Meet the Fall '25 Honors Scholars
Shining a Light on Excellence
The Honors Program is pleased to announce the Fall 2025 Honors scholarship recipients. Each semester, the Honors Program awards scholarships to students who demonstrate a commitment to Academic Excellence through their service and scholarship. These students are all currently engaged in their Honors coursework or thesis research and are contributing to the Honors community in a variety of ways. Read more about these students’ experiences below and click here to learn more about Honors scholarship opportunities. The deadline to apply for scholarships for the Winter ’26 semester is October 30th!
Khona Scholarship
The Khona Scholarship was established by the Khona family to benefit Honors students with business majors or minors who are currently working on their thesis.
Sarah McDavitt
Major: Experience Design & Management
The Honors Program has given me the opportunity to explore opportunities and disciplines that I would not otherwise have had the chance to. For example, in a Bio-Letters class, I had the opportunity to study the Gospel of Mark under the lens of medicine. Through experiences like that in the Honors Program, I fostered novel ideas and fresh perspectives on the world around me.
Last year, I noticed a need on BYU campus. Faculty members didn't have a formalized avenue to prototype and test course designs before courses were published live for students. To address this, I asked, "How might we help professors to prototype and test course designs before a class is published?" Then, I worked with several professors, beta-testing course elements over the summer and developing a process by which a faculty member and a student can collaborate to facilitate iterative course design. My thesis is a creative project that culminates with a guide for future faculty members and students who want to test course designs like I did. Through this project, I've been privileged with the chance to both make immediate impact and document how others can do the same, hopefully creating value that will benefit collaborators for years to come. I intend to go into project management, and I anticipate that my experience planning and executing collaborations for my thesis will enhance my abilities to plan and execute projects in the workforce. After graduation, I hope I continue having opportunities to enhance the experiences of others.
The Honors Program has given me the opportunity to explore opportunities and disciplines that I would not otherwise have had the chance to. For example, in a Bio-Letters class, I had the opportunity to study the Gospel of Mark under the lens of medicine. Through experiences like that in the Honors Program, I fostered novel ideas and fresh perspectives on the world around me.
Last year, I noticed a need on BYU campus. Faculty members didn't have a formalized avenue to prototype and test course designs before courses were published live for students. To address this, I asked, "How might we help professors to prototype and test course designs before a class is published?" Then, I worked with several professors, beta-testing course elements over the summer and developing a process by which a faculty member and a student can collaborate to facilitate iterative course design. My thesis is a creative project that culminates with a guide for future faculty members and students who want to test course designs like I did. Through this project, I've been privileged with the chance to both make immediate impact and document how others can do the same, hopefully creating value that will benefit collaborators for years to come. I intend to go into project management, and I anticipate that my experience planning and executing collaborations for my thesis will enhance my abilities to plan and execute projects in the workforce. After graduation, I hope I continue having opportunities to enhance the experiences of others.
EJ Smith
Major: Global Supply Chain Management
After returning from my mission, I enrolled in the Honors storytelling class, which became a turning point in my undergraduate experience. In that class, many social walls collapsed—I made some of my closest friends, processed my mental health experiences from high school, and gained a deep understanding of the human experience through our story slam. That class prepared me well for my Understanding Deception class and Great Questions essay. The Great Questions essay was especially meaningful because it came during a time when I was receiving difficult updates about a friend I taught on my mission facing an unfair prison sentence. The essay I wrote that semester helped me process unfairness, live more intentionally, and reflect on the difference between superficial and genuine emotions.
For my thesis, I chose to examine the supply chain response to some of the recent California wildfires. Early on, I traveled to Los Angeles and Pasadena, visiting government offices, animal shelters, fire stations, and burn sites to build connections. Through interviews,
I’ve heard heartbreaking stories from firefighters as well as inspiring examples of behind-the-scenes planning and resilience. This project has taught me how complex systems can adapt under pressure—a lesson I know will serve me well as I pursue a career in consulting. The Honors Program has been the most human and fulfilling part of my BYU experience, shaping how I approach both my work and my relationships.
After returning from my mission, I enrolled in the Honors storytelling class, which became a turning point in my undergraduate experience. In that class, many social walls collapsed—I made some of my closest friends, processed my mental health experiences from high school, and gained a deep understanding of the human experience through our story slam. That class prepared me well for my Understanding Deception class and Great Questions essay. The Great Questions essay was especially meaningful because it came during a time when I was receiving difficult updates about a friend I taught on my mission facing an unfair prison sentence. The essay I wrote that semester helped me process unfairness, live more intentionally, and reflect on the difference between superficial and genuine emotions.
For my thesis, I chose to examine the supply chain response to some of the recent California wildfires. Early on, I traveled to Los Angeles and Pasadena, visiting government offices, animal shelters, fire stations, and burn sites to build connections. Through interviews,
I’ve heard heartbreaking stories from firefighters as well as inspiring examples of behind-the-scenes planning and resilience. This project has taught me how complex systems can adapt under pressure—a lesson I know will serve me well as I pursue a career in consulting. The Honors Program has been the most human and fulfilling part of my BYU experience, shaping how I approach both my work and my relationships.
Robert K. Thomas Scholarship
The Robert K. Thomas Scholarship is named after the founder of the BYU Honors Program. Dr. Thomas “felt a special affinity for the aspiring few and truly believed they would set a standard that would raise the level of academic achievement throughout the university.” This scholarship is awarded to Honors students each semester who are currently working on their thesis.
Elias Johnson
Major: Biodiversity and Conservation
Participating in the Honors Program at BYU has formatively changed and enhanced my undergraduate experience. I am a senior studying Biodiversity and Conservation. Following graduation this winter, I intend to pursue a doctorate in Behavioral Ecology and Conservation Biology. The Honors Program has given me a broad understanding of interdisciplinary thought, which has helped me broaden my interests while also further honing my specific career and research plans. My Honors thesis highlights this point perfectly. I decided to research an aspect of my field that I had no formal experience in or previous exposure to. I used ethical frameworks to explore discipline-based education research, a form of education research often employed within my major.
Writing this paper has deepened my understanding of the scientific process and strengthened my grounding in ethics and philosophy—both of which I believe will be crucially important to my future goals. Additionally, the Honors Program has connected me with individuals of vastly different expertise and worldviews that I wouldn’t have been exposed to otherwise. I have been able to engage with some of the brightest students and professors across the entire institution, giving me a truly liberal arts education -- something that I believe is currently being lost in higher education.
Participating in the Honors Program at BYU has formatively changed and enhanced my undergraduate experience. I am a senior studying Biodiversity and Conservation. Following graduation this winter, I intend to pursue a doctorate in Behavioral Ecology and Conservation Biology. The Honors Program has given me a broad understanding of interdisciplinary thought, which has helped me broaden my interests while also further honing my specific career and research plans. My Honors thesis highlights this point perfectly. I decided to research an aspect of my field that I had no formal experience in or previous exposure to. I used ethical frameworks to explore discipline-based education research, a form of education research often employed within my major.
Writing this paper has deepened my understanding of the scientific process and strengthened my grounding in ethics and philosophy—both of which I believe will be crucially important to my future goals. Additionally, the Honors Program has connected me with individuals of vastly different expertise and worldviews that I wouldn’t have been exposed to otherwise. I have been able to engage with some of the brightest students and professors across the entire institution, giving me a truly liberal arts education -- something that I believe is currently being lost in higher education.
Emese Izso
Major: Comparative Literature
I grew up in a small town in Hungary and moved to the US four years ago for college. I have way too many interests (including but not limited to reading, writing, painting, embroidery, history, cooking, etc.) and love combining them, so the interdisciplinary nature of the Honors program made it a perfect fit for me. The Great Questions Essay class was one of my favorites; it really helped me develop and gain confidence as a writer. In fact, I liked it so much that I’m now a TA for it and it’s such a rewarding experience every semester.
I’m currently working on my thesis, which really helped me find my academic spark. My topic is female supernatural beings in Hungarian fairytales, which means I get to write about cool witches and fairies while examining their forms, spaces, and the gender roles they fulfill. Working on my thesis gave me the opportunity to connect with my cultural heritage in an intellectually engaging way.
After graduation, I plan on going to graduate school to get a PhD. My experience with Honors played a major role in my decision to pursue this goal, as it rekindled my love for research and writing after getting close to burning out from the pressures of college life. I’m excited to continue learning and writing about things I’m passionate about, both in and out of school.
I grew up in a small town in Hungary and moved to the US four years ago for college. I have way too many interests (including but not limited to reading, writing, painting, embroidery, history, cooking, etc.) and love combining them, so the interdisciplinary nature of the Honors program made it a perfect fit for me. The Great Questions Essay class was one of my favorites; it really helped me develop and gain confidence as a writer. In fact, I liked it so much that I’m now a TA for it and it’s such a rewarding experience every semester.
I’m currently working on my thesis, which really helped me find my academic spark. My topic is female supernatural beings in Hungarian fairytales, which means I get to write about cool witches and fairies while examining their forms, spaces, and the gender roles they fulfill. Working on my thesis gave me the opportunity to connect with my cultural heritage in an intellectually engaging way.
After graduation, I plan on going to graduate school to get a PhD. My experience with Honors played a major role in my decision to pursue this goal, as it rekindled my love for research and writing after getting close to burning out from the pressures of college life. I’m excited to continue learning and writing about things I’m passionate about, both in and out of school.
Chloë Robinson
Major: Design/Spanish Studies
My name is Chloë Robinson, and I’m proud to be a third-generation BYU student. I grew up dancing ballet, painting watercolors, and doing calculus for fun in Taylorsville, Utah. I served a mission on the U.S.–Mexico border in McAllen, Texas. Since returning to BYU, I’ve pursued a double major in Design and Spanish studies, along with a minor in global women’s studies. Last summer I interned as a UX designer with FamilySearch. I hope to continue working there full-time after my graduation, then going on to earn a master’s degree in master’s degree in design and visual communication from UNAM in Mexico City. My plan is to build off my thesis research and gather the cultural awareness I need to design print and digital materials for Spanish-speaking communities.
I initially enrolled in the Honors program to save time. However, I’ve chosen to stay because of the fascinating people and interdisciplinary opportunities that make the program unique. The highlight of my Honors experience was writing my Great Questions essay. I loved the opportunity to flex my creative writing muscles, research in forgotten corners of the library, and spend a whole semester getting self-reflective. I'm so proud of the final product! After the class finished, I laid out my essay as a short book and self-published it. It’s unreal that I fulfilled my lifelong dream of writing a book for class credit.
My Honors thesis, titled “De aquí y de allá: Exchanging Language and Visual Culture in the Rio Grande Valley,” is a love letter to design, pre-Columbian civilizations, underrepresented American communities, and the Spanish language. I think of design as a way to build bridges outside of written language, so what better place to research it than the U.S.-Mexico border? My Honors thesis investigates the multifaceted cultural identity of the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas by analyzing two-dimensional visual artifacts and contextualizing them within the visual communication histories of the United States and Mexico. I’ll also survey creative professionals in the area to determine how language preference—English, Spanish, or a hybrid—shapes their design processes and aesthetic decision. The unique look and identity of the LRGV has intrigued me since serving my mission there, and it’s the perfect capstone for both of my majors!
My name is Chloë Robinson, and I’m proud to be a third-generation BYU student. I grew up dancing ballet, painting watercolors, and doing calculus for fun in Taylorsville, Utah. I served a mission on the U.S.–Mexico border in McAllen, Texas. Since returning to BYU, I’ve pursued a double major in Design and Spanish studies, along with a minor in global women’s studies. Last summer I interned as a UX designer with FamilySearch. I hope to continue working there full-time after my graduation, then going on to earn a master’s degree in master’s degree in design and visual communication from UNAM in Mexico City. My plan is to build off my thesis research and gather the cultural awareness I need to design print and digital materials for Spanish-speaking communities.
I initially enrolled in the Honors program to save time. However, I’ve chosen to stay because of the fascinating people and interdisciplinary opportunities that make the program unique. The highlight of my Honors experience was writing my Great Questions essay. I loved the opportunity to flex my creative writing muscles, research in forgotten corners of the library, and spend a whole semester getting self-reflective. I'm so proud of the final product! After the class finished, I laid out my essay as a short book and self-published it. It’s unreal that I fulfilled my lifelong dream of writing a book for class credit.
My Honors thesis, titled “De aquí y de allá: Exchanging Language and Visual Culture in the Rio Grande Valley,” is a love letter to design, pre-Columbian civilizations, underrepresented American communities, and the Spanish language. I think of design as a way to build bridges outside of written language, so what better place to research it than the U.S.-Mexico border? My Honors thesis investigates the multifaceted cultural identity of the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas by analyzing two-dimensional visual artifacts and contextualizing them within the visual communication histories of the United States and Mexico. I’ll also survey creative professionals in the area to determine how language preference—English, Spanish, or a hybrid—shapes their design processes and aesthetic decision. The unique look and identity of the LRGV has intrigued me since serving my mission there, and it’s the perfect capstone for both of my majors!
Caleigh Kerr
Major: Family Life
I told myself the Honors Program was not made for kids like me; I’m just your ordinary girl, not your straight-A student, I’m not doing a billion extracurriculars, and you can bet that I’m not playing first chair nor scoring on the intramural team. I’m just a girl, one might say. I’m sure I’m not the only one combating these self-efficacy doubts at BYU. But I have an honest heart and appreciate the ordinary beauty of daily life. I love asking questions and understanding the world around me. I love that so many people pursue so many differing goals and disciplines, and I love learning from & knowing & loving them. I love world religions, and I believe there is light and truth in all faiths and disciplines, for which I can gain understanding and light to enrich and guide my life. I value my faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel, which guides me every day. I’ve realized that I can allow myself to show up as I am for what I love and who I am, and that qualifies me for being here and being an Honors student.
I wanted to experience the Honors Program, so I pursued it, and found that there is no one person who can be duplicated because everyone in the Honors Program is so brilliantly unique just for who they are. So, I have a place here because I wanted to be here, I wanted to learn from amazing interdisciplinary experiences and mentors, and I didn’t need to believe that I had to fit a certain mold to qualify to be in the Honors Program.
This has shaped my perspective on my undergraduate years at BYU. Heavenly Father has guided me to the Honors Program, friends, faith, jobs, internships, study abroad, and mentors. These experiences have become treasured and sacred to me. I was directed to my mentor and thesis advisor, Dr. Loren Marks, and am utilizing his and Dr. Dave Dollahite’s American Families of Faith Project for my thesis research. With the literature supporting the foundational role trust plays in all relationships, I am asking highly religious and successful couples (of which over half are ethnic and racial minorities) across Abrahamic faiths in the U.S. about trust. I’m learning so much from them! I plan to pursue an MBA to build the skills to add value and light to the world within my reach. I value the Honors Program’s interdisciplinary approach to education as I search for social impact organizations to build my career around, because that is increasingly important to success in business.
I told myself the Honors Program was not made for kids like me; I’m just your ordinary girl, not your straight-A student, I’m not doing a billion extracurriculars, and you can bet that I’m not playing first chair nor scoring on the intramural team. I’m just a girl, one might say. I’m sure I’m not the only one combating these self-efficacy doubts at BYU. But I have an honest heart and appreciate the ordinary beauty of daily life. I love asking questions and understanding the world around me. I love that so many people pursue so many differing goals and disciplines, and I love learning from & knowing & loving them. I love world religions, and I believe there is light and truth in all faiths and disciplines, for which I can gain understanding and light to enrich and guide my life. I value my faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel, which guides me every day. I’ve realized that I can allow myself to show up as I am for what I love and who I am, and that qualifies me for being here and being an Honors student.
I wanted to experience the Honors Program, so I pursued it, and found that there is no one person who can be duplicated because everyone in the Honors Program is so brilliantly unique just for who they are. So, I have a place here because I wanted to be here, I wanted to learn from amazing interdisciplinary experiences and mentors, and I didn’t need to believe that I had to fit a certain mold to qualify to be in the Honors Program.
This has shaped my perspective on my undergraduate years at BYU. Heavenly Father has guided me to the Honors Program, friends, faith, jobs, internships, study abroad, and mentors. These experiences have become treasured and sacred to me. I was directed to my mentor and thesis advisor, Dr. Loren Marks, and am utilizing his and Dr. Dave Dollahite’s American Families of Faith Project for my thesis research. With the literature supporting the foundational role trust plays in all relationships, I am asking highly religious and successful couples (of which over half are ethnic and racial minorities) across Abrahamic faiths in the U.S. about trust. I’m learning so much from them! I plan to pursue an MBA to build the skills to add value and light to the world within my reach. I value the Honors Program’s interdisciplinary approach to education as I search for social impact organizations to build my career around, because that is increasingly important to success in business.
Taft Julian
Major: Linguistics
The Honors Program has been one of the most formative parts of my undergraduate experience. It has challenged me to go beyond the status quo by encouraging me to learn across disciplines and approach problems from multiple perspectives. Honors courses and projects gave me the opportunity to connect fields in meaningful ways, and that habit of looking beyond the boundaries of one subject has shaped both my studies and my goals for the future.
The highlight of my Honors experience has been writing my thesis, which explores the intersection of law and linguistics. My research focuses on how legal contracts can be written more clearly, with fewer ambiguities, so they are easier for the average person to read and understand. I chose this topic because of my interest in language and how it shapes society, as well as my desire to make the legal system more accessible. Working on this project has shown me how insights from linguistics can address real-world issues, and it has confirmed my passion for applying language study in practical, impactful ways.
After graduation, I plan to attend law school, where I will continue building on this foundation. My goal is to combine legal training with linguistic analysis to improve the clarity and fairness of contract law. The interdisciplinary approach fostered by the Honors Program, and the lessons I have learned through my thesis, will remain central to my work as I strive to make legal language more accessible to all.
The Honors Program has been one of the most formative parts of my undergraduate experience. It has challenged me to go beyond the status quo by encouraging me to learn across disciplines and approach problems from multiple perspectives. Honors courses and projects gave me the opportunity to connect fields in meaningful ways, and that habit of looking beyond the boundaries of one subject has shaped both my studies and my goals for the future.
The highlight of my Honors experience has been writing my thesis, which explores the intersection of law and linguistics. My research focuses on how legal contracts can be written more clearly, with fewer ambiguities, so they are easier for the average person to read and understand. I chose this topic because of my interest in language and how it shapes society, as well as my desire to make the legal system more accessible. Working on this project has shown me how insights from linguistics can address real-world issues, and it has confirmed my passion for applying language study in practical, impactful ways.
After graduation, I plan to attend law school, where I will continue building on this foundation. My goal is to combine legal training with linguistic analysis to improve the clarity and fairness of contract law. The interdisciplinary approach fostered by the Honors Program, and the lessons I have learned through my thesis, will remain central to my work as I strive to make legal language more accessible to all.
Generations Endowed Scholarship
Endowed by the West family, this scholarship is awarded to Honors students early in their university career who are first generation college students.
Mahonry Soto
Major: Computer Science
My name is Mahonry Soto, and I am a Computer Science major from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. I joined the Honors Program at BYU because I wanted an environment that encourages me to think across disciplines and connect my passion for technology with my desire to serve others. For me, Honors represents both a challenge and a community, a place where I can refine my vision, stretch my perspective, and engage with peers and mentors who inspire me.
My future goal is to attend law school and eventually work with nonprofit organizations that focus on expanding access to education in Latin America. I also hope to develop technology that helps people access reliable information, empowering them to make informed choices in their lives. Although law and technology may seem like separate paths, I believe they can be combined to create practical solutions for underserved communities. The Honors Program’s mission to foster interdisciplinary thinking is exactly what I need to bring these interests together. What I look forward to most in Honors is working on my Great Questions. I see it as a chance to wrestle with the big issues that have shaped my journey and to clarify how I can contribute meaningfully to the world.
My name is Mahonry Soto, and I am a Computer Science major from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. I joined the Honors Program at BYU because I wanted an environment that encourages me to think across disciplines and connect my passion for technology with my desire to serve others. For me, Honors represents both a challenge and a community, a place where I can refine my vision, stretch my perspective, and engage with peers and mentors who inspire me.
My future goal is to attend law school and eventually work with nonprofit organizations that focus on expanding access to education in Latin America. I also hope to develop technology that helps people access reliable information, empowering them to make informed choices in their lives. Although law and technology may seem like separate paths, I believe they can be combined to create practical solutions for underserved communities. The Honors Program’s mission to foster interdisciplinary thinking is exactly what I need to bring these interests together. What I look forward to most in Honors is working on my Great Questions. I see it as a chance to wrestle with the big issues that have shaped my journey and to clarify how I can contribute meaningfully to the world.
Daniel Madrid
Major: Political Science
My name is Daniel Madrid, and I am from Rancho Cucamonga, California. I have recently transferred to BYU from BYU-Idaho, and I am currently a sophomore studying Political Science. I am beyond excited to start my membership in the Honors Program this year! Since I started my journey to higher education, I have always had the plan of transferring to BYU and joining the Honors Program. This is because of the meaningful experiences and scholarly community that it provides. I had family members that were members of the Honors Program, and they told me about their time in the program.
What I am most excited about is the interdisciplinary thinking that is inherent within the program. It is fascinating to me how the Honors Program can combine two disciplines and somehow bridge them together through reason. Not only am I joining the honors program for these reasons, but I am also joining for the aid that it can offer for my career goals. I want to attend law school, and I have heard countless times how beneficial the Honors Program is for students that plan on attending grad school. Overall, I am excited for my time in the Honors Program, and I plan on enjoying every minute of it!
My name is Daniel Madrid, and I am from Rancho Cucamonga, California. I have recently transferred to BYU from BYU-Idaho, and I am currently a sophomore studying Political Science. I am beyond excited to start my membership in the Honors Program this year! Since I started my journey to higher education, I have always had the plan of transferring to BYU and joining the Honors Program. This is because of the meaningful experiences and scholarly community that it provides. I had family members that were members of the Honors Program, and they told me about their time in the program.
What I am most excited about is the interdisciplinary thinking that is inherent within the program. It is fascinating to me how the Honors Program can combine two disciplines and somehow bridge them together through reason. Not only am I joining the honors program for these reasons, but I am also joining for the aid that it can offer for my career goals. I want to attend law school, and I have heard countless times how beneficial the Honors Program is for students that plan on attending grad school. Overall, I am excited for my time in the Honors Program, and I plan on enjoying every minute of it!
Honors Program Scholarship
Endowed by Honors alumni and other donors to the Honors Program, this scholarship is awarded to Honors students early in their university career.
Alexandria Velez
Major: Environmental Science and Sustainability
My name is Alexandria Velez, and I am a first-year student at BYU. This year I began my journey in the Honors Program with HONRS 110. So far in the semester, it has truly been an amazing program to be a part of, and I really love my professor. This program has been very beneficial for me as I am able to meet peers who are on the same academic level as me or higher, and I’m challenged. Every Friday I attend class and am amazed every single time as I learn something new and meet new professors who have so much knowledge to give.
I’m excited about coming up with my thesis statement and learning more as I decide what I’d like to make my Honor's thesis about. My current future plans are to graduate with a bachelor's in environmental science and then go to medical school to become a pediatric neurologist. I’m truly so grateful to have been accepted into this program and the endless possibilities and opportunities that this experience will give me and prepare me for the future. It’s amazing to be able to meet so many people and I can’t wait to keep experiencing this journey in the Honors Program.
My name is Alexandria Velez, and I am a first-year student at BYU. This year I began my journey in the Honors Program with HONRS 110. So far in the semester, it has truly been an amazing program to be a part of, and I really love my professor. This program has been very beneficial for me as I am able to meet peers who are on the same academic level as me or higher, and I’m challenged. Every Friday I attend class and am amazed every single time as I learn something new and meet new professors who have so much knowledge to give.
I’m excited about coming up with my thesis statement and learning more as I decide what I’d like to make my Honor's thesis about. My current future plans are to graduate with a bachelor's in environmental science and then go to medical school to become a pediatric neurologist. I’m truly so grateful to have been accepted into this program and the endless possibilities and opportunities that this experience will give me and prepare me for the future. It’s amazing to be able to meet so many people and I can’t wait to keep experiencing this journey in the Honors Program.
Jose Davalos Alvarado
Major: Pre-Business
I’m an international freshman studying Pre-business with plans to major in Information Systems, pursue a minor in Cybersecurity, and to complete both the Honors Program and a Global Business Certificate. I was raised in culturally rich communities, Peru and Spain, and I have been dreaming of coming to BYU since I was 13. BYU is everything I ever dreamt about for my education, it is heartwarming and thrilling for me to remember constantly all the blessings God has given me throughout the path that has led me here. The idea of becoming a more capable disciple of Jesus Christ by growing and learning in the light of the Gospel fuels me and has helped me in overcoming the challenges I face.
The first time I remember hearing about the Honors Program, it immediately caught my attention. So, after some research I was captivated by the concept of interdisciplinary thinking and the chance to learn in a smaller community of scholars who are interested in broad thinking and leadership. I am sure the Honors Program will be even more groundbreaking than what I can envision at this point, a fact that will be crucial in my development. It will boost my efforts to make a meaningful difference in communities throughout my career. To me, the Honors Program means a sublime embodiment of BYU’s mission to educate disciples of Christ that are also intellectually robust and committed to lifelong service in God’s work.
I’m an international freshman studying Pre-business with plans to major in Information Systems, pursue a minor in Cybersecurity, and to complete both the Honors Program and a Global Business Certificate. I was raised in culturally rich communities, Peru and Spain, and I have been dreaming of coming to BYU since I was 13. BYU is everything I ever dreamt about for my education, it is heartwarming and thrilling for me to remember constantly all the blessings God has given me throughout the path that has led me here. The idea of becoming a more capable disciple of Jesus Christ by growing and learning in the light of the Gospel fuels me and has helped me in overcoming the challenges I face.
The first time I remember hearing about the Honors Program, it immediately caught my attention. So, after some research I was captivated by the concept of interdisciplinary thinking and the chance to learn in a smaller community of scholars who are interested in broad thinking and leadership. I am sure the Honors Program will be even more groundbreaking than what I can envision at this point, a fact that will be crucial in my development. It will boost my efforts to make a meaningful difference in communities throughout my career. To me, the Honors Program means a sublime embodiment of BYU’s mission to educate disciples of Christ that are also intellectually robust and committed to lifelong service in God’s work.
Ziyi Wang
Major: Pre-Business
I am Ziyi Wang, also known as Grace, and am from Phoenix, Arizona. I am a freshman at BYU, currently a pre-business major, aiming to join either the finance or accounting program. I joined the Honors Program because I’m fond of the programs’ mission for interdisciplinary thinking and connecting people together. I never want my mind to be boxed with only one perspective, and hope to see things in many different ways. I believe that the Honors Programs’ unexpected connections courses and community of students from different majors and different backgrounds will help build this perspective.
A goal of mine has always been to put my all into what I do. I value excellence, whether at school, at work, or at other events. At BYU, I hope to be surrounded by teachers and peers that also value this academic excellence and push me to become the best version of myself. I want to be inside this circle of influence throughout my life. I’m excited to start my journey with the Honors Program. Through the Program, I hope to develop a global perspective, have my mind opened to endless possibilities, and make meaningful connections with peers and professors.
I am Ziyi Wang, also known as Grace, and am from Phoenix, Arizona. I am a freshman at BYU, currently a pre-business major, aiming to join either the finance or accounting program. I joined the Honors Program because I’m fond of the programs’ mission for interdisciplinary thinking and connecting people together. I never want my mind to be boxed with only one perspective, and hope to see things in many different ways. I believe that the Honors Programs’ unexpected connections courses and community of students from different majors and different backgrounds will help build this perspective.
A goal of mine has always been to put my all into what I do. I value excellence, whether at school, at work, or at other events. At BYU, I hope to be surrounded by teachers and peers that also value this academic excellence and push me to become the best version of myself. I want to be inside this circle of influence throughout my life. I’m excited to start my journey with the Honors Program. Through the Program, I hope to develop a global perspective, have my mind opened to endless possibilities, and make meaningful connections with peers and professors.