A Few Good Men

I have officially completed a full week (almost 2 at this point) of classes! And with ~30 required chapters of reading, 5 written assignments, ~10 chapters of “optional reading,” and ~14 pages of reading notes down I’m ready to do it all over again this week!

Aside from all the reading and work, I really do like most of my classes and I’m adjusting, fairly well, to the work load. However, as I read, take notes, study, and complete assignments my mind constantly goes to my international student colleges. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be for them! Some of the reading is well beyond my knowledge base . . . and let’s not even discuss vocabulary! The internationals among me here at Talbot, and across the globe, have my utmost respect! I know I couldn’t do what they are doing and am beyond grateful that I have accredited institutions of higher learning that I can attend in my native tongue.

Classes and educational ponderings aside I am finding it more difficult than I anticipated to adjust on a relational level to those around me. Those of you that know me well know that I am, at my core, an introverted person. I take longer than the average person to open up and I certainly do not like putting myself in uncomfortable social situations. With such introversion in mind, many of the individuals in my program are, well, significantly older than me; which is not all together an issue it just makes finding quality friends (within the same life-stage) more challenging. At the same time, it seems awkward to participate in the MDiv/MA program’s social activities because, well, I’m not in those programs! It really puts me in an awkward place. I know it seems trivial but things just shouldn’t be this problematic. However, as I ponder such things I am forced to reflect back upon my transition from undergraduate studies to MDiv studies and from MDiv studies to the present . . .

My first semester of MDiv work I was caught in the middle of two worlds . . . Undergrad life and graduate life. I was in the MDiv classes but still “supposed to be” in the undergraduate world (if you don’t know, I finished my undergrad work in December of my senior year and began my master’s work in January). It took me nearly a year to fully adjust to the change in educational status. My first semester of MDiv work I avoided all things MDiv related, because it was awkward. I didn’t know the people. I didn’t fit in with them. I felt so much younger! And I am not good at making the extra effort! Thankfully, a “few good men” (Stuart and Mike) stepped up to be my friends and drug me, sometimes kicking and screaming, to functions that forced me to meet new people and step outside of my comfort zone. Ultimately, my sophomore year I decided to go on the Holy Land trip and that pushed me over the edge. I got to know some new people I didn’t know previously and developed some great friendships that got me through my final year of Div school . . . My regret is that it took me so long to develop those friendships!

As I graduated I, again, felt awkward in the next phase of my life. Adjusting to life without school and friends all around me, on a regular basis, was hard. And now, I find myself at the next juncture in my journey. I hope a “few good men” (or women) will come my way and help me though the awkwardness of it all . . .but I fear if I don’t grow up, step out, and force myself into situations of discomfort I may find good friends later in my journey than necessary (or not at all).

With all that said, those of you that are my friends---thanks! I know I don’t always keep in touch like I should but know I think of you often and really do treasure the gift that you are! Those that are yet to enter my life----be patient with me, like the “few good men” of my past, I’ll come around.

--Megan