I've read a few troubling articles from other conservative Christian writers that believe young women should not pursue a college education. In my own little world here, I want to dispute those thoughts. Yes, homemaking skills are vital and the learning of them should be pursued with vigor but not at the exclusion of academic pursuits. Although I agree a brick and mortar institution is not an ideal situation for nearly all young adults in this age of declining morals, a college education is an insurance policy for any woman's future. On my website milestonesacademy.com, among other things, I outline an inexpensive plan for young people to pursue a BA completely from home before age 18. Mine is hardly the only plan out there; here is another.
Modern revelation tells us that learning is the glory of God and an honorable pursuit. "set in order the churches, and study and learn, and become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues, and people." Doctrine and Covenants 90:15 "The aglory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth." Doctrine and Covenants 93:36
Since we only take our mind, spirit, and character to the next life, isn't it a good idea to improve these things. "Whatever principle of aintelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come." Doctrine and Covenants 130:18-19
President Gordon B. Hinckley wisely counseled the youth of the Church: “The pattern of study you establish during your formal schooling will in large measure affect your lifelong thirst for knowledge...You must get all of the education that you possibly can. … Sacrifice anything that is needed to be sacrificed to qualify yourselves to do the work of [this] world. … Train your minds and hands to become an influence for good as you go forward with your lives."
Proverbs 31:10-31 teaches women many ways to look well to the ways of our households. Speaking to young women, President Thomas S. Monson said: “Often the future is unknown; therefore, it behooves us to prepare for uncertainties. … I urge you to pursue your education and learn marketable skills so that, should such a situation arise, you are prepared to provide."
A mother’s education level has a profound influence on the educational choices of her [children].”Cheryl Hanewicz and Susan R. Madsen, “The Influence of a Mother on a Daughter’s College Decision,” Utah Women and Education Project Research Snapshots, no. 3 (Jan. 2011): 1
A mother’s education can hold the “key to halt [the] poverty cycle.”Marjorie Cortez, “Mom’s Education Key to Halt Poverty Cycle,”Deseret News, Sept. 23, 2011, A1.
Educated women “tend to: Give birth to healthier babies, have children who are healthier, be more confident, resilient and have improved reasoning and judgment.”Olene Walker, “More Utah Women Need to Finish College,” Salt Lake Tribune, Oct. 30, 2011, O4.
We learn in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” that “mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children." Providing an education for your children is part of that nurturing and is your sacred responsibility. Like the stripling warriors, who “had been taught by their mothers,” you will be the most important teacher your children will ever have, so choose your learning carefully. Bless your children and your future home by learning as much as you can now...The time is now for you to diligently apply yourselves to increasing your spiritual knowledge—drop by drop—through prayer, scripture study, and obedience. The time is now to pursue your education—drop by drop. Each virtuous thought and action also adds oil to your lamps, qualifying you for the guidance of the Holy Ghost, our divine teacher." Seek Learning: You Have A Work To Do, Mary N. Cook, General YW Meeting, 3/12
