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The Whys of FSY
We all have “Ys” (whys) in our lives.
During the FSY Guide Activity on the last day of the NaCoLayan (Naic, Bacoor, Balayan) FSY 2025, I had the chance to share a special reminder: The YOUTH are the “Y” in FSY.
Without the youth, there would be no FSY. Since FSY means “For the Strength of the Youth”, who would be strengthened if they weren’t there?
But it goes even deeper—FSY exists not just to strengthen the youth, but to help them know where their true strength comes from: Jesus Christ. He is the strength of the youth. And He is the strength of every one of us, even after we leave our adolescence behind.
Beyond the fun of this five-day conference, the main goal was clear: we reminded everyone that one powerful way they can be strengthened by Jesus Christ is through reading the FSY Guide—officially titled For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices.
It’s through learning His teachings, seeking His guidance, and making choices with Him that we find our true strength—and our truest selves.
Our Savior understands every hardship, trial, challenge, and weakness we have faced, are facing, and will still face.
He lived it. And He ultimately died for it.
But His ‘Y’—His “why”—for being on earth, for suffering, and for sacrificing Himself, is YOU. It’s us.
He is the reason we can find hope, healing, and strength no matter what we are going through.
And how do we turn to Him? Through prayer, through studying His word, and through following the counsel of His chosen leaders in His restored Church. As we do these things, we will draw closer to Him and feel His strength carrying us.
As Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught: “The WHAT informs, but the WHY transforms.”
Knowing WHAT to do is important—but knowing WHY changes your heart.
I asked some of the people I met during 2025 NaCoLayan (Naic, Bacoor, Balayan) FSY and here are their WHYS:
“FSY isn’t just about having fun, even though it is a lot of fun. In FSY I learned how to control my patience. I found people with kind hearts that I can build strong friendships with and make memories that I can cherish forever.”
– Mark Daniel, 17, Naic Stake
“The activities in FSY help develop many different and helpful skills the youth can use when they serve in Church callings. We are also taught about the importance of prayer and scripture reading, habits that will bring blessings and help us face trials.”
– Lucy Rei Hiba-Jerusalem, 14, Bacoor Stake
“Through devotionals, scripture study, and classes, our faith and understanding deepen, we became closer to our Savior Jesus Christ. After FSY, I realized that it is important to build a relationship with him—to be close to God is to allow Jesus Christ to transform us from the inside out. We should also surround ourselves with good people.”
– Rhianne Zaraia P Quintal, 14, Balayan District
“I was baptized one week before the FSY conference started. As a new member, the FSY experience helped strengthen my faith in Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father, and I gained more knowledge about the scriptures …”
– Norberto Chio III, 18, Naic Stake
“FSY helped me to stay on the covenant path, to strengthen my faith, and to obey the Lord’s Commandments. It was a fulfilling and life-changing experience especially for me as a first-time counselor. FSY taught me to be more patient, understanding, and forgiving. I know that as we invite the spirit with us, it will help us to do righteous things in life. Additionally, it strengthened my desire to serve a full- time mission. This program taught me to love one another that we are all children of God, and I love the feeling of serving Him.”
– Kirstine Faith Benavidez, 20, Naic Stake
“FSY is not just for the youth, it’s FOR THE STRENGTH OF ‘ME’ as well. The examples of the youth, their pure testimony and faith changed me, even my non-member friends noticed a different me when I went back to school after attending FSY. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve our youth as one of their counselors.”
– Nicco Calapati, 24, Balayan District
“FSY Conference can change lives of the youth and the leaders too. Last 2023 I attended my first and last FSY Conference as a participant, I wasn’t feeling well mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, but my mother still counselled that I should go. I didn’t know that it would really change my life. I met a friend that really cared and listened to me, to my heartaches and sorrows. She was there when I needed a friend who would listen to me without any judgment. I felt God’s love after we talked and that’s one of the reasons why I accepted the calling as an FSY Counselor, I want the rising generation to feel God’s love, that no matter what circumstances and challenges they go through God is always there for them and he would send an angel (like a friend) who would help them and uplift them.”
– Joemerly Hular, 20, Bacoor Stake
Let’s keep holding on to our “Ys”, especially the reasons why we follow Him.
I’m incredibly grateful for this experience. I feel fulfilled knowing I gave my best—not just as an FSY leader, but as His hands in the greatest challenge, the greatest cause, and the greatest work on earth.
As we continue our journey, may we always remember the beautiful invitation from our 2025 FSY theme: “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:36).
He is our true strength. He is our true “Y”.