Written by Bryan Vogler
CYFA, also known as the Center for Young Adults has made my life better. One reason is because it’s given me something to do. I can choose to spend my time in countless ways. It’s easy to find myself caught in the time warp of electronics spending endless amounts of time on social media, watching movies, and video games. I can even spend my time sleeping and finding other ways to “take a break.” Now don’t get me wrong, those things aren’t “bad”, but they can definitely take way from the time I could be using to spend doing things that are better. Ultimately how I choose to spend my time may become a hindrance to my own happiness.
CFYA has given me a reason that helps peel myself away from doing things that are just ok, to doing things that are better for myself. I’ll also most likely have a better time than I would’ve had choosing the other activities.
The different classes offered at CFYA have helped me have a more consistent, clear and relevant personal study of the scriptures. In the past, I’ve struggled with making a habit of a daily personal study of the scriptures or talks from General Conference. The classes at the Center For Young Adults encourage me to make this a habit. I’ve found that the classes are a wonderful supplement to my own studies and also help provide a focus.
Sometimes I miss my personal study because life gets busy. However, because I’ve registered for a class and set aside the time to feed my soul at CFYA, it will ultimately help strengthen my spirit. If you were to think about the gospel word being like food, the classes you get at the Center for Young Adults isn’t just a little snack. It’s more like a big steak dinner! The things you learn in class give you the spiritual energy and nutrition you need to be productive and live happily.
There is also a wide variety and diversity of people who attend the Center for Young adults. This has had a huge impact on me. People from all sorts of backgrounds and different ways of thinking attend and are registered for classes there. I love hearing from people who are different than me and what their life is like. It’s so cool to see how the gospel attracts people with a huge variety of backgrounds.
One time, we even had people who belonged to different religions in our classes. This was so eye opening for everyone who attended. It was a neat experience seeing what other religions believe, that we actually have so much in common and that we can all contribute a unique perspective that helps strengthen others.
The unique perspectives of my peers that attend encourage me to consider things I haven’t thought of before. I can’t tell you how many times a classmate has made a comment and it’s like a new plane of thought has been opened for me. It’s kind of like only thinking in black and white for so long and then realizing there are actually more colors in the spectrum. By sharing their perspective, I see things differently.
The thing that is unique about this setting at CFYA is that the diversity doesn’t alienate us from each other either. After all, we’re all at the same event and we all have a desire to be there. This creates a feeling of unity. There have been many moments where I have learned I’m not alone in a struggle I’m having because someone else shared their story or thoughts in a way that I needed to hear. Because of this unique setting, it’s an opportunity to see that regardless of our differences, we all struggle with so many of the same challenges. It can even be as simple as hearing other people’s frustration about slow drivers and traffic and feelings that might lead to road rage, cars that make moves without any heads up and how to deal with all of that.
Regardless of the topic, it’s comforting knowing that others shared the same frustration and have to ask for the same forgiveness. Being in this setting helps me to understand more completely that we are all Sons and Daughters of God. It makes me smile as I look around and realize I’m in the midst of the angels on Earth.
The combination of differences that create a feeling of unity and a desire to be there means that you can find phenomenal friends at CFYA. You can have incredible experience. Sometimes it can be as simple as saying “hi” to someone you are just passing by, a conversation is struck up and you end up becoming friends.
Because of my attendance at the Center for Young Adults, I’ve been able to make so many great friends that I deeply care about.Everyone here is looking for a friend to care about. It’s wonderful to know that there is a place you can go where there are people who care about you and want to spend time with you.
So, what has the Center of Young Adults done to make my life better? It exists and the fact that it exists is enough for me.
Here is a schedule for this upcoming 2022 semester. Join us!
Bryan Vogler works full time and is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints