This year’s graduating class at OHS contains many students that practice the Mormon faith, who have accumulated extensive knowledge and a refined sense of morals from the church, including them in their plans for the future. Additionally, they are ready to make a difference in the world and serve on various missions over the world.
To these individuals, being a part of the church has shaped their lives and made their experience in high school more enjoyable.
“I think being a member of the church has helped me so much in high school, just to always make the right decisions. I love the way I have been able to lead my life,” said Sam Mosley, senior.
Going to church can also help build strong relationships with like-minded people who share their faith and passion.
“I have good morals from all of my religion, and I have made really good friends from the church. They all make good decisions and help influence me in a good way, so that has helped me a lot in high school,” said Kennedy Koshar, senior.
These morals that are taught to these individuals by the church will guide these students when they are getting ready to serve on their missions. When registering to depart to serve, students have some options when trying to determine where they will end up.
“You can usually pick if you want to go out of the country, but you won’t necessarily get that,” Koshar said.
However, having a sense of self that is built on the foundation of a strong faith allows these Mormons to feel prepared when going to serve their missions even if they will be far away from home.
“Following graduation, this summer I am going to start my two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am going to be serving in Managua, Nicaragua,” said Connor Skinner, senior.
It is important to put in the work before departing so the missionaries know their purpose and are able to get the most out of their time serving.
“I am just increasing my knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ, learning more about how much he loves me and the sacrifice he has made, and I am preparing to share that with the people of Nicaragua,” Skinner said.
Part of being prepared to serve in a different country is being open to new opportunities and embracing change and potentially difficult situations, such as language barriers.
“I need to learn Spanish, but a lot of that will come once I get there in a more immersion [process],” Skinner said.
Resources offered here by the church also help Mormon students feel more equipped to become missionaries.
“I have been going to mission prep, which is a class every Sunday, that definitely has helped me [prepare] on a spiritual aspect,” Mosley said.
Ultimately, for these individuals, putting in the work to better themselves through their own dedication to the church is going to make their missions more meaningful and impactful not only for themselves but for the people they will be enlightening.
“If you value your [testimony] and it means a lot more to you personally, then it’s going to be a lot easier to share [on your mission] and you’re going to have a reason to do it,” Skinner said.
