Brigham Awards

Yesterday I had the joy of attending the BYU unforum, in which my fine university takes an hour and brags about itself, but in a humble and endearing way. We were entertained by skits mocking the ways of recently returned missionaries that will ALWAYS get a laugh out of a BYU audience, were cultured by the Folk Dance team's rendition of an Indian hoedown disrespectful? i don't know the right dance term, ok!? and admired those students who had been selected to receive the prestigious Brigham Award.

The Brigham Award is an honor given to students or professors who have embodied the spirit of BYU-namely the spirit of service. When the email came around at the beginning of the semester asking for nominations for this year's Brigham Awards, I paused before immediately hitting the delete button and thought, "Tracie."

I then proceeded to type up a few paragraphs on Tracie included below while sitting on the 2nd floor of the library. I hit submit, and then went on my jolly way without another thought concerning the matter. Can one be jolly and not round in physique? 

Fast forward 2 months. I'm sitting in the MCKB computer lab (It's the best one on campus people. But don't go there because then I won't have a place to sit) when I get a text from Tracie.

"Rachie....."

"Mmmyess?"

"Did you nominate me for the Brigham Award?"

".....why? Did you win!?"

She had. 

I had a hayday. Right there outside of the McKay.

I think I've enjoyed this whole thing a lot more than Tracie has. I bring it up and rub it in people's faces. "My best friend totally won the Brigham Awards. 700 applicants. She's inviting me to the celebrations surrounding it. We get to sit on the floor-seating of the Marriott Center and then we're going to eat lunch with Cecil. Look at her face. That's my friend."

But seriously. Look at her face.

That's my friend. 

Proof.

Cecil.

What a good looking family, eh?

What a good looking Brigham, eh?

It's the Oscar of BYU.

We like to call this one "The Five Farrells."

Out of 700 applicants, Tracie was one of the 5 chosen. And she deserves it, because she has beautiful eyes and seriously good arms. 

peace and brigham

rrw

...........

"Tracie Farrell  is an attentive friend to all, a dedicated disciple of Christ, a committed employee, and a bright and capable student. While one of the few girls in the rigorous Finance Program, Tracie continually receives high scores on tests and assignments. Because she is one of the only girls, she is often called on in class, and is always prepared to answer. Tracie works at the BYU Bookstore as the head Accounting Clerk. When cutbacks were made last year, Tracie took on extreme responsibilities and put in extra hours in order to accomplish everything that needed to be done, executing these demands with grace and efficiency, leaving her bosses amazed and happy. For the past three and a half years she has helped the Bookstore run smoothly, thereby aiding all students who find themselves in need of a book, a journal, or some fudge. Her ability with numbers and finance, as well as her care for detail, has made her such a vital employee and top student.

Even with such a demanding school and work schedule, Tracie still goes through the effort to make time for friends. She is a listener who will remember when your next test is, what your favorite candy bar is, the names of your siblings, and what your stuffed pig's name was. To meet such a person and talk with her is refreshing beyond words, especially when you just don't think you can introduce yourself to that same person one more time. I have been the recipient of such attentive friendship for over a year and it has changed the way I look at people and relationships.

Tracie knows the importance of family and demonstrates it by finding even more time to be with them. The oldest of 4 and the only daughter in her family, Tracie takes care of her little brothers and treats them with the perfect amount of love, humor, and patience. She is often answering a brother's phone call to help with homework or speeches, attending soccer games to cheer the leading forward on, giving well-informed advice on class schedules, or arranging housing for a returning missionary. She visits her dad at work often, taking cupcakes and making McDonalds runs. She talks with her mom on the phone daily, expressing support, jokes, frustrations, thoughts, or successes. She truly cares and acts accordingly.

Beyond all this, Tracie has a testimony of Christ and lives her testimony. Being in a competitive program, Tracie is willing to help other students understand concepts, but will not jeopardize her integrity. She commits small acts of service everywhere she goes, most of which go unnoticed. She sends texts or emails, links to inspiring talks and videos, and writes sweet, uplifting, hilarious, and personal notes to those she thinks might need it. Again, I have been a recipient of each of these and have witnessed her do them for others as well. Tracie fulfills her church callings and is supportive and helpful to ward leaders. Tracie studies her scriptures every day with consistent thoroughness and applies what she learns to her life. She understands principles and has a firm testimony she is more than willing to share, but is humble in all these things.

I have met many people who are outstanding in their academics and are dedicated to their work. I have met others who are truly caring towards their friends. There are others who are devoted to their families. Tracie is the one I have met that has taken all of these aspects of life, plus many more, and through hard work, discipline, and natural ability, has made them compatible with each other in a harmonious way. She does this with an overriding sense of optimism, hope, and faith in her Savior, who she knows personally and follows willingly. She has given so much to this school, to her friends, her family, and to her Savior. I love her and am happy to nominate her for the Brigham Award."