I do love my new job, teaching at the college I first went to when I was a wee one, fresh from high school. No, it's not the same place I got my degrees from, but it IS the place where I met my husband-to-be and dropped out to get my M.R.S. My mom says that spending the money to get me hitched to the likes of Casey was the best $7,000 they ever spent--everyone loves my Casey. Honestly, I think they would miss him more than they would miss me if anything ever happened to one or the other of us--he's one of THOSE guys.
So I've come full circle. I did the state university gig, and enjoyed it--but man! I do love teaching at a Christian college. I'm not sure I really appreciated what a gift it is to be in such a great atmosphere was until I was actually away from it. I mean, being able not only to share that I am Christian, but getting to talk about my walk of faith? Getting to tailor lessons around spiritual truths? What a pleasure!
I'm trying to not love it too-too much, because the career of an adjunct is a tenuous one--as a part-time faculty member, I may or may not have a job from one semester to the next, depending on the department's needs at the time. But I do have one now, and I am digging it. The kids are great, my colleagues are great, it's great to be teaching again (I really love teaching English), and it is weird and cool to walk by the same dorm where I fell in love with my husband all those years ago, to stroll past the dining hall and reflect on when Shannon (my best friend then and still my best friend now) and Dean used to belt out musicals every day at lunch. I look at the fresh faces before me in class and smile, wondering about where these precious souls are going to end up eighteen years from now.
I hope they will be as happy as I have been.
1 week ago
11 comments:
Andrew's loving school. After a couple of weeks, he's leaning to English as a major. Of course, it could change tomorrow. He also loves having Manning on campus this week.
What fun!
I've got one of "those" husbands as well--my mom always tells me they'll keep me because I married him. Of course, now they say they'll keep both of us since we gave them grandchildren...hhhmmm...
We do love and thank God for Casey. But, you and your sister, are the apples in your dad's eye (or something like that), and will always be first with me. Glad you like teaching, part of the family DNA.
My sister teaches psychology at Azusa Pacific and loves it for the same reason - being able to integrate her faith and career. It's a unique job to have in that regard.
WRONG!!!!!!! My girl is irreplacable by ANYONE!! True our Casey is a family treasure but there is no one else in this world that I can rant and rave with over politics....a kindred spirit in laughter and mockery...and is an encouragement to me in industry and productivity using her time wisely and still being one of two of the best mothers in the world I know. Mom
Love that your loving it!! How amazing that you've come full circle at JBU. Who would have thought it when you were sportin your big hair and bracelets!!! I'm proud of you!!!
Ahhhhhh. I'm feelin' the love all around here. I am soooo glad you like teaching at JBU so much! This is going to be a fabulous career for you Beck Bleu!
Uh oh, I just felt a twinge of jealousy begin to surface. I'd better comfort myself with a nice duet from the Little Shop of Horrors. I'm off to call Dean, we'll be right over!
At least one of us has made progress. Professor, you got it goin' on! xo
Kim,
Whoo-hoo! English majors are DA BOMB. Tell Andrew to come talk to me. By the way, how'd the surgery go? I prayed often for you guys today.
Cjoy,
I guess it stands to our credit that we have such impeccable taste, eh?
Pop,
Aw, shuckers. And yes, teaching and writing are two things I seem to have gleaned from you. Which is fair, since Sara got all of Mom's artistic and decorating mad skillz.
Melanie,
It's really, really a privilege.
Mom,
Aw shuckers again. I do love our political debates. And it is too cool to be kindred spirits with my mom.
Sis,
Thanks--it's cool being kindred spirits with my sister, too.
Shan,
You're getting there, girl. I can't wait to see you in your saucy nurse's outfit one day. Sing away--I'll even start you off:
"Poor Seymour, pushed a broom, nothing in his news but doom and gloom, then he lit a fuse and give him room, he started an explosion, holy cow! That thing went bang-kaboom, and he's having some fun now."
Bleu, this made me so happy to read! I love that you are loving your job. I wish you all the best as you continue on.
Thanks, Jenna-girl.
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