6th Grade 4th Place Winner - BYU

This essay by Aaron, a 6th grade student...and please keep in mind he is in 6th grade, from a middle school in northern Utah was one the most believable and entertaining essays I received. This kid, from the depth of his soul, wants to visit BYU so badly, I swear he is bleeding blue. If any of you know someone at BYU who could give this kid a tour, please email me, I am sure it would make his entire life. I sincerely hope you enjoy reading Aaron's essay as much as I did.

Provo, Heaven on Earth

If I could visit anywhere in the world, it would be Provo, Utah. I have been in love with Provo ever since 4th grade, mainly because of BYU. I love BYU more than practically anything. I have a shrine to them, I have a lot of their attire, and I would do anything to go there for college. I truly believe there is no greater University than the "Y". Some people call me obsessed, and I probably am, but BYU is on the top of every category there is. In fact, my favorite movie has Provo in it:

Sons of Provo

. It is amazingly funny and there is nothing bad in it. I have been to Provo before, but I have never seen the BYU campus for myself.

I would like to visit this place solely because of BYU. When I grow up, graduate from the "Y" and get married, I plan to live in Provo and become a basketball coach for the "Y" or a coach for a high school in the Provo-Orem area. I think Provo would be a good place for my kids to live, and for my family and I to support and donate to the "Y". Provo is truly Heaven on Earth. In all the places on the Earth, I do not think there is a more beautiful, safe and secure place than Provo. There are truly great people in Provo. And like former BYU football and NFL player Chad Lewis says, "Do everything to surround yourself with greatness." As long as I go to BYU, my life will be as close to perfect as you can get.

Provo was named after an early trapper, Etienne Provost. Provo was settled in 1849 by the Mormon pioneers. Provo is historically important or notable because the university in Provo was named after Brigham Young, the second president of the Mormon church who led the pioneers across the plains. Brigham Young was the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the on-again, off-again governor of the territory of Deseret, which would later be called Utah. Brigham Young was one of the greatest men ever to live on earth. He surrounded himself with greatness. Provo is surely worth a visit and tour to view some of its main attractions including: BYU, the Provo Tabernacle and the Utah County Building.

When arriving in Provo, the first thing I would do is introduce myself to Cecil O. Samuelson (President of BYU), Bronco Mendenhall (head football coach) and Dave Rose (head basketball coach) I would ask each man for his autograph and then ask for advice on how to become a great coach, leader and person. I would go to the BYU creamery, BYU bookstore and BYU library. I would have the best time of my life. I would go to every BYU athletic event. And on every Tuesday, I would attend the weekly BYU devotional at the Marriott Center. I would introduce myself to Jake Heaps (the next BYU quarterback destined for greatness) and the whole football, baseball and basketball teams.

There have been so many marvelous people from BYU who have surrounded themselves with greatness. One of my favorite BYU alumni is Danny Ainge. He was the starting point guard on arguable the best NBA team ever: the 1985-1986 Boston Celtics. He played in the NBA for twelve years and is now the General Manager for the Celtics. They won the NBA title two years ago. Danny is also the Bishop of his Boston ward. He has to be one of the busiest guys in the world! Yet his faith is unshaken and he has truly surrounded himself with greatness. He is the type of guy I want to be; he has achieved both on and off the court success. Danny grew up in Provo. Provo produces some of the most wonderful people and families. Danny is just one of many examples.

In the end, nobody beats Provo. It truly is Heaven on Earth.

Well Aaron, (Kylie here!) It sure sounds like you have a significant goal in mind. You are going to have to keep your grades up, so while it sounds like you LOVE sports, remember that BYU is first and foremost an academic institution, and they like their students to get A's. So stay in school, stay off drugs, and be sure to study hard. I look forward to hearing back from you when you get your BYU acceptance letter! Thanks again for a great essay. I look forward to reading your essay next year.