38 Minutes and Counting...

September 2, 2011

So I’m sitting in the Mass Media & Technology Hall at the moment aaaaannddd I can’t go in. I just can’t. In where? Into Gary A. Ransdell Hall. My home for the next 3 years. It’s across the street.

Today is the day I’ve been waiting for for years now. I will be starting my doctorate degree in approximately 38 minutes. I wanted to chronicle this moment because it’s kinda a big deal. I’ll be 24 and 1/3 (24 and 4 months) tomorrow and about to begin my last, final, ultimate, and TERMINAL degree. It shall outlive me…or so I’ve heard.

Am I nervous? Surprisingly no. I’ve had many a first days. First day of all the years of K-12—even preschool had a first day. And I like to celebrate all of my many “firsts.” I think they’re special. So today, my firsts are as followed:

1. First finished week of teaching as an adjunct professor/instructor.

2. First time I’ve ridden my bike to a night class.

3. First time I’ll really have to be an adult in class and not a young adult.

4. Last, but not least—First day of my Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Organizational Leader strand (emphasis) at Western Kentucky University, Doctoral Orientation.

All the hoopla for just a really long class this weekend. Friday from 5-9 and Saturday from 8-5.

I was talking to Jesus in my apartment before I rode my bike over here. I usually do that before something new in my life—and also whenever I do mundane things too—and basically all things I do in life. He gave me a verse for this new adventure, my doctorate that is. It is:

Philippians 1:9, “I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.”

Here, Paul was talking to the church of Philippi and sharing with them how he walk praying for them as the continued to press on in the Christian faith. So if you, my reader, is a believer in the saving power of Jesus and call it your own, and rely on it in your daily life for forgiveness and sustenance, Paul was also praying over you.

So oftentimes, really, really smart people become loveless because they forget about people for they always have their nose in books. I have that propensity sometimes, but no more. There’s another verse I’ve been meditating on lately that I’ll probably share later. Anyway, Paul encourages us to continue learning. In my case, He’s given me the task and the opportunity to learn in an academic forum. Others learn in real life. Wherever you are, he pleads with believers to keep learning. But also, we are encouraged to continue to love and to be overwhelmed with love—the supernatural love that God gives us in order to spread to others; human love is finite.

I hope and pray that I love and that I learn. I also pray that burnout doesn’t set in until I’m at least 2 ¾ way done. I also hope that I still have Cool Points left in m y Cool-Points-O-Meter. I also pray I won’t spend too much time daydreaming that I’m on a deserted island with my Chocolate Blessing during class whilst being in my Extra Single State.

Abba Father,

Give me an extra portion of Your Spirit so I may be a perfect example of a fallen person perfected by Your grace. Help me to love You more and love others the way You love them. Aaanndd…

Thanks for everything.

Your Daughter,

Jenaya