after I got set apart. It’s been a journey to get to this point, but I’m so grateful for the changes I’ve seen in myself and in my family.

My second-to-last year of high school, I got in a serious car crash. Before that I just wasn’t doing the things I should. But after the wreck, my viewpoint really shifted. My life could’ve been taken right then and there, and I did not want it to end like that. My bishop helped get me on the right path: reading the Book of Mormon daily and preparing to serve a mission.

Running track is my sport, my passion. After the wreck, I was out for the season, and I wondered what I even had left. But I turned to the Lord, and as I did, I had a phenomenal season the next year. There were still struggles, but what changed is instead of doing it for myself, I did it for the Lord.

Just seeing how many blessings can come from the fulness of the gospel was what changed me. Getting all of that happiness and joy, I want to spread it around the world. I’m longing for people to have the joy that I have every day because of the gospel. And that’s why I’m serving a mission: to help “bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).

North Carolina

1 Temple in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Christmas trees Over 4 million Christmas trees are grown and sent around the world each year.

The tallest lighthouse in the United States is at Cape Hattaras (193 ft.).

Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run on March 7, 1914.

Biltmore Estate The largest privately-owned home in the United States.

Mount Mitchell is the highest point in the Appalachians (6,683 ft.).

Kailey T., 18, Georgia, USA

I love competing in DECA! DECA is a career-technical student organization that prepares students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. My friend and I competed against 43 other teams in the Hospitality Services Event and placed 1st in the state. I also love service. Through service we can bless the lives of so many people and be spiritually strengthened.

Clara S., 15, Colorado, USA

Multiple times this year, I have had questions or doubts, so before I went to bed I would pray for answers. Often, the next morning my seminary teacher addressed my question without me even having to ask it. Going to seminary can be seen as a sacrifice, but I believe that it can help answer prayers. Heavenly Father knows what we need to hear, and he can provide us with that through seminary.