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Semester Reflections

Writer's picture: Rachel ClaytonRachel Clayton

Updated: Jan 15


The first semester of the Nauvoo Discovery Program was interesting, to say the least. 13 of us gathered (mostly because of the hounding of the program director, who could strong-arm even the crabbiest of young men into participating) and became part of something we scarcely understood.


What was the Nauvoo Discovery Program?

Why were we there at all? In truth, the program was nothing at first. It was just a beloved old church building and the dream of two distant businessmen. But on our first night, the thirteen of us gathered in the hotel hallway where our lives had taken us and began building something lasting.



That lasting something ended up being a friendship. A pack. A family. It was something I, in the throes of adulthood, well past my undergraduate days, had not experienced in quite some time. I was doing graduate school online, and I hadn’t had friends my age around me in years!


It was a miracle! I had friends who felt like brothers and sisters, people with testimonies who gave me strength, and a crew constantly turning quiet little Nauvoo into an unforgettable place full of adventure. 

I was young again! (At 25, that wasn’t saying much), but I felt like I had the college experience I’d always wanted. We NDP kids goofed around to no end! From karaoke nights to photo shoots, from late-night exploring to early-morning service, I was living in Nauvoo for the first time!



Then, mid-semester, I experienced a pretty big life change. My fella went on a mission. This was very difficult for me, a crusty old grad student who loves him very much. I tried very hard to be supportive and happy, but in truth, it was (and is) one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced. (Only 625 days until he comes back…) My NDP squad was there for me all the way. They held me when I cried, they made me laugh, and they listened as I constantly reminisced on my lost love.



As grad school picked up and stress crumpled me up like a sheet of used tin foil, my friends were unfailing in their love and support. My buddy who worked in the kitchen kept me supplied with snacks and an especially unforgettable tres leches cake.



My ‘brothers’ in the program, a comedic duo worthy of the vaudeville circuit, made me laugh until it hurt.


My roommates and I wrote a book, a comedic fantasy about members of the NDP, and the endeavor was richly rewarding. 


The semester has been over for more than a month now. Most of the members of the program have gone their separate ways, but


my time in the NDP is a priceless jewel in the crown of my life.

What makes Nauvoo remarkable is the rich pioneer heritage infused into every blade of grass. What makes Nauvoo unforgettable, however, is her people, the honest, good folk who work hard and beautify this place. The students in the NDP are among them. They enriched my life and made a simple online semester one of the best I’ve ever had. 

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