For the Strength of Youth
Learning Beyond School
For the Strength of Youth September 2026

Learning Beyond School

By Eric B. Murdock

Church Magazines

Chances to learn are everywhere. Listen. Be curious. You never know where your learning will take you!

young woman

Illustrations by Derek L. Smith

When I was learning to drive, my dad wanted to teach me how to jump-start a car. He popped the hood, grabbed jumper cables, and started explaining where the cables go on the engine.

“Yeah, I already know how to do it, Dad!” I said, even though I really didn’t.

Fast forward a few weeks. My friend’s car battery died, and he asked me to help. I pulled out the jumper cables from my trunk, looked at my friend’s engine, and … froze.

I had no clue what to do! At that moment, I wished I’d been willing to listen and learn from my dad.

Looking back, that moment helped me realize that chances to learn are everywhere—and not just in school. Everyday experiences can teach us—if we’re willing to listen, try, and grow.

Learning = Power

Learning how to jump-start a car, cook a meal, build something, or develop any other skill may not earn you a grade, but it will give you more confidence and increase your ability to help others. Learning all you can makes you more capable and prepared to handle whatever life may throw at you.

The Lord encourages you to “seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:118). He wants you to learn about the world around you (see Doctrine and Covenants 88:79; 93:53). What you learn can bless your life and others around you.

Ways to Learn

  1. Begin with Curiosity. Is there something you wish you knew how to do? It could be anything—playing the guitar, baking cookies, or fixing a bike. Your interests are a great place to start.

  2. Ask for Help. You’re surrounded by people who are happy to share their skills. Ask around! You can reach out to your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, ward or branch members, neighbors, or friends. You have no idea where this might lead.

  3. Use Good Resources. Quality books, online courses and videos, podcasts, and magazines are great places to make sure what you’re learning is accurate and efficient.

  4. Practice and Share. You most likely won’t get what you’re learning right the first time. That’s OK! Learning is a process, and it takes practice. Once you learn something, look for ways to use it to bless others. You can even teach it to a sibling or friend.

Why This Matters

You might not think that something you learn today can make much of a difference later. But it does! Right now, you’re preparing for a mission, a future family, and becoming the person you want to be. Every worthwhile thing you learn can bless your life and be used to help others and build the kingdom of God in many different and exciting ways. You’ll be magnifying the talents the Lord has given you (see Matthew 25:14–30).

Plus, learning new things is fun! The more you learn, you’ll realize how awesome it is to say, “I know how to do that!” So, next time you have an opportunity to learn—listen! Be curious. You never know where your learning will take you!