First days of Seminary

I have been excited by the opportunity to attend seminary for many years and, as the first day approached, my anticipation grew. My enthusiasm was grounded on the desire for an added measure of the Spirit and a stronger testimony of the Lord.
The previous spring, seminary teacher Jill Durrant invited all the youth who would be starting their freshmen year to join her class for a morning. This way, we would have the opportunity to learn the ropes and how things were to proceed in the autumn. I had already been acquainted with Sis. Durrant but it was at this “seminary sample” that I really got to know her. She is an incredibly funny woman who always has something enthusiastic and cheerful to say. Having been a seminary teacher for a few years, she also had a very clear knowledge of how to interact with teenagers; a trait that gained her much participation. It was at this time that Sis. Durrant told us of her goals for the year. “This year we will be studying the Book of Mormon,” she said, “and I want all of us to have read it three times by the end of the school year.”
My first reading took place over the summer. I read seven pages a day and in July finished reading all the way through. The second reading will take place throughout the school year as we study together in class. The third will be a reading marathon when we will all get together on a weekend and read the Book of Mormon cover to cover in one day. Knowing the goals and ambitions for the class made a difference to me because it allowed me to prepare to meet those goals.
August 26 was my first day of seminary. I arose at 5:45 to get ready to go. I have always loved to watch the sun rise and now I have the opportunity to do so every morning. Since starting seminary I have gone every weekday morning and will continue to do so until the end of the school year. I am thankful for the ability to learn, to study and to grow stronger in what I believe.