Brigham Young University (BYU) has long been more than just a university; it symbolizes values, faith, and a vision for becoming something greater.
One of the most inspiring initiatives emerging from BYU in recent years is the “Becoming BYU” initiative. This movement is about more than academic excellence or institutional pride—it is a call to action for individuals everywhere to embody the principles and values that BYU stands for.
Table of Contents
- The Core of “Becoming BYU”
- What Does It Mean to Dare to Be Different?
- Becoming BYU: A Universal Calling
- Related Content
As someone who deeply loves this initiative, I am struck by its inclusivity. “Becoming BYU” is not about whether you attended or graduated from BYU or even set foot on its campus. It is an invitation for everyone, regardless of background, to embrace a way of being that dares to be different—a way of living that aligns with Christlike values, kindness, and a commitment to personal growth.
The Core of “Becoming BYU”
At its heart, the “Becoming BYU” initiative challenges us to align our lives with integrity, generosity, humility, and discipleship. It’s about daring to be different in a world that often prioritizes self-interest and conformity.
Jason Brown’s inspiring talk at the recent BYU MS Asia Conference in Singapore captured this beautifully, outlining how each of us can strive to become better human beings—more loving, more Christlike, and more deliberate in our efforts to uplift those around us.
To “become BYU” means to live with intentionality. It’s about embodying the university’s motto, “Enter to learn; go forth to serve.” But it’s also broader than that: it’s about creating a culture of kindness, accountability, and Christ-centered living, whether you’re a student, an alumnus, or someone inspired by the BYU ethos.
BYU Football: A Model of Daring to Be Different
One of the most striking ways I’ve seen the “Becoming BYU” spirit in action is through BYU football. While I wouldn’t call myself a die-hard football fan, I’ve become deeply invested in the BYU Cougars, particularly during the 2024 season.
My enthusiasm stems not so much from the game itself but from the culture surrounding it. BYU football offers a powerful illustration of what it means to “dare to be different.”
During the 2024 season, stories of BYU fans showing kindness and hospitality to opposing teams went viral. Fans handing out ice cream to visiting supporters, cheering for their opponents, and offering heartfelt compliments to players on rival teams stood out in a sports culture often dominated by hostility and rivalry.
In these small yet profound moments, BYU fans embodied the initiative’s core message: dare to be different. They demonstrated that sportsmanship is not just about playing fair; it’s about treating everyone—opponents included—with respect and dignity.
This mindset is a powerful reminder that the principles of “Becoming BYU” extend beyond academics and religion. They can influence every aspect of our lives, from engaging with competitors to treating strangers.
Watching these moments unfold during the BYU football season reminded me that daring to be different isn’t about grand gestures but the small, consistent acts of kindness and decency that set us apart.
What Does It Mean to Dare to Be Different?
Daring to be different means courageously rising above the world’s norms, even when complicated. It means choosing to embody the language of the gospel in our daily lives, not just in words but in action. It means striving to be kind, generous, and understanding when blending in with a crowd that values cynicism or indifference might be more manageable.
Daring to be different is about making Christ the center of our lives. It’s about deliberately following His example in treating others, prioritizing our time, and responding to challenges. It’s about striving to:
- Be kind: Showing love and compassion, even to those who may not deserve it, because kindness is at the heart of Christ’s teachings.
- Be generous: Give freely our time, talents, and resources to bless others.
- Be understanding: Seeking to see the world through the eyes of others, even when we disagree, and extending grace to those who fall short.
- Be better: Commit to constant self-improvement, not for recognition or accolades, but to become the best version of ourselves.
When we dare to be different, we choose to live with integrity, refusing to laugh at hurtful jokes, rise to anger when provoked, or follow the crowd simply because it’s easier. Instead, we stand firm in our values, showing love to those who need it most.
Living the Values of “Becoming BYU”
The beauty of “Becoming BYU” is that it is not confined to the university’s campus or limited to those directly connected to the institution. It is a way of life that anyone can adopt. Whether you are a BYU graduate, a student, or someone inspired by its values, you can strive to “Becoming BYU” daily.
In our homes, this might mean leading with love and patience, setting an example of Christlike service for our families. In our communities, it might mean being a voice for kindness and inclusion and finding ways to lift struggling others. In our workplaces, it might mean bringing honesty and integrity to our interactions and refusing to compromise our values for personal gain.
Ultimately, “Becoming BYU” is about becoming better—better neighbors, friends, and disciples of Christ. It’s about daring to dream of a world where love and understanding outweigh division and strife and then taking deliberate steps to make that dream a reality.
The Courage to Be Christlike
Living a Christ-centered life requires courage. It is not always easy to go against the grain or to stand firm in our beliefs when others might scoff or misunderstand. However, as Jason Brown highlighted in his talk, it is in these moments of courage that we truly “become BYU.”
We demonstrate our willingness to embody the values the initiative stands for, not out of obligation but because they resonate deeply with who we are.
The “Becoming BYU” initiative challenges us to ask: How can we improve? How can we rise above? How can we dare to be different? These are not abstract questions; they are calls to action. They push us to examine our lives, identify areas for growth, and take steps to align ourselves more fully with Christ’s teachings.
Becoming BYU: A Universal Calling
One of the most remarkable aspects of “Becoming BYU” is its inclusivity. You don’t need to have attended BYU to embrace its principles. You don’t need to have cheered for the Cougars or walked the Provo campus. All you need is a desire to become better, to strive for Christlike living, and to dare to be different in a world that often encourages conformity.
This universal calling is what makes “Becoming BYU” so powerful. It transcends boundaries and speaks to the heart of what it means to be human. We all can grow, love, and serve, regardless of our circumstances or backgrounds.
The Joy of Becoming
As we strive to “become BYU,” we discover that the process is not just about self-improvement—it’s about joy.
There is joy in showing kindness to a stranger, lifting someone’s burdens, and living a life of purpose. There is joy in daring to be different, even when challenging because we know that our efforts are rooted in something greater than ourselves.
This joy has been evident in countless small moments, from the inspiring stories of BYU football fans to the camaraderie I’ve witnessed among those striving to live the gospel in their daily lives.
I also thank the many wonderful people I work with at BYU Management Society who are willing to give their time and resources. People who, when asked to serve, will raise their hand and say, “Yes, please include me!”
These moments remind me that “Becoming BYU” is not about perfection but progress. It’s about choosing, day by day, to live a little more like Christ and to share His love with the world.
A Personal Invitation
Whether you’re a lifelong BYU supporter or someone hearing about this initiative for the first time, I invite you to join the journey of “Becoming BYU.” Embrace the challenge to be kind, generous, and understanding. Dare to be different in a way that uplifts those around you and sets an example of Christlike living.
Let’s strive to make the world a little brighter, one small act of kindness at a time. Let’s commit to being better—not for recognition or reward, but because it is right. Together, we can all “become BYU” and create a legacy of love, service, and hope that will inspire future generations.
If you are not already a member of a BYU Management Society Chapter, we invite you to come to join us and become part of Brigham Young University’s Management Society.
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You can discover more by reading What is the BYU Management Society by clicking here.
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I have been working with our Area BYU MS chapters to review their progress over the last few months. Our goal for the area is to have as many chapters of award-winning excellence chapters as possible.
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You can discover more by reading BYU Management Society – Building Up Chapters by clicking here.
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You can discover more by reading 8 Lessons On Leadership And Life From BYU Football by clicking here.
