I Choose God

 

Erik Gray's journals

#journalgems

written by Erik, August 2015

Because of my experiences with cancer and student leadership, I know that people look at me constantly. 

I have made an effort to post uplifting pictures, quotes, and status'. 

Two years ago, I started a blog to write down all my cancer experiences and how they and the gospel have ultimately blessed my life. I've seen my blog reach many different parts of the country, as well as many countries around the world. 

I have come to understand that technology is a strong aspect of life today; what I put on my Facebook page matters. 

There is so much that can come from the internet, whether it be good or bad. 

By posting uplifting material on my blog and social media pages, I choose good; and by choosing good, I choose God.

Variety is the Spice of Life

 

Erik Gray's journals

#journalgems

Written August 2015

SwissGear Scholarship Essay: What Makes a Great Backpack
By Erik Gray

People are not meant to do the same thing day in and day out. No one that I know could work seven days a week for years on end. I could not eat the same food every day. In fact, I could not even eat the same food or more than one meal throughout the day. The bottom line: we need variety. We go to school, we work, we have a family, we play sports. What we do throughout the day is different, and that is the great truth about us. Variety is the spice of life.

Just like our human nature to crave variety, a good backpack is one that can be used for a variety of different activities. I wake up in the morning and grab my backpack that has my school supplies in it. After school, I empty it and put sports gear in it and head off to basketball practice. On Saturday, I’ll empty it [again] of whatever was in it and put in snacks, water bottles, and an extra pair of socks for my water hike today. Next week, I’ll be using it to pack my clothes for my weekend trip home. From laptop to sweaty basketball socks to hiking gear- the best backpack can be used for anything, anytime.

True Character, Dignity & Optimism

Erik Gray's journals

#journalgems

written by Erik, March 2015

An excerpt from a scholarship letter

In December 2009, when I was 15-years-old, I was diagnosed with a form of Stage IV cancer in my salivary glands called Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma. 

It is not extremely life-threatening, but since that time, I have had ten surgeries on my neck ranging from biopsies to the replacement of the right half of my jaw, radiation twice, and I am currently on my second round of chemotherapy. 

Throughout my cancer experiences, I served as a student body officer, graduated high school with 24 college credits, maintained good grades through my three semesters at Southern Utah University, and received an Associate’s degree. 

At the end of my first semester, I faced the weight of an unexpected major surgery only a day after my last final. I have faced what many call “extreme adversity”, with what I believe as true character, dignity, and optimism. 

These characteristics will help me through the rest of my life in all aspects as a college student, businessman, husband, father, and person. 

I wouldn’t trade the growth and lessons I’ve experienced for anything.