Closing Forum of the Fall ’21 Semester
By Jake Hanchett
On a clear sunny November 18th day, Southern Virginia University held a closing forum for the Fall ’21 semester. Students had the opportunity to hear from President of the University Reed Wilcox, Sister Shelley Bennett and Elder Randall K.Bennett of the First Quorum of the Seventy.
President Reed Wilcox opened the meeting by sharing with the students that last year on the same day, the weather was 40 degrees and foggy. Also, the year prior it was 40 degrees and raining. It was a completely different story on Nov. 18. It was bright and sunny, and attendees could not have asked for better weather. It was not a coincidence that this was the case; the students and faculty needed this forum.
This fall semester was one for the record books. As a University we kept our COVID numbers at a record low. This allowed for everyone to continue daily life here at the school. It could not have been accomplished without the cooperation of everyone here.
In athletic news we had several sports teams that were Conference Champs! These sports include Men’s and Women’s Crosscountry and Women’s Volleyball. Also, congratulations to all of the team that competed this fall. Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse, Football, Men’s and Women’s Tennis, and Men’s and Women’s Golf.
Sister Bennett began her address to the University by starting off with a thought provoking question. “Why do we call each other brothers and sisters? It is because we truly are brothers and sisters. We are that because our Heavenly Father is the Father of our spirits.” This statement set the tone for the whole meeting. It was a fantastic way to draw unity within the audience. When putting that idea into perspective, this helps to see that we truly are: a family.
“I was so touched and inspired by this forum” states Brinley Pulsiphur (‘23)
Sister Bennett started out by having all of us look in the back behind us and notice the beauty of where we live. I was immediately overcome with the Spirit that this is exactly where I need to be at this time in my life. I was filled with so much gratitude for what the Lord and Heavenly Father has done for me to be where I am and who I am at SVU.
She also talked about the plan she had for her life. And that it was specific, Christ centered, and according to His plan. Things did not go the way that she planned and she had to adjust and be willing to work with what the Lord had in store for her. I’ve always known somewhat what I want in life. But coming up with my own plan and following the steps that she used has brought so much direction and peace into my life over these last few days.
Brother Bennett went into detail on the topic of faith. ”Taking a step into darkness, is taking a step into the unknown, and acting despite not knowing beforehand what the outcome may be.” Many of us are attending this University for various reasons. We are at a time in our lives where many outcomes are unknown. It takes a little faith in these moments to continue on and trust the process. It is easier said than done, but it was a good reminder to keep moving forward even if doubt creeps in from time to time.
As our University motto is: Gather, Lift, Launch, Sister Bennett had some great insights into small things we can do to help lift our University as the Savior would. She said,”Reach out to someone you do not know. Look for someone who needs to be lifted. We are all here to feel love and to be kind to one another. There are those out in this audience that need a smile.”
This devotional was a great reminder to love one another. We all are here for various reasons, but we have something we want to accomplish with this time. Creating an environment where students and faculty have the chance to succeed and are uplifted is not promised. This is created by everyone’s own character and being an example to others.
“I really liked the idea from the devotional that we need to remember that God has a plan for us. Sometimes it may not line up with the plan we have for ourselves but as we put faith in his plan for us, we will be blessed,” says Kaden Ford (‘25).
