President Russell M. Nelson has said that the pursuit of an education is a “religious obligation”... My parents couldn’t afford private schools or even private tutoring. Yet, Barbara Nielsen, Ned Brimley, Marty Klein and a host of others, answered my mother’s prayers that her children would be educated.

President and Sister Tanner, distinguished guests, graduates, spouses, family, and friends, it is a joy to be with you today on this very grand occasion. I honor and applaud your academic achievements.

I testify that the Holy Ghost is already preparing you for every quiz or examination you will face and that in the end, the Savior will plead our cause, after all we can do, based on His merits. And I testify that He is mighty to save; He is gracious and merciful. And He has all the answers we will ever need if we will only listen.

Today I have decided to speak on joy and daring to be different, whether that be academically or spiritually. President Thomas S. Monson has said, “The choices we make determine our destiny.”