Alissa Lindgreen

Submitter Statement:

Unlike stars, the moon doesn’t generate light in and of itself, it only reflects the light of the sun. Being a member of the BYU community equipped me with skills and knowledge, temporally and spiritually, to better reflect the Light of the World. Five key elements of my BYU experience enhanced my ability to better reflect Christ: spiritual growth, intellectual foundation, lifelong friendships, inspiring faculty, and the bedrock of family. Tuesday devotionals were a highlight. When an apostle visited campus, the feeling in the nearly full Marriott Center was almost palpable. As he bore his testimony, I felt light fill the arena and my soul. I still look forward to catching a devotional on the radio while I’m running errands. I don’t know that my experience at BYU was any more unique than any other student, but the people and friendship I made with roommates and classmates were uniquely special. I cherish those relationships. Many inspiring faculty impacted me. One in particular wore a different Hawaiian shirt each day of the semester. He took the time to send me a letter after the semester completion inviting me to consider studying accounting. After receiving his letter, I felt more solidified in my decision to major in accounting. I will always appreciate his thoughtfulness in reaching out to me. During my time at BYU, I married my high-school sweetheart. Spending the first years of our marriage on BYU campus and in a married student ward, created a great foundation for us to build our family on. While the light I strengthened at BYU and hope to reflect is not yet as strong as that of the moon, nor does it shine on the whole world, I hope that one by one I can brighten the day for many.

Entry Description:

Size 10 by 14 inches

Medium: watercolor and pencil Hidden in the craterous crust of the moon, the five elements of my BYU experience helped strengthen by ability to better reflect the Son in my community, hopefully brightening the world a little at a time. An infinity symbol represents my spiritually-strengthened capacity to think celestial. The three abacus beads represent the ability I gained at BYU to serve my community and help provide for my family as a CPA. Tucked sideways in the upper right composition of the crust, is the Japanese symbol for friendship. In the bottom left corner, a small Hawaiian flower textures the moon’s crust representing many impactful professors. In the upper left crust are two wedding rings for the eternal family we started while at BYU. All five elements working together to help me create a stronger reflection of Christ.