After a refreshing winter break, I started my first day of classes today. Although the work is piling up and I have knots in my stomach already, I could not help but stop and reflect on the blessings of my educational journey.
My school is so small that in some of my classes, we all sit at a big circle table and the 15 or so people talk like we would if we were all at a conference or meeting. It’s more of a conversation than it is a lecture. I have all my classes in a old building with huge windows. The sunshine streams in and I get full view of winter trees, afternoon blue skies, and bells from the chapel nearby.
I know many students in universities sit in classrooms where they will be lucky if the professor knows their name by the end of the semester. I know many of my professors outside of the classroom. I know a bit about their lives, families, interests, and they know the same about me. I carry two majors plus a minor. I have been given so much support, advice and help with my crazy course load and educational choices.
Many ask me, “Do you like college?” It goes much beyond like. It really is a sincere appreciation and thankfulness. I know that there are many women who do not have the money, opportunity or even freedom to get their education. The world of academia brings richness to my life and I cannot imagine not being able to have the chance to be a part of it. Having the opportunity alone would be a blessing. Having it be a wonderful experience too is just another reminder that I should not take a moment of this for granted.
