Well it has been a busy and overwhelming past couple of weeks. We had registration for winter and spring courses, and with that comes many hours of trying to organize what classes to take when and so much more. I met with my advisor for the first time a couple weeks ago to introduce myself and go over the classes I transferred and what all I need to take here. And well if I do want to continue to major in English, in order to teach high school, I found out that I would also have to have a minor in Education and apply to be in the Teacher Education Program, while also minoring in Christian Studies. At first, I saw no problem on graduating “on time” in just four years, May 2010. But, I forgot the fact that if I do want to pursue education, the last semester of my senior year I have to student teach and not take any courses that semester. I had tech prep credits from West Orange, about 8, that did not transfer over; and on top of that Valencia did not require sciences with labs, and Union does so, so both Cory and I have to retake sciences and do them with a lab. I also have to do some physical education courses. So all in all, I have a lot of courses to take, and I’m not exactly sure when I will graduate, maybe a semester later in the fall of 2010 or a year later in the spring of 2011. And as I initially thought about this, I couldn’t even conceive it. I did not, and still do not, want to graduate “later” than I should. I never even considered graduating anytime after May of 2010.
And then I realized something. I completely love school. I love Union, the professors here, the faculty and stuff, and all that I am learning. To study under such amazing men and women of God who are so wise and have so much knowledge, as well as humility, is such an awesome thing that I do not take for granted and its something that I truly enjoy. So why would I not desire to spend more time here (other than of course finances). And I’ve come to see that it’s my pride. I don’t want to graduate past 2010 because of what other people will say or what others will assume. I don’t want people to look down on me or see themselves as better than me. I don’t people to see me as weak or dumb or as someone who doesn’t try or doesn’t work hard. I don’t want people to look down on me, to make fun of me, to belittle or discredit or undervalue me. And it all comes down to pride. I don’t mind here at Union longer than I anticipated, if anything that is a blessing, but I care too much about what people think. My pride tells me that I can’t stay here, that I can’t be here any longer than next May. My pride stands tall and I tell myself that I don’t want to be here any longer than 2 years, that I can’t be here any longer than 2 years.
I’m so glad that I have a God that loves me enough to break me of my pride. I’m so glad God gives believers the Holy Spirit, who convicts our hearts when we stray from the ways of the Lord. As my pride in this area has led my heart to not align with the heart of our Almighty God, my prayer has been that God would break me of my pride. And He is and will continue to. Please pray for me as this will be a daily struggle and battle.
~Sarah
November 21, 2008 at 12:58 pm |
Sarah, you don’t know me from Adam… or Eve, as the case may be! But I found your blog about the time your semester at UU started. I was Googling “Union University” to see if anyone was talking about my alma mater and found you! I’ve read faithfully ever since, but this is the first time I felt compelled to comment.
I know what it’s like to wish to finish in four years and not be able to do so — it took me FIVE AND A HALF YEARS to get through UU! Granted, I had to take one semester off for health reasons and then when I came back, those same health problems forced me to take the lightest load I could and still be considered full-time, and it didn’t help matters that I changed my major about four times. So, take comfort that you’ll probably STILL finish quicker than I did.
But I’m glad to read that you’ve decided to see the blessings in being able to stay at the wonderful place that is Union for longer than you’d planned. Fifteen years after I graduated I still miss being there, miss the faculty members who became dear friends, miss the feeling of family. Union is unique and you’ll never be able to shake it. Enjoy your extra time, soak it up — it’ll be over before you know it, trust me.
I’m sure there were people who looked down on me for taking as long as I did, but their disapproval wasn’t worth my time. I was where God wanted me, and I was reaping daily benefits. That’s all that counted, and it sounds like it’ll be that way for you, too. I hope the rest of your time at Union is a joy.