What is the connection between peanut butter cups and 9/11?
As we reflect on the tragic events that occurred on this day 17 years ago, we remember the influential stories of heroism and selflessness that sweetened the heartbreaking experiences undergone by individuals, families, communities, and nations.
At the 2018 Fulton Conference, BYU Sociology professor Mikaela Dufur shared a touching story of one such hero who gave his life at the Twin Towers as he held a door open so that his coworkers could make it to safety. His family anxiously waited to hear news of him, promising him his favorite candies–peanut butter cups.
Professor Dufur’s story is just one of many inspirational and compelling articles shared in the 2018 edition of the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences’ Connections magazine.
For an interactive copy of the 2018 Connection magazine, click here.
In our hyperconnected world, it’s tough to go anywhere without hearing snippets of conversation. These can be about anything: from class to friends to the downright weird.
Because whatever you’re hearing is typically out of context, you can hear some pretty hilarious things. Some fun examples that have been overheard on BYU campus include:
We want to know what crazy things you’ve heard in the Spencer W. Kimball Tower! Email amber_johnson@byu.edu with the hilarious things you’ve heard and you might be included in the Elevator Eavesdropping section in our upcoming issue of Connections.
What is your young adult thinking? Until recently, the concept of emerging adulthood (ages 18-24) was not academically recognized as distinct from adulthood. But now, in part thanks to School of Family Life professors Larry Nelson, Jason Carroll,Brian Willoughby, and Laura Padilla-Walker, researchers are beginning to study it. In a recently-released 2017 Connections article, writer Jake Healey said: “Emerging adulthood is a unique time of life, complete with its own set of challenges and struggles, and it is important for parents, teachers, employers, and others to learn about these issues. So what does the research of Carroll, Nelson, Padilla-Walker, and Willoughby reveal as the four primary concerns of this age group? They are, in order of importance:
identity,
parental involvement,
sexual behavior/relationships, and
morality/religion
For explanations of each of those categories, check out the full article on the Connections magazine webpage. While there, you’ll also find information on:
cutting-edge Alzheimer’s Disease research at BYU
helpful money management tips
an analysis of the U.S.’s relationship with Germany, from political science professor Wade Jacoby, an expert on the subject
our most recent and successful Utah Colleges Exit Poll
the changing face of invention (clue: it’s more of a team effort than you thought!)
When you want to better understand and help solve societal issues, where can you look for accurate information? As an alum of the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences at BYU, you have a connection to a special source. The most recent issue of our alumni magazine Connections, just out, offers:
As election season rolls around yet again, the question of why more women aren’t involved in politics continues. Research by Professors Stoddard, Preece, and Karpowitz shows that there are a variety of reasons for their under-representation, which include aversion to entering a competitive environment and a general desire to stay behind the scenes. But it also found that, when women were individually recruited, they tended to get involved more often, and to stay involved longer.
Disabilities and disorders are challenges faced everyday by individuals and their families. BYU professors realize that each case is different and they are looking to find cures by breaking down the disorders and then creating treatments. For those faced with these challenges, professors have been researching options for early intervention among individuals and education among others to create understanding and help before major problems arise.
In recent years, among LDS church members and individuals around the world, there has been an increase in enthusiasm regarding family history and genealogy work. Individuals are forming bonds with their ancestors and creating a sense of belonging they didn’t have before. We discuss how this surge in interest has doubled student matriculation in family history, and brought together over thirty different campus entities to provide unprecedented access to both students and the community as a whole.
The question of social media’s usefulness in political campaigns has been asked for some years now. While it has not yet been answered conclusively by anyone yet, Professor Richard Davis’ new book shows that candidates are still not fully taking advantage of the unique nature of Twitter, limiting its influence in the political worl.
