It is hard to imagine that Thanksgiving time is already upon us. It doesn't seem like I've been at college all that long, but then when I think about it, it seems like I've been at college for a really, really long time. Memories of my time at the Anchorage camp fade, though I still vividly recall my experiences on the boat in Alaska, probably because it is harder to forget traumatic experiences.
But I might as well start from the beginning.
My first week at College.
I am working on Public Safety, (security) at BJU, so I got there a week earlier than everyone else.
There not much to tell, we had a lot of training going on. They taught us how to direct traffic, and how to deal with people. All different kinds of people, dumb people, angry people, stubborn people, important people, emergency people, problematic people, yeah, people. So we got a crash course in how to act like we know what we are doing, so that we can fool everyone into thinking that we really do know what we are doing. And basically that's it.
During the first week, I had a couple of meals with Jennifer and some of her dinning common friends and I got to know some people that way. All in all, it was a nice week. I was able to settle in and get everything ready, in a very relaxed and quiet environment. By the time the week was over though, I was ready for some people to be there, because it was getting a little boring.
Then Friday came around, and people just started popping up everywhere. The campus seemingly exploded with people. I finally got some roommates. And I saw Jeremiah, Sarah, and Aunt Rachael. Yey! It was nice to see people that I had knew really well. I can remember how excited I was to see them. I can remember how I was the first week, I was quiet, reserved, shy… But when I saw them, I was… well like I am around them, open, loud, outgoing, a funny jokester kind of guy. We went off campus together to do some shopping and stuff, which was fun, I got some things that I needed. So, I was thankful for that.
Another thing I was thankful for was that they brought with them, most of my stuff, because I had flown into Greenville I was limited to 1 bag and one carry-on, I didn't have much baggage with me. So, a lot of my stuff had to be left behind for them to bring when they came up. One of the things that they brought up was my beloved camera. I was so happy to see that wonderful device, it brought joy into the inner most parts of my heart. I'd have to say that it was the first thing that I took out a played with. My happiness was so great, that words cannot express my intense, fervid rejoicing. :P
Time quickly went by, and soon the first day of classes had arrived. I will admit, I was scared. What will I do? How will I do? I want to do well, but everyone keeps talking about how hard it is. Jeremiah did it though, so I should be able to do it. But how? I don't know what to expect. Things are real now, no more putting off tests until I'm ready, and no more games on the computer. How am I going to handle this? I don't think that I can do it. All these thoughts were rushing through my head, as Wednesday came closer, and closer.
On Tuesday night I was especially worried, knowing that classes started the next day. I didn't express my worry to anyone and pretended to be fine. At the time I barely knew my roommates, so I didn't feel like expressing my deep anxiety with complete strangers. So I kept to myself.
Despite all my wishing and hoping that it would go away, the fateful day arrived. I went to my first class not really knowing what to expect. "Ok, Computer applications, I don't know what I'm suppose to do, but I guess that I'll just go, and find out." And so I went, and they passed out the class syllabus, and talked a little about what this class was about, and stuff like that. That first class really calmed my spirit I think, because I realized that they don't expect anything of me yet. They will teach me, and then expect me to know what they taught, but they didn't expect me to know about things that they hadn't taught me. On to my next class, History of Civ. Uuu, I've heard about this class, it's supposed to be really hard, I guess I'll see what it's all about. Well it was pretty much the same thing, we got the syllabus, and were told what it was that we were expected to know.
The rest of the day went pretty much like that, I didn’t have a problem finding my other 4 classes, well… Except for Speech. Did you know that the signs in the Fine Arts Building, don't specify that there is a 3rd floor. The only signs that indicate that there is a 3rd floor and the signs in 2 of the 4 stairways, all of the other signs don't even acknowledge the 3rd floor. But I eventually found my classroom, and made it in. On time.
Things quickly picked up the pace, but it wasn't too bad. I didn't miss not having the time to play Mount&Blade, or reading camera forums. I had stuff to do now.
Things were going well, and I was pleased with how I was doing. I was able to -- by the grace of God -- handle everything that came my way. It was actually a very exciting feeling, feeling like I was on top of things, like things were under control. I kind of impressed myself with how much I was able to get done when I organized everything and sat down and worked on things. There was a distinct sense of satisfaction in accomplishing everything that I need to accomplish, in the time that I had.
Papers, projects, tests, and quizzes began to accumulate, but even though I thought that I didn't feel as though I was adequately prepared for college, college sort of prepared me for itself. Query.
The weeks began to pass by, I had my share of nerve racking moments, -- my first speech comes to mind -- but by the guidance of God's faithful hand, I was able to overcome those moments. In some I was satisfied with my performance, and with other, I just had to learn to just live and learn.
Ah, yes, then midterms. The week before midterms, I freaked out. Then I calmed myself, recomprised my thoughts, and freaked out again. This cycle repeated itself again and again, all through out midterm week, until the end of my last class for the week. But after my last class on that week I can remember doing spins and tap dancing my way across the Bridge of Nations, as I came out of my last class on Friday. People were staring at me, but I didn't care, More people stared at me when I rode my unicycle, so why should I care that they stared at me?
But lets change gears a little bit. For college isn't all about classes. I mean, let's be perfectly honest, college is about girls too. Oh, the drama. Well right off the bat I got the reputation for being a crazy guy who had flocks of girls around him. I don't know how anyone got this impression, but I think that part of it was because I had several meals with Jennifer and her friends, who happened to be girls, so I would often be the only guy in a group of about 4 or 5 girls.
I consider it my "duty," as a guy, to ask girls out to Performance hall plays, and Artist Series. Considering that it is improper, for girls for girls to ask guys out, guys must take the responsibility of asking the girl. So, anyway, I asked a girl out to The Tempest. I must say it was pretty strange to ask a girl out on a "date," because I had never done it before. But I didn't experience the same, knee-knocking-stomach-turning-belly-flopping feeling that I thought I might go through according to all the stories and movies. But it wasn't really that way, at least for me it wasn't. Anyway, I asked a girl named Kendra to The Tempest, and we had a very pleasant time.
My didn't have another "date" until Artist Series. I took a girl who is named Abby. (The same name as my sister. :D ) I'd say that we both had quite a pleasant time. We saw the Pirates of Penzance. A Gilbert and Sullivan opera, performed by the New York Gilbert and Sullivan players. The show was hilarious, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, not only because the show was good, but also because I was accompanied by a very lovely young lady.
So far I have had pretty good experiences with dates that I've gone on. We'll see if that keeps up. I currently have 2 tickets to another performance hall play, Arsenic and Old Lace. And right now I don't have anyone to go with. I asked one girl, but she was already going with someone else. Oops. So now I have to find a girl that is desperate enough to go with me. :P Another Artist Series is coming up soon also…. Hmmm….
Well, on another note, I've been able to get out some, and help with different projects, like the Big Dig, and Farm Fest. Both of which were very good by the way. I've also been able to go on extension pretty much every week since the second week of school. I go with Agape Bible Club, and we have a Bible club for the kids in the neighborhood there. I never really know what to say about it though. It's a Bible club, we play games with the kids, then the kids get a snack, and then we sit them down tell them a Bible story. So, that's basically how it goes. Pretty much like every Bible club, there are of course certain things that make this Bible club special and unique. And some of those things just can't be expressed in words, they have to be experienced, in person.
So, I feel as though I have been able to experience a whole lot in those past few months. Both on campus and off. I've been through some things that I have never had any experience with before, and some things that I'm quite familiar with.
Now, it's Thanksgiving break. I am very much so enjoying the rest and relaxation. I haven't been able to get as much done as I was planning, but I was kind of expecting that. I still have time though. I have been able to do a lot of things that I have enjoyed a whole lot. From playing games, to taking pictures. I am very thankful that I am able to go somewhere for Thanksgiving, because I know that it just wouldn't have been the same, if I had to stay on campus.
Ever since high school I've been looking forward to college because I would finally be able to be around other guys and girls my age. So, now that it is here I am enjoying it very much.
Someone asked me to describe my college experience in only a few words, and the words that I chose were, challenging, terrifying, and very, very profitable. I have learned so much, in my classes, and just from college life. And I have grown in so many ways physically, mentally, and Spiritually. So, yes, it has been a very profitable semester so far, and the Lord has taught me so much, I am just very thankful for being at BJU.
Thank you for reading, I hope that that will bring you up to speed, on where I am, and how college is going for me. :P
If you wish to see pictures you may do so here. ;)
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/album.php?aid=11327&id=1109395541
