Semester Eight

I should really have something profound to say here.

My first "Semester [#]" post was for the spring of my freshman year, and that was three years ago. Three years may not sound like a long time, but when I'm 21 and those three years have been incredibly formative, it makes my head spin a little to think that I started at ACU in 2007. There are times when I think about trying to explain my life now—the content of my conversations and prayers—to the 2007 version of me, and it makes me laugh.

I'm sure I'll grow much more pensive and philosophical as graduation approaches, but right now, I'm simply content where I am and ready to begin my final semester. Or I probably should say "continue my final semester," as I've been in Abilene for a week taking a short course that finished up yesterday.

Here's the course load this semester, in 9 hours of goodness:

SEX AND PERSONAL ISSUES OF SEXUALITY - This class has a big reputation on campus: first, because it covers a controversial (at least "seemingly controversial") subject, second, because everyone who takes it can't believe that people actually try and live their lives without having taken this course. I just finished the class, and it was (a) exhausting, mentally and emotionally and (b) very helpful and deeping. The course combined marriage and family therapy, spiritual direction, and sexual ethics to shine light on a topic that is too often associated with darkness. I'm very grateful that I was able to take this course.

THE BOOK OF ACTS - My final Bible class, which is so hard to believe. I've never taken Tony Ash before, and it feels strange that this will be my only time in the Bible building this semester (since I've practically lived there in semesters past).

CHILD ABUSE: RECOGNITION AND RESPONSE - The final class for my psychology minor, and my very first night class. Honestly, I chose this class because I needed a class that would fit into my schedule and complete my minor, but my mother is a strong believer that we should cherish all of our learning experiences (even those that aren't specifically related to our plans) because they may pay off in some oddly specific way in the future. In other words: taking this class certainly isn't detracting from my life, and there may be a day when I'm really glad I took it.

...and that's it. Since I took a short course, I'll only be taking two actual classes this semester, and then I will be a college graduate. That, more than anything, blows my mind: come May, I'll have a piece of paper that immediately places me among the elite, globally speaking.

Also on my plate this semester: Greek tutoring, working some desk shifts at one of the dorms, lifegroup, Southern Hills, Sing Song (depending on some scheduling conflicts), a Spring Break Campaign to Seattle, the ACU Locavore Club, and some other potential God-working-in-my-life opportunities. I'll also be waiting for responses from the grad schools to which I've applied and making decisions about what to do in the summer and fall.

This is going to be a very significant semester. God is good and on the move.