5 minute read
Striving for continuous learning
Mongolian senior and dedicated family man says he pushed himself to learn outside of the classroom
BY SERENA DUGAR IOANE
Aiming to become his best self by using a positive attitude, Tuvshinjargal Lkhagvadorj, a senior from Mongolia majoring in information technology, shared he did not run from his obstacles. Instead, he decided to face and master them, applying this principle in his academic and spiritual life, along with his marriage and career.
Looking back, Lkhagvadorj said the biggest obstacle in his life was conquering himself. “When I felt lazy or discouraged, anything I did was hard and sometimes impossible. However, when I am confident and overcome myself, anything is doable.”
Overcoming laziness and fear
Lkhagvadorj said he loves to learn new things and tries to use his time wisely to achieve something worthwhile.
Besides studying during his university education, he developed many skills, such as swimming and fixing cell phones, computers and bikes. He also learned how to sew during his time at BYUH.
Lkhagvadorj shared he overcame his fear of water and learned to swim by taking swimming classes. Now, he said he enjoys swimming in the ocean and likes cliff-jumping into the water.
Additionally, he said he saved a lot of money by fixing bikes, computers and phones. Instead of buying items new, he said he watched videos and learned how to fix his old bikes and devices. He added when he buys new clothes, they usually do not fit perfectly, so he learned to sew and tailor them to his size.
He also sharpened the skills he already possessed during his studies, such as filming, editing videos and playing basketball.
He took a basketball class at BYUH, which strengthened his skills, helping him win a Seasider Sports intramural basketball competition in April 2019 with his other Mongolian friends.
Before coming to BYUH, he was working for the “Beone” media production company, which he established with his friends. He said after his mission, he and his friends founded the company pursuing their hobbies. At this company, he served as a photographer, videographer and graphic designer.
He said he advanced his videography and photography skills by taking BYUH film classes and learning how to use Adobe Photoshop and Premiere.
Lkhagvadorj is pictured with his family. Photo provided by Lkhagvadorj
When he was working for Beone, he helped arrange the Mongolian version of the hymn “Did You Think To Pray?” A segment of this arrangement was played during the April 2020 General Conference.
Additionally, he and his team made other videos for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mongolia, which he said were precious memories of telling the history of the Church’s development in Mongolia. In addition to making videos for the Church, they also made videos and music clips for Mongolian celebrities.
Bayasgalan Sukhbaatar, a sophomore from Mongolia majoring in business management, said, “We are childhood friends. Ever since he was young, he was always one of the smartest students in our school. He became a national champion of biology and physics twice when we were in high school.
“Also we used to go to morning Seminary together. He has a deep understanding of the gospel and knows scriptures very well. I really like his responsibility. When he is asked to do something, he always does it.”
A family man
Lkhagvadorj married Ganchudur Batgerel in the Hong Kong Temple in 2012. He said his wife is his personal Liahona. “Through her good advice and encouragement, she helps me be a good husband, father, priesthood holder, employee and student. That is why husbands should listen to their wives.”
They have two sons and one daughter. Raising three young children while studying and working was difficult, but Lkhagvadorj said he and his wife sharpened their time management and multitasking skills.
Lkhagvadorj shared he had many memories at BYUH, but the most precious involved the birth of his two youngest children. “In June 2019, we had a new baby girl during finals week. Even though it was tough and busy, it didn’t feel so because of her.
“Having a new baby is challenging but helps us to be stronger and selfless,” Lkhagvadorj added. He joked, “I can change diapers and make formula with my eyes closed.” He said he believes earthly parenting is an
endless process of learning until he becomes a heavenly parent.
Lkhagvadorj’s wife, Ganchudur Batgerel, a senior from Mongolia majoring in supply chain operation, said, “He is the biggest blessing God ever gave me. He is the best husband and father. We went through many struggles, but because of his patience and kindness, we overcame them.”
Peter Wong, a senior from Malaysia majoring in information technology, said, “I used to work with Tomche (Lkhagvadorj’s nickname), and we took a few classes together. He is a wonderful father and husband.
“Managing time for classes and work when you have a young family is not easy, but I can see how dedicated he is in getting things done so that he could balance spending time with his family and school.”
Lkhagvadorj said his priority is to be a good husband, father and priesthood holder. “I know that if I am faithful to the Lord and do my best, I will have work opportunities to provide for my family.”
Spiritual growth
Lkhagvadorj said he took religion classes almost every semester, which he said helped him to learn the correct principles of the restored gospel and strengthen his faith in the Lord. He is a convert and joined the Church in 2004. He served in his mission in two different areas, first in the Arizona Tempe Mission and then in Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Mission from 2008 to 2010. From his missions, he said he learned if he sacrifices his laziness and works hard, blessings will surely come.
Lkhagvadorj shared, “My faith in the Savior grew stronger during my study. I learned that His atonement brings not only remission of sins, but also strength and peace in my hardships.” •
Peter Wong shared he saw Lkhagvadorj's dedication to get things done so he could balance school and time with his family. 55 JUNE 2020 Photo by Chad Hsieh
