At the fourth-floor entrance to the N. Eldon Tanner Building is a bust of the edifice’s namesake with a quote that reads:
I see that statue almost every day and have come to look forward to it as a daily reminder of my responsibilities as a member of the Marriott School community. For me, the words inscribed on it embody what it means to live the MSB values of faith in Christ, integrity in action, respect for all, and excellence.
I profoundly believe that having faith in Christ requires a commitment to strive to live like Him both in word and deed. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38) and humbly declared, “I am among you as he that serveth” (Luke 22:27). Faith compels me to seek opportunities to serve as He did, which in turn enables me to become a more compassionate leader and scholar.
I believe that integrity in action also requires a commitment to service. It can be a difficult task to stand up for what is morally right when opportunities arise to benefit from doing what is wrong, but I have found great satisfaction in using those moments to strengthen both my character and the character of those around me. By developing a culture of accountability in all my spheres of influence, I am inherently acting as a servant of my fellow men and women.
To me, respect for all implies not just an indiscriminate view of others and their potential, but a specific charge to serve those who feel they do not belong. It has never been the people who silently resolve not to judge me for my differences that have helped me to feel valued, but rather those who actively get to know me in love and understanding. As I have made it a priority to do unto others as these selfless people have done unto me, I have gained an appreciation for the diversity of perspectives in everyone. I believe my experience can be universal to everyone who lives this value.
Finally, I believe that excellence can only be fostered when all are dedicated to service in the form of teaching one another. I work frequently on teams where quality is required, and I have noticed that we are only successful in achieving that standard when my teammates and I each use our unique understanding to consistently coach and consult with each other. When the focus of my life is not only on learning everything I can, but also on humbly teaching others everything I know, the light of knowledge in everyone grows brighter.
By the time I graduate, I will have seen N. Eldon Tanner’s admonition to serve at least a few hundred times, so the link between it and the MSB values has become permanently engraved into who I am. I know from experience that to live the MSB values is to live a life of service, and I am confident that as more students adopt this lifestyle, BYU—and the entire world—will be better because of it.
