By Summer Price

What a great year it has been. Be it athletics, academics, Devotionals and forums, performing groups, faculty and even the campus growth; this has been a year of excellence in every way. There is evidence all around us of students working and giving of themselves to contribute to this great university. Truly, they are working to make their BYU experience the best.

It is to you, the students, that I wish to extend my gratitude for the things you do, everyday; even those things unnoticed. Even the university's greatest accomplishments would hold little value without the many students who work to make life easier for those around them. Might I pay an anonymous tribute to the types of people that I feel really encompass the "BYU Experience."

I think of a young woman in an interior design class I took last winter semester. Terrible as it is to admit, I fell asleep one day in that class. It was a class that heavily relied on attendance and in-class material. I would have suffered from the notes I missed while dozing. To my humbling surprise, as I awoke, a kind hand passed me a piece of paper and said "I saw that you must be really tired. I just thought I would take a few notes for you." What an impact that made on me. I will never forget that girl. Even without recognizing it, she has learned what it means to make the most of her experience here.

I think of a young man who introduced me to an institute class he was attending. The class participants were middle-aged adults with mental disabilities. This student, along with other BYU students, attends weekly to aid class members who need assistance. Without recognition, fanfare or acknowledgement, he took time weekly to attend this class. What an uplifting experience it was for me to attend as well. What an example I have seen in that student's ability to look outward while making the most of his BYU experience.

I recall standing in line at Sugar and Spice and receiving the most heartfelt and uplifting compliment from two students working there. They didn't know me, and they didn't need to say anything to me outside of "May I take your order?" Yet in a few short seconds, they made my day and improved my outlook on life. Yet again, two great examples of those students here that are striving to encompass the BYU experience.

Our experience is inevitably improved as we look for ways to improve the experience of those around us. A position, a title and or a team are not necessary components of a rich and rewarding time at this university. Though the year is ending, your experience may well be just beginning. As you prepare to return to school, or even if you are preparing to leave us for good, may you make your BYU experience one of reaching outward. Therein will lay the most rewarding experiences offered.

Thank you for your contributions to Brigham Young University. It has been a privilege serving you this year. Yet it is your service to each other that has made all the difference.

Summer Price is the current BYUSA president.