PC 101 Life Skills | Gathering Agenda for Week 01
People are often nervous when they do something new, especially when it comes to education. Students know that they need an education to get ahead in life, but they are worried that they won’t be able to succeed in it, especially if it’s in another language. They worry about how they will find the time, money, and support they need to complete their education. The purpose of this first gathering is to relieve some of these concerns by building up their confidence and inspiring them to keep moving forward. If a student persists through the first few weeks and learns to trust their peers, the program, and the Lord, they find their confidence. They find that their ability to succeed grows dramatically. They just need to feel some of that hope this first night.
Welcome everyone to the PathwayConnect Program and explain that, at this Gathering, they will learn more about:
Ask students to mute themselves if they are not talking.
Let students know that they’ll be meeting together every week during PathwayConnect and that you want to make sure everyone feels comfortable and safe. This is not a competitive environment, but a safe place to share ideas and thoughts and to collaborate. Members of the Church can think of this like a Sunday School class, where everyone is invited to share.
Ask students to take about 30 seconds to briefly introduce themselves to the rest of the group using the questions below to help guide their discussion.
Display the website address so that students know where to go.
Thank the class for introducing themselves. Remind the students that in addition to the Gathering, most of the coursework is completed online.
Make sure students know how to access their course.
If anyone is having trouble accessing or navigating their course, ask them to meet with you or a fellow student after the gathering.
If possible, display the quote.
In the February 2013 Liahona, President Nelson said the following about education:
“Being educated is the difference between wishing you could do some good and being able to do some good.
Often people ask me what it’s like to be a doctor. They ask, ‘How long were you in school?’ Well, it was a long time. From the time I got my medical degree until the time I sent my first bill for professional services rendered was 12½ years. It was a long time, but how old would I have been 12½ years later if I weren’t doing that? Exactly the same. So you might as well strive to become all that you can become.
My medical education is what allowed me to perform a heart operation on President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) in 1972. So don’t discount knowledge. The glory of God really is intelligence (see D&C 93:36).”
Briefly share your thoughts on this quote and invite others to share their thoughts.
To facilitate the discussion, you might consider the following questions:
Depending on how long the introductions go, you may have to do the following sections faster.
Led by Former Student(s) - If possible, invite students who have matriculated and are working on their certificate courses. Note: If there have been changes to the curriculum, make sure you let the former student(s) know what has changed, and clarify items as needed.
Let students know that with you tonight you have former students here who felt much the same way you did when they started out and that you’ve invited them to share their thoughts with you.
Ask former students to talk about the following:
If time allows, invite students to ask questions to the former student(s).
If the following items have not been covered during the former student share, make sure that students understand them before leaving:
For questions you can’t quickly answer, instruct students to go to their student portal (sign in at byupathway.org) and begin a chat. Depending on the need, the automated chat will direct students to the appropriate resource. The missionaries may also have helpful information they can locate later.
Thank the students for attending and invite them to commit to this program and pray for Heavenly Father’s assistance to help them find success.
Bear a 30-90 second testimony of the power of education. End with a prayer by invitation.