Classes start today – for returning Princeton Seminary students and the new MDivs, MAs, ThMs and PhDs (pictured above). It was interesting to go through the orientation/convocation festivities last night as a student spouse – instead of when I did these same activities, 3 years ago. The conversation at dinner with Wentzel van Huyssteen was wonderful, the Convocation Address by new professor John Bowlin was challenging and the music was great. But I did seem to take both myself and the activities a little less seriously now – perhaps it’s cynicism after years at Princeton Seminary, who knows.
But this could be my last first day of school. Sure there could be continuing education events, perhaps a D.Min, but unless something dramatic happens in my life, I don’t see a PhD in my future. So this could be my last first day of school. I’m sure I’ll miss it when I’m again out of school for a few years, but it is a nice feeling to know that this is most likely the last “first day” of school for me.
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Make the best of it Adam!! Good luck on the school year.
Enjoy this last year of focused education. I remember my seminary days — I was poor but they were great times! You will never again have that same sense of community again — where intellectual conversation and spirituality come together on a daily basis. Enjoy it and celebrate it, because the year will go fast!
Then come and join the Academy of Parish Clergy and write for my little journal!!!
adam, the last first day of seminary can only be topped by the last last day of seminary. savor all these coming weeks and months between the two. the only regret i have about my own last year of seminary is i was so focused on getting out that i failed on occasion to enjoy as bob said, the last year of focused education and learning.
Adam (or anyone else) can you provide some advice on the “mandatory-ness” of the orientation week activities? I have had 2 completely types of advice about this coming week starting tomorrow….
1) “You won’t miss much, and you can find out about all things covered elsewhere…” and
2) You should go
Specifically, I’m wondering about “Professional Studies”? What’s that?
And “Chapel Orientation & Student Counseling”
Personally, I have a bunch of “first day/week of school” things going on for my kids, and would rather be with them, than my school…so I’m trying to weigh priorities, etc.
Thanks in advance!
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