Every 3-5 years I apply to whatever college seems best for me. Just as I did my senior year of high school, although at that time I decided to forgo scholarships from five schools in order to do full-time ministry. And I kept making that decision.
So this past winter I applied to St. John's College in Annapolis because they have the best "great books" program, and I am all about great books. However, the tuition was super steep, and if I
didn't get a miraculous chunk o' cash, I knew the whole idea was preposterous. Then, I was diagnosed with adrenal fatigue, so my entire life appeared to be on hold for years to come.So I tossed aside the letter from St. John's saying I was eligible for a humongous grant...if only they had the money in hand. And I checked the box "stay on the waiting list for this fall" because it was the only free option, and I wasn't gonna pay a $300 deposit for something that wasn't gonna happen anyway.
Then, two weeks ago, the call came. I even ignored the call and said with disdain under my breath, thinking it was a work call, "don't bother me on my lunch break."
It was St. John's telling me my patience had come to fruition and I'd received the humongous grant. Patience? I had totally given up. And once again, God resurrected my dream and got all the glory.
So I decided I should probably visit the school, did so the next day, and by the time I left I knew I couldn't turn down this opportunity.
So here I go!
Annapolis is only 30 minutes from DC, with no traffic (the wildcard). So my plan at least for now is to commute and keep living in DC, going to my church, maybe working PT for them, and keep getting to hang out with my friends. (I'll need some my own age!)
It is a unique school (why else would I be going there?) in that everyone goes through the same program and comes out with a BA in Philosophy. You read all the great books of philosophy that have shaped history, starting with the ancient Greeks (and learning the ancient Greek language to boot) up to the present day over four years. Everyone reads these books, or portions of
them, and gathers to discuss them twice a week with the same group of 18 or so fellow students. The rest of the curriculum revolves around that core with the philosophy of math and science, language, and music. Oh and there are no tests or exams, just lots of papers. The professors are called "tutors" and the ratio is 8 to 1 as they strive to be super-accessible for one-on-one discussion. The goal of the college is to expose the student to the great works and allow him to hammer out for himself what he believes and learn to articulate it.This is my college story so far. And I'm sure they'll be lots of entertaining mini-dramas to come.
8 comments:
Hey, Even if I hardly know you, this is awesome news!! Talk about God working in a situation, even more so than holding a wallet on the back of a moving car! It'll be exciting to see how God uses you amongst all those youngins.
I don't know if I could handle all the reading you'll be doing, but I guess that's why God made unique people like you. You'll have to post up some of your favorite reads for those of us who read at a slower pace.
Happy Learning!
That ROCKS, Nellie! God is so faithful, and His timing is always perfect. PTL! This sounds like a great opportunity! If God wants you indeed to go, He will provide the rest of the money. He's good like that...He "delights in giving good gifts to His children." and "those He calls, He equips."
"He who did not spare His own son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us ALL things?" Rom. 8:32 (my life verse) It does sound like a tough program - I'll pray for your strength, energy, stamina, focus, and perseverance not just to get through it, but to EXCEL. We are "MORE than CONQUERORS through Him who loves us." Rom. 8:37 What?...does it say "more than wimps?" NO -- it says more than CONQUERORS!!!
From one Addy sufferer to another, it's by God's grace alone that He got me through my Master's program.
Talk to you soon,
Andy
yay janel! i'm so excited for you! partially because the Lord is calling you down an exciting and new path, and also because you'll get to spend some time in annapolis/maryland... you should try to experience downtown annapolis between classes!
take care,
ryan
Hey, I found your blog looking for more information on St. John's (Annapolis) and I'm glad I did!
You see, I'm hoping to be a "32 year-old freshman" myself - but I'm really intimidated by the fact that I am a rather non-traditional student. My education has come in fits and starts because I married young and presently have three children.
I have no doubt that St. John's is the right place for me, but I don't know if I would (in their opinion) fit in with their profile. My husband is behind me 100% - and more than willing to move out to Annapolis (we currently live in the deep South) but I'm nervous about getting in.
Any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Oh Susannah, I can't believe you found my blog so randomly like that! Who knew.
Please come and join the 30-something Club! Although, it sounds pretty demanding, so I'm not sure how the kids/family thing would work. Cool that your husband is willing to move. I'm from Atl originally...where do y'all live?
I'm happy to chat more. janeldotreidatgmaildotcome (does that make sense? trying to avoid spam)
Sorry for disappearing on ya, I've been out-of-town...
As far as the "domestic" demands go, those are really the least of my worries. My husband is an incredibly supportive man and totally there for me. We've done the whole full-time student/part-time employee thing with little to no problems.
My main concern is actually getting in to StJ's in the first place.
My transcript is not at all impressive (due to certain events in my past), but I'm confident that I can make a compelling argument on the essays.
I guess my biggest insecurity is in the admissions angle of things.
I've researched St.Js a great deal and have talked with a couple current/former students - so I think I have a decent picture of how things will go once I'm in... I guess I'm just wondering if they would even accept a 30-year old wife/mother with a spotty transcript but a deep hunger for the Classics.
Ah well... thanks for hearing me out. :)
sounds like you really WANT to do it, Susannah, which is really the biggest qualification for them i think. have you looked at the application? they're very laid back. i just had fun writing the essays and being myself and feeling like they didn't judge too harshly. i had NO IDEA they would want me to attend so badly, so obviously they have nothing against non-traditional students, perhaps the opposite.
if you want to do it, and it sounds like you really do, you should definitely apply at the very least Susannah. it really doesn't take that long, and there isn't even an application fee. i think you may be surprised at what happens (maybe!). it's definitely worth a shot. you owe it to yourself...or you'll always wonder "what if."
go for it!
Thank you so much for your encouragement. It really does help.
Hope to see you there! :)
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