This month marks one year since I was called to serve as Second Counselor in our Young Women presidency, and I cannot fully express how much this calling has meant to me.

One of its greatest blessings has been watching my Primary girls grow into remarkable young women. Seeing them gain confidence, discover their gifts, and strengthen their testimonies has been a privilege I don’t take lightly. I pray they will continue choosing Christ wherever life leads them.

When I was first called, many of the girls were quiet and reserved. Then we spent a week together at youth camp, and something changed. It wasn’t only my relationship with them that grew—it was the way they began connecting with one another. The walls between “church friends” slowly disappeared as they laughed together, supported one another, and chose to spend time together outside of Sunday meetings.

That has always been one of my hopes for our youth. I want church to be more than a place they attend. I hope it becomes a place where they feel known, accepted, and free to be themselves.

Some of my favorite memories have happened outside the walls of the church.

Whenever we’d spend time together, I’d joke, “Today, I’m just another older sister. No leader hats today.”

Of course, my responsibility to keep everyone safe never changed, but I never wanted my calling to become a barrier between us. Some of the best conversations happened over food, during car rides, or while simply sitting together after an activity. I’ve learned that some of the most meaningful ministry happens in ordinary moments.

When I accepted this calling, I assumed my responsibility was to teach the youth. I didn’t expect them to change the way I see people.

In his General Conference message As a Little Child, President Jeffrey R. Holland reminds us that Christ placed a little child before His disciples because children possess qualities He hopes we never lose—humility, trust, sincerity, and love.

Serving these youth has reminded me that those qualities don’t disappear as we grow older. They simply become hidden beneath responsibilities, disappointments, and the expectations we place on ourselves.

Because of them, I find myself looking at adults differently. Instead of seeing people who should have everything figured out, I see individuals who are still becoming. We’re all trying to make good decisions with the understanding we have. We’re all carrying burdens others can’t see. We’re all hoping to become a little better than we were yesterday.

One unexpected blessing has been getting to know the young men alongside the young women.

The young women have shown me the beauty of openness. They laugh easily, encourage one another, and never hesitate to share what’s in their hearts.

The young men are different.

Their trust comes more quietly, and that’s what makes it so meaningful.

Recently, my brother and I took a few of them to watch The Odyssey. What I expected to be a simple movie night became something much more. They talked about graduating high school, uncertainty about the future, relationships that hadn’t worked out, and dreams they weren’t sure they could reach. They shared songs that reflected how they were feeling and opened up in ways I never expected.

Somewhere along the way, “Sister Angela” quietly became “bruh.”

I don’t think they realize how much that makes me smile.

They’ve reminded me that strength isn’t measured by having all the answers. Some of the strongest people I know are also the gentlest. They notice when someone is struggling. They ask how others are doing. They offer help without expecting recognition. They care deeply, even if they don’t always know how to express it.

If I could tell all of them one thing, it would be this:

Don’t rush.

There is so much pressure to know exactly who you’ll become, what career you’ll choose, or whom you’ll marry. But this season isn’t meant to be rushed. Learn who you are before trying to become everything for someone else. Build your relationship with the Savior. Learn to love the person Heavenly Father created you to be.

One of my favorite memories happened on the final night of youth camp.

One of the young men asked me, “Sister Angela, do you like us more before camp or during camp?”

I laughed before answering.

“Both.”

“I liked you before camp because I wasn’t constantly hearing my name every five minutes.”

Everyone laughed.

“But I loved seeing you during camp because I got to see who you really are. You laughed without worrying what anyone thought. You served one another without being asked. You encouraged each other. You were simply yourselves.”

That’s the version of each of you I hope never changes.

Looking back over this past year, I can honestly say this calling has given me far more than I have ever been able to give in return.

There have been disappointments. Not every idea succeeds. Sometimes plans change, and sometimes the work feels unnoticed. But those moments have never outweighed the joy of serving alongside such incredible youth. Every experience has taught me to listen a little more, judge a little less, and trust the Lord a little deeper.

To my young women and young men,

Thank you for trusting me with your stories, your laughter, your questions, your victories, and even your struggles. Thank you for letting me witness the incredible people you are becoming. You may never fully realize how much you’ve influenced me simply by being yourselves.

I’ve laughed with you, worried about you, celebrated with you, and prayed for you. Watching you grow has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.

As you continue into adulthood, there will be moments when you question yourselves or wonder if you’re enough.

When those moments come, I hope you’ll remember this:

You are a beloved child of Heavenly Father.

You are loved more than you can imagine.

You are capable of becoming more than you can currently see.

Keep choosing Christ. Keep showing kindness. Keep lifting one another. Hold on to the goodness that already lives within you, even when the world asks you to become someone else.

Thank you for letting me walk beside you for this part of your journey.

I will always be cheering you on.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Love,
Sister Ang 🌸