I met Josephine Scere Dinnell in my freshman ward at BYU. Every time she sang, whether in church or at a talent show, she conveyed such emotion through her voice. As I got to know her, I was touched by her desire to use her gifts for good. Now we are both media music majors at the Y. I've had numerous opportunities to see Josephine share her gifts, which were planted at a very young age.

Josephine remembers her father singing to her with his guitar when she was just 3 years old. Her father's love for music sparked a passion in her that would not only change Josephine's life, but the thousands of people her gifts have touched.

Fifteen years later, Josephine came to BYU. "It all seemed to fall right into place," she said. Josephine started auditioning for musicals and was cast in lead roles with no previous acting experience. Despite not knowing how to read music, she accomplished the colossal task of being admitted to the BYU School of Music.



Since then, Josephine has toured the world with BYU's Young Ambassadors and has recorded with major producers along the east coast. She has played many lead roles at Utah's West Valley Hale Center Theater and Hale Center Theater in Orem, Utah, including the role of Aida. I had the opportunity to see her play Aida and I was moved by the sincerity of her performance. She often sings at wedding receptions and loves to share her musical gifts whenever she has the chance.

"Music is so much more than something I do well. It is my calling in life. It's the reason so many blessings have come to me and I owe all of my success to the Lord," Josephine said.

Last summer she had the opportunity to be part of the Nauvoo pageant. Josephine played Jane Manning, the first African-American pioneer to arrive in the Salt Lake Valley.

"That experience was life-altering," said Josephine. "There is nothing like Nauvoo. The Spirit of the saints still dwells there. It is stronger than ever. From the moment you set foot on its soil you are taught, fed, and changed into a saint fit for Zion."

On Josephine's Facebook page, she lists one of her interests as "music and how I can change the world with it." I have always been incredibly impressed by Josephine and her consistent focus on sharing her testimony as she performs. She graciously accepts compliments but gives the credit to her Heavenly Father.

"Before the gospel took root in my heart, I knew that music was given to me for a higher purpose ... but I just didn't know how to use it to touch others. I was more inward-focused. It was all about how I could have a personal experience with the music, not how I could bear testimony to someone else. Upon my experiences as a Young Ambassador and as a Nauvoo Pageanteer, I have learned that once an individual has received his or her own testimony, it is their charge to share that light with others. I was taught that there is much work to be done and it's time for the converted to thrust in their sickles. I am hoping to do that through music and performing."

"I hope to bring uplifting music that testifies of the nobility of womanhood, motherhood, families, and mankind's divine worth," Josephine continued. "There is so much music out there that preaches about how people are slaves to their impulses. I write music that asserts free agency. My music speaks of the light at the end of the tunnel and urges its listeners to move toward it. To fight against mediocrity, to stand for good."

Josephine has a strong desire to help others feel God's love through her voice. With her extraordinary talent and beautiful heart, the world can't help but be a better place.