Wednesday, September 9, 2009

A Long Day's Reflection

Today I got to get my feet wet in every area that I'm involved here at school.

It's so weird to think that a day with no classes could be so full of so many different things--this place is truly much more than academics!

I spent some of the earlier part of my day at the Go Fish Evangelism table at the Ministry Fair. I got to explain to people what we're about and what our mission statement is. Not only was it great to meet so many people who are interested in evangelism, it was also fun to remineice about what God has done in the past semesters and look forward to what He will do this semester.

After a quick lunch, I hurried off to my new job in the Torrey Office as Administrative and Events Assistant. I've really come to enjoy this job because it helps me to experience the more "Metzger" side of Biola and how it's run. And, for as much bad mouthing as administration often gets, it's actually set up and run pretty ingeniously. It's been great to be a part of that. Moreso, though, I have enjoyed just being in the Torrey office. Today I got to listen to Michael Fatagati and Dr. Spears discuss whether the manual labor involved in replacing the water cooler jug was "demeaning" or "invigorating" and concluding that there should be a pull up bar installed in the office...except that Dr. Spears is afraid that Nicky would outdo him. Also, in ordering their lunches for the next few faculty meetings, I learned that Dr. Reynolds prefers the caesar salad and Dr. Campbell the california club. I'm also getting everything planned out for October's Convocation ceremony which I cannot wait to see in full fruition! I love everything I'm learning--not just the food preferences of the faculty, but how to manage funds, plan events, and communicate with peers and superiors.

After work at the Torrey office, I went straight to Dr. Malandra's office to interview our first prospective Writing Center consultant. This interview was followed by three others back to back (which was unplanned and forced me to cancel my dinner plans). Though the interviews went smoothly, I'm definately learning about the stress of being in a leadership, but still group leadership, position--especially during rocky times (like the Writing Center being moved to a new building and furniture being ordered late, etc). Aww the joys of miscommunication! There is much to be learned in this area this semester.

After just enough time to eat dinner and finish reading students' sample writing, I headed off to the weekly Point (Biola's student magazine) meeting to fulfill my duties as an assistant copy editor. This meeting was especially exciting because we finally decided on our stories and assigned writers and editors to them. I'm going to be the editor for the fashion piece, a story about athletes' unexpected interests, and the recipe section. They're definately not the center stories, and I don't know the writers yet, but I'm just super excited to be part of the team. This magazine has put out amazing work in the past and I feel privelaged to be a part of the endless possibilites that are waiting to unfold this semester.

The school side of Biola did kick in once I got home around 10 to begin my Playwriting homework. The assignment was to give myself exactly one hour to write a short play about something that the prof had in a sealed envelope. I was a little unsure about how it would turn out, but, an hour later, I had a single scene play that, though relatively shallow, is actually pretty fun.

So there you have it: a day with a little taste of everything that Biola is offering me this semester. Oh, and I forgot to mention, I'm also preparing to lead my Torrey group in our Edward's session on Thursday. And, despite all the work and nerve racking that goes into it, I'm choosing to beleive the tutors that this is an excellent way to get experience facilitating discussion, teaching, leading a meeting, etc.

College certainly presents us with academic challenges and late nights and, of course, a big price tag. But, looking back at today, I am amazed at all the opportunities this place has to offer both for growth and action now, and to prepare me for after I graduate. This semester is going to be insane, and I'm not sure I can handle too many more days like today, but, all things considered, I can go to bed (after some more homework) extremely thankful to God for placing me here.

Beauty in a Barn and a Blanket of Snow

Beauty in a Barn and a Blanket of Snow