The path to the BYU Marriott School of Business began for Rocky Wang in his home country of China, coursed across the green fields of Scotland and Ireland, and weaved through the snowy grounds of BYU–Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho, before finally bringing him to BYU campus in Provo. Now as a junior in the School of Accountancy (SOA) at BYU Marriott, Wang knows his path will lead him to further growth in his future career.
In 2014, while living with his family in Baoding, China, Wang visited a friend who was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Wang’s family was not religious, and he had never heard of the Church before. However, a family tragedy sparked his desire to learn more about this new religion. “When my grandmother passed away, I began reflecting on the things I had learned about the Church from our family friend, and I wanted to learn more about life’s purpose,” he says. “I was the first person in my family to join the Church.”
Wang’s enthusiasm for his newfound faith intrigued his family members. “I had the wonderful opportunity to baptize both of my parents,” he says. “Now, if you include my cousins, eight of my family members have joined the Church.”
Shortly after baptizing his mom, Wang left to serve a full-time mission in Scotland and Ireland. “I loved every single day of my mission; it was my favorite adventure of my life so far,” he says. “I know that I was meant to be there. I felt honored to be the first missionary in my family to ever serve a mission. Having a missionary in the field was an unprecedented experience for my parents, and the experience strengthened our faith as a family.”
When Wang returned from his mission, he originally attended BYU–Idaho. However, he felt impressed to transfer to BYU. “I am so grateful that I made the decision to come to BYU Marriott and the SOA,” he says. “The School of Accountancy stretches my ability academically and spiritually. My experiences here push me to do things I’ve never done before and present me with opportunities to grow.”
One of these opportunities for growth includes participating in student leadership within the SOA. Wang recently became a leader for ‘Ohana, an SOA alumni networking system operated by students in the School of Accountancy. “’Ohana is an impressive system that allows SOA alumni to stay in touch with the administration and their fellow classmates,” he says. “As ‘Ohana leaders, we connect with our group of students through phone calls, meetings, social media, emails, and in-person activities. Our goal is to stay connected with our fellow SOA students both during school and after graduation, like a big family.”
Wang isn’t sure where his path will lead next, but he knows that his time in the SOA will prepare him for whatever comes. “After graduation in 2022, I want to become a certified public accountant and either go to a public firm to start my career or industrial practice,” he says.
In addition to preparing Wang for success in his future career, the SOA also strengthens him spiritually. “My professors provide professional training and connections and elevate their students personally through academic and spiritual support,” he says. “During my time here, I’ve learned that being a good person is the most important goal in life.”
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Writer: Sarah Calvert
