Proud of my Alma Mater...
While I was a NNU (Northwest Nazarene University) student I was so proud to be just that! When I reflect on my college years I see and feel the life experiences and friendships that shaped my life. There was a period of time (about the last three years) where I was angry and frustrated with NNU and had not been proud of my education.
I was thrown into a very tough teaching experience and felt as if my Ed classes failed me. I walked into a class of students who were not like the ones from Nampa, ID. I felt completely unprepared for...
thrown chairs
unsupportive administration
cursing
lack of resources
parents being sent back to Mexico
my car being broken into
the feeling of complete failure and helplessness
isolation
poverty
hunger
teen pregnancy
weapons
lock downs
lack of expectations
and many other things one experiences in an inner-city school
However, as I have reflected about those three year and it's relation to NNU here is how my school did prepared me...
genuine friendships
the Love of God
a theology of God and Teaching
the importance of holistic ministry
a passion for changing the heart of a child not just the mind
To seek out God in ALL things and all situations
dealing with the spiritual warfare in my work place
And most importantly it provided me with a safe place to become who I am so that who I am as a Christian can infect any place that I live or work.
As I walked on campus this week for the first time in 4 years I was flooded with memories and love that only NNU could have provided for me. The Spirit of God is in that place begging to dwell in the students so they can go into the world and face these unexpected, unplanned, and unprepared life circumstances that will inevitably come.
so, in the end...after some healing time that needed to happen I am proud to write my loan check to the bank every month that pays for my God inspired education. I went to NNU with a trust and understanding that every penny I paid would be spent on Kingdom-work and I truly believe today that my education through NNU will further grow the Kingdom of God.
Thank you Lord for my education!
I was thrown into a very tough teaching experience and felt as if my Ed classes failed me. I walked into a class of students who were not like the ones from Nampa, ID. I felt completely unprepared for...
thrown chairs
unsupportive administration
cursing
lack of resources
parents being sent back to Mexico
my car being broken into
the feeling of complete failure and helplessness
isolation
poverty
hunger
teen pregnancy
weapons
lock downs
lack of expectations
and many other things one experiences in an inner-city school
However, as I have reflected about those three year and it's relation to NNU here is how my school did prepared me...
genuine friendships
the Love of God
a theology of God and Teaching
the importance of holistic ministry
a passion for changing the heart of a child not just the mind
To seek out God in ALL things and all situations
dealing with the spiritual warfare in my work place
And most importantly it provided me with a safe place to become who I am so that who I am as a Christian can infect any place that I live or work.
As I walked on campus this week for the first time in 4 years I was flooded with memories and love that only NNU could have provided for me. The Spirit of God is in that place begging to dwell in the students so they can go into the world and face these unexpected, unplanned, and unprepared life circumstances that will inevitably come.
so, in the end...after some healing time that needed to happen I am proud to write my loan check to the bank every month that pays for my God inspired education. I went to NNU with a trust and understanding that every penny I paid would be spent on Kingdom-work and I truly believe today that my education through NNU will further grow the Kingdom of God.
Thank you Lord for my education!
November 3, 2008 at 3:10 PM
Mandi,
It was great to see you this weekend. Perspective is a wonderful thing, isn't it. I'm so glad you've had a change to reflect on your college experience and found it to be a valuable time. I know it was worth having you here just to laugh with Steph.
Ronda