Taking the Leap

May 2024

Reagan Vehar is no stranger to taking leaps of faith that push her out of her comfort zone.

After graduating from high school in South Carolina, her plan was to remain in her hometown and accept a scholarship to play volleyball at a nearby college. “It was very enticing, but I had a feeling I needed to attend a Church school,” says Vehar, whose parents met at Ricks College. “It was definitely the scarier thing to do, but I knew it was where I was supposed to be.”

Living in Rexburg has been an adjustment, but many wonderful blessings have come from the transition. “The environment here is definitely different,” she says. “I love how we start out every class with a prayer. It was a bit of culture shock at first, but I’ve come to appreciate how incorporating prayer into everything we do brings in the Spirit, changes the entire tone of the class, and inspires what we learn.” Vehar is also thankful for her wonderful professors who have gotten to know her and have helped her in her studies. She also enjoys regularly playing intramural  sports on campus.

“I know I’m where I need to be,” she says. “I was nervous at first to come to such a small town, but the size of Rexburg is like its superpower. I feel seen, known, and cared about. I’m grateful I followed the prompting that brought me to Rexburg, even if it wasn’t what I had originally envisioned for myself. It’s important to step outside our comfort zones; when we do that, God is able to better work through us and help us get where we need to be. Take the leap of faith!”

Currently majoring in elementary education, Vehar hopes to teach children. “My plan is to pause when I get my associate’s degree and get some experience student teaching to see how much I like it,” she explains. “If I feel good about the path I’m on after that, I’ll then come back to finish my degree.”

Due to generous donors and her hard work maintaining a high GPA, Vehar received a BYU-Idaho Grant to help cover tuition. “I’m so thankful to donors who help make education possible,” she says. “I just got a job working at the BYU-Idaho bookstore, and between that and my grant, going to school is doable. I’m so thankful for those who have helped me be able to pursue my degree and my dreams.”