Seminary
Lesson 190: Overcoming Obstacles to Furthering Education—Using All Available Resources
young man using a tablet

Preparing for Future Education and Employment: Lesson 190

Overcoming Obstacles to Furthering Education

Using All Available Resources

Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.

young man smiling

“I don’t know if it’s for me,” Carlos tells his mom. “School is already hard, and I’m sure it gets even harder. What if I can’t handle it? Remember Mateo?” he asks. His mom nods. “Mateo had to quit his program because it was too tough. And how would I pay for it? I know the prophet says to get as much education as I can, but it seems impossible.”

notebook iconIn your notebook, answer these questions:

  • What obstacles do you think teenagers may face when seeking to further their education?

  • How confident are you that you can overcome these obstacles?

During the lesson today, seek impressions from the Spirit to help you identify specific ways to overcome your obstacles to education.

Lesson Purpose: To help you find resources to overcome obstacles to furthering your education.

Learn How

Crossing the Jordan River

illustration of Joshua and the children of Israel crossing the Jordan River

When Joshua and the children of Israel arrived in Canaan, the Lord promised them all the land on the other side of the Jordan River (see Joshua 1:1–7). However, they faced the obstacle of crossing the overflowing river to achieve their goal (see Joshua 3:15).

mark iconRead Joshua 3:6–8, 13–17. Mark the following:

  • The faithful actions the priests took to enable the children of Israel to cross the Jordan River

  • God’s help in enabling the children of Israel to cross over the Jordan River

note iconComplete the following statement based on what you learned from the story of Joshua and the priests of Israel that could apply to overcoming obstacles to furthering your education. Add your completed statement in a note next to one of the passages you marked.

  • As I move forward with faith in Jesus Christ, He will …

Moving forward with faith in Jesus Christ includes any effort you might make that is in accordance with God’s will. For example, the Lord might inspire you to talk with a counselor, earn money, or faithfully pay tithing. These are among ways to move forward with faith in Jesus Christ to overcome obstacles to education.

How would acting with faith in Jesus Christ to pursue education help us become more like Him? Why might faithfully seeking God’s help be necessary to overcome obstacles to education?

Practice overcoming obstacles

four youth walking down a sidewalk

Create your own scenario of an obstacle relevant to teenagers in your area by filling in the following blanks.

(name of teenager) knows education after high school is important. But an obstacle to continuing their education is (describe an obstacle).

notebook iconIn your notebook, answer the following questions.

  • What resources might be available to help this person overcome the obstacle you just listed? Whom could they talk to about the obstacle?

  • What actions could this person take to move forward with faith in Jesus Christ to overcome their obstacle?

  • How might God help this person overcome their obstacle?

Now consider your own situation. What challenges might you need to overcome to further your education? Here is a list of ideas to help you address these obstacles.

Financial Resources

  • Scholarships, grants, student loans

  • Work-study programs

  • Part-time jobs

  • The Perpetual Education Fund or other financial resources through the Church

Academic Resources

  • Academic tutors or mentors

  • Free online tutoring programs

  • Standardized-test preparation courses

Support Resources

  • Teachers, family, or friends

  • Counseling professionals

  • Ward or branch members and leaders

  • Welfare and Self-Reliance Services, including self-reliance courses

  • Family Services

Spiritual Resources

  • Scripture study

  • Prayer to seek the Lord’s help in:

    • Recognizing your strengths and abilities

    • Making decisions

    • Knowing what the Lord would want you to do

  • Studying your identity as:

    • A child of God

    • A child of the covenant

    • A disciple of Jesus Christ

  • Paying a full tithe

  • Fasting and fast offerings

  • Priesthood blessings

Choose one or more ideas from the list. Search online or ask someone for resources to share with your class. Here are some examples:

  1. Find a list of local scholarships.

  2. Share scriptures that boost your confidence.

  3. Talk with a school counselor about available resources.

share iconShare on the discussion board the resources you found.

Dig Deeper: For additional resources on continuing your education, go to “Emotional, Educational, and Employment Resources.”

Share Your Thoughts

Lesson Purpose: To help you find resources to overcome obstacles to furthering your education.

share iconShare one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

  • The resources you found. Include a link, a list, or information on how to use the resource.

  • Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.

  • Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?