Graduation

Graduated with a Masters in Genetics and Biotechnology from BYU. My time at BYU was an opportunity for education in classroom, lab, church, and in the mountains. Things accomplished while at BYU: Hiked the Y, Y mountain, Timp, Zions, Half-ironman, wrote a patent for a fungal endophyte in grass, won a race to the Y, 2005 spud tug champion, 2 time intramural champion (7 time championship match looser), First ever Benson family reunion, Y cycling Team, St. George marathon, Hobbitville, Spoken word & General Conference, biked around Utah lake, and Rock climbing Things left to accomplish in Utah/Idaho: Swim in the Botany pond, picture with the Joseph Smith Sphinx, Sessions is all Utah temples, Hike the grand Teton, and Canyonlands NP.

Costa Rica

I've realized that every opportunity comes at a cost, and too many times I have turned down experiences because I felt as though I didn't deserve them or couldn't afford the time or money. I decided to take a vacation with Jeff to celebrate finishing a Masters in Genetics at BYU, and prepare for an arduous degree in Plant Breeding and Genetics at NC state. It was an opportunity to travel outside the country and experience a new culture while at the same time, spending some moments unwinding mentally, emotionally, and physically. Balance in ones life must be focused on all attributes of the pie, though not every demand must be equal in weight, we need to make sure that nothing is neglected or over fed. As is the case with school, family, work, religion and oneself.
I learned from experience that running through this area is dangerous because you can get stabbed by horizontal grass/bamboo spears. I didn't get punctured but it leveled me to my back for a few minutes.

An afternoon hike during the rainy season to La Fortuna Falls.

The trip helped me to do some introspection as I saw the lives of a different culture. The Ticos were not motivated by profit, just do what needs to get done and enjoy life. It was a chance to make sure my values were in the correct priority and find my inner tarzan.

Utah Lake century

April 26th

Took a little trip around Utah lake with my professor, 5 1/2 hrs, a flat tire and several bonks I got a sweet tan line.