What happens when accounting students become teachers?
At BYU Marriott, the answer is life-changing learning on both sides of the classroom.
In a pilot program during the winter 2026 semester, graduate students at BYU Marriott's School of Accountancy in Provo assisted with instruction of an introductory course on accounting principles for BYU–Pathway learners across the globe. Over a 10-week experience, BYU Marriott MAcc students helped with live online classes, mentored small cohorts, answered questions in breakout sessions, and equipped learners with practical skills for their jobs and businesses.
Many of the BYU–Pathway learners began the course with little or no background in accounting. By the end, they were reading financial statements, analyzing ratios, evaluating investments, and making more informed business decisions. The transformation was remarkable—not only academically, but personally and professionally.
Learning that Changes Lives
Students involved with this pilot program often make extraordinary sacrifices to further their education. Some attend class late at night after working all day and caring for their families. Others wake up at 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. to join live sessions from across the world.
Their determination reflects the power of education to open opportunities.
Participants say that the pilot program has helped them better understand their businesses, improve financial decisions, and gain confidence in their future careers. Even students who are not pursuing accounting professionally describe how the program strengthened their ability to lead, manage resources, and build financial stability.
Transforming BYU Students, Too
The experience also changed the BYU Marriott students who participated in the program.
Teaching complex concepts to others requires patience, creativity, and mastery. The MAcc students quickly discovered that simplifying accounting principles for someone else deepened their own understanding in powerful ways. Along the way, they gained meaningful leadership experience, developed greater empathy, and saw firsthand how education can bless lives far beyond the classroom.
For many BYU Marriott participants, this teaching opportunity became one of the most memorable and impactful experiences during their time at BYU.
One of those participants was Sadie Gassaway, who graduated in April 2026 and addressed her fellow graduates as a convocation speaker. Her remarks highlighted the lasting impact of the teaching opportunity.
“I studied, prepared, and prayed each week that I could help facilitate the learning my students needed. Even still, I’m convinced that I was the one who left every class having learned the most … I thank Heavenly Father each day for the students-turned-friends who increased the value of my education by reminding me of its most important purpose: to help me become more like Christ.”
Why Support Matters
Programs like this expand the reach of a BYU education while creating opportunities for people around the world to gain practical, career-building skills.
Your support helps create more than accounting instruction. It helps create pathways to confidence, opportunity, leadership, and hope.
Support and strengthen SOA's efforts by giving to the SOA Student Support Fund.