As I reflect on the last month and the beginning of the school year I am struck by the fact that I haven't felt a major sense of homesickness, nor second guessed my decision to move across the country and devote myself to pursuing a theological education (at least not yet). I think that there are several factors that have helped with this transition - APTS the school, APTS as a community, and the support of important people in my life.
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, as an institution, has done an outstanding job of welcoming, orienting, and getting incoming students off on the right foot. There were several social opportunities before and throughout orientation (a BBQ, an ice cream social, a pizza party) where we had the opportunity to meet and socialize with our peers, the students that were
returning, the staff, and the faculty. We were welcomed again and again. Everyone made a big deal about how excited they were that we were here and they really meant it (or they are really good actors). Formal orientation, although a bit overwhelming, was extremely well done and covered all the important stuff that we needed to know and do to get officially started. They built a day into the middle of it where we went off campus to do some bonding and team building exercises. But we were also given some time for relaxing, recreation and just getting to know
each other. This was crucial since all incoming students are (for the most part) taking the same
four classes. Since I will be spending a lot of time with these 34 people and because it is a bit hard to get to know someone sitting next to them in a lecture, it was great to have this built into the orientation. Here is half of my class doing a challenge course during orientation.
Since classes have started they have also offered a couple of optional workshops on organizational and study skills, which this old guy who hasn't been in school for 18 years really
appreciated, especially since my degree is in Mathematics and this is a whole different type of studying than I have ever done before.
This week the president and his wife had all new Masters students (and their spouses) to their home for dinner. It was a chance for him to get to know us a little better, but also for him to check in and see how we were doing now that classes have started. He may be the president of the school, but he is still very much a pastor. One last thing that really helped to get us started
on the right foot and that also served as the most formal welcome to the seminary that we received was the worship service that was held the evening of our first day of classes (Sept. 7th). During worship the Junior class read together a "Declaration of Intent" and we were invited to come forward and sign our names in what Rev. Ted Wardlaw, the president of the seminary, refers to as the "Book of Life." Every APTS student, starting with the first class in 1904, has signed this book upon matriculation. Ted's sermon that night, being recognized in worship this way, and the Eucharist that followed was a perfect reminder of the legacy not just of this school, but of theologians and Christians in whose footsteps we are following.
Some of my new friends enjoying a gorgeous day in front of the chapel between classes.
The second major factor that has made this transition go smoothly is the community that is APTS and the informal way that my classmates and I have been embraced and made to feel part of that community. The returning students have been a wealth of information about professors, study advice, the rhythm of life here, the best places to find deals, the best places to eat & drink, etc. Outside of the formal social events that were scheduled by the school, there have been parties, invitations to go out to dinner, game nights, people getting together to watch a movie, to watch football, to go see a local band, and late night breakfast at a local diner. I feel as if I've made several really good new friends here already. The community is great at supporting each other and is a very tight knit group so I feel that there is already somewhat of a bond even with those that I haven't gotten to know well yet. Feeling this way after a month, I can't even imagine what that will feel like after a year, two or (with my classmates) three.
Last but not least, I credit my friends, family and congregation with helping to make this transition smooth. The support and encouragement that I continue to receive in emails, cards, text messages, Facebook posts, and care packages are a wonderful continuation of the amazing send off that I received before I left Maryland.
Today marks the end of three full weeks of classes. I turned in my first paper today for my Introduction to the History of Christianity (Apostolic Era to 1650) class and I have my first Mid-Term exam next Thursday in my Systematic Theology class. I was asked to read scripture at chapel last week, I decided to join the choir, and plan on participating with a social justice student group.
Aside from school stuff - I got a new tattoo, I became a member of "The Big 50" club at The Local (sampled 50 different beers - over the course of a month), I was given a personal mug that hangs on the wall for me to use when I go there, I got my Texas plates and drivers licence, I swam in Barton Springs, and I saw the bats under the South Congress Street Bridge.
What can I say? I'm loving it here. Hard to believe I'll be on fall break and back in Maryland in a few short weeks. I can't wait to see everyone. I'll need a break by then though -- I've got three papers and another Mid-term exam the week before our break.
