Hi, I'm Katie

I'm a college student excited for the chance to make a difference in communities and families; I love being a Mormon!

About Me

I'm currently a college student majoring in Speech Pathology because I love understanding and helping people. I'm really passionate about building up individuals, families and communities, and through my college experiences, I'm learning ways I can do that. What I've discovered is that the gospel of Jesus Christ has the solutions to all of life's problems: for my problems, for my friends' struggles, for society, etc. It's pretty amazing, and motivates me to always keep learning and to grow closer to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm also engaged to get married this summer in an LDS temple :)

I grew up in a large family in the suburban Midwest; when I was a child I thought that a big family was a big pain, but as I grew older I appreciated them more and more. Now that I've been away from home for some time, I really value and put more effort into developing my relationships with my parents and siblings as we all get older.

I've personally grown so much in college! I've come to understand myself better and I can help others do the same and realize how unique, awesome and individual they are! I've also been able to expand my interests and talents further: I'm a fan of dancing, languages, photography, writing, music, doing things outside and spending time with people. The more I put my trust in Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ, the more I'm enabled to go out and do things; my faith has really become a central focus in my life.

Why I am a Mormon

I was born into a family that has been members of the Church for generations on both sides. Since I was a child, my parents taught me things that brought me closer to Christ. Things like setting an example for my younger siblings and friends, praying regularly to a Heavenly Father who loved me, being unselfish and understanding of others, and making good choices because I wanted to, not just because it's what I was supposed to do.

As I've grown up, I've been able to see for myself that life is more enjoyable and meaningful when I follow the counsel and commandments of Jesus Christ and His servants on the earth. I feel a sense of security and purity when I choose to wear modest clothing. When I try to be more loving and Christlike, I feel happier as I value the people around me and see that they, too, are children of God, just like I am. When I regularly read the Book of Mormon, I feel greater peace and understanding in my life, and I learn more about my Savior and I can see how to become more like Him. Small, repeated affirmations through my life remind me why I am a Mormon so that when life gets hard, I don't need to doubt, and I can move forward trusting in what I already know.

Personal Stories

How can we develop greater harmony in our homes?

Something that worked when I was younger and fought with my siblings was "going to the step". My parents would have us sit on the stairs, and we couldn't leave until we had worked it out. The requirements were to apologize, ask for forgiveness, and to do it with the right attitude. It took a long time when we were being stubborn or defiant, but in the long run, it was effective for teaching how to get along with each other and with other people. It was also kind of fun, because my parents would usually ask us to hug each other as a final requirement, and by that time we were laughing and gave goofy squeeze hugs.
As a college student, I've usually had good roommates, but it makes it kind of tense for me when I have roommates that don't help with the dishes, trash, or buying toilet paper. To develop harmony in my apartment, I try to treat my roommates respectfully and be kind, even when I'm frustrated. I try to be Christlike and serve them, showing that I'm not asking them to do anything I'm not willing to do. I think when we treat people with love and a spirit to serve each other, it helps everyone get along better, and feel more at peace themselves, even if their situation isn't optimal.
In both situations, the most important thing was centering on Christ, and following His example. He is the ultimate Peacemaker, and if we emulate His patience, understanding and love, increased harmony in our homes will be a direct result.

How can your talents and gifts bless others?

Haha, that's a very good question that I'm trying to find an answer to, so I can find a job I'd be most suited for. It's really neat, because everyone is so unique and individual with both their strengths and weaknesses, and is able to work with others in unique ways, so that the potential for great things to happen when you bring people together is exponential. Personally, I've been told that I'm a good listener - I can tell pretty well when I'm talking to someone if they're looking for a conversation or if they just need to talk to someone who can listen, understand, and empathize with them. I try to use that to bless others by being a sensitive person to everyone I interact with, and it's had some surprising results. Another thing I do is try to be a happy person in general, partially for my own happiness and partially to help with being a good friend. I know that's blessed others because I've gotten notes or out-of-the-blue comments from both friends and people that I don't know very well, thanking me for doing that because it cheers them up. These might not be your usual, more obvious talents like painting, dancing, or sports, but they're the talents I value most, and all gifts come from God.

What is hope and what do you hope for?

Hope is a lot of things. Sometimes I've thought it was wishful thinking, or the silly, stubborn persistence that makes me keep doing things that I know are right and true, even when those things seem illogical. That wasn't entirely right. I've come to learn that a lot of hope is persistence - it's moving forward even when it feels like you're "hoping against hope". More than that, hope is trust that if you keep doing the right thing, the end will be worth it. Hope is very much connected with faith. Hope is always optimistic. Hope is what keeps you going when everything else is screaming that you can't do it, or it's not worth it. Hope is a flame you can warm your hands by and take strength from when the storms of life are beating at you and pulling you away from your goals. Hope is a good thing, and you can have hope in Christ, and He won't disappoint you. Hope coupled with action makes amazing results.

More than anything, I have hopes for my family. I hope and pray that my siblings will hold and cling to what they know is right, that they can stay strong and continue to grow in their understanding of the gospel and of themselves. I hope that my fiance and I can build a family together that will last forever. I hope that when I do see the face of my Savior, that He will say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." I hope that I will live my life in a way to make Him proud of me.

How I live my faith

Well, it's just part of who I am - I wouldn't be the same person without it.

I've noticed that I have a very sensitive conscience: if I do something that's off-color at all, I usually recognize it, and I have a hard time finding peace until it's rectified or justified. So with that motivation, I'm able to stretch myself farther each time, getting closer and closer to the goal of being a Christ-like person. I'm strong in some areas and I'm weak in others, but I believe that the ideal is attainable with time and effort. And when you believe that the soul is eternal, you've got all the time in the world (and then some) to work on achieving that goal. I want to be stronger today than I was yesterday.

The teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints lead me to be a better person. They help me understand who I am, where I'm going, and the best way to get there. I hear it, I think about it, and it feels right, so I act on it. The logic is simple, and it feels natural: I just do it, and I see the results. I like what I see in others and myself when they or I follow the commandments, so I keep going and do what I can each day. Some days are harder than others, and that's just the way life is. But I try really hard to remember what's important, and as I hold on to what I've learned before, I can ride out the storm and know that everything will be ok.

What do Mormons believe happens to us after we die? What do Mormons believe about life after death?

Katie answered...

I don't ever remember really being afraid of dying, especially when I thought about what it would be like. Mormons believe that the spirit that is you, that gives your body life, existed before you were born on earth and will continue to exist after you die. I've always thought of death as a sort of awakening from a nap, or walking from one room to another - a change, rather than as an ending. I miss the people I know who've died, and I wish I had known them better, but I know I'll see them again. After we die, we will still be ourselves, and we will be greeted by people who love us. There will be a judgment day, and based on how we lived our life, we will be rewarded. The ultimate reward is living forever in the presence of God with our families.
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Are Mormons Christians?

Richie answered...

Yes. We believe Jesus Christ is our Savior and we follow His teachings. We believe He is essential for salvation.