done and done

Six down, two to go. Quarters that is. I just finished my winter quarter the other day. Don’t let the name fool you though. The temperature was up in the 90’s earlier this week. It was a relatively easy quarter, two real classes and then a distance learning class that will continue through next quarter. My classes continue to be interesting and challenging. While the insights I take away from each class may not necessarily align with the learning outcomes proposed by the professor, I still feel as though the classes are worth my time, energy, and money. With that in mind, I thought I would share the lessons I have taken away from my recently completed classes.

Statistics/Research Methods: I discovered that I still really like math, numbers, and formulas. Unfortunately we didn’t spend a whole lot of time on that in this class. I am even more confident now that at some point in my life I will do research on a particular topic, whether for further educational purposes or as part of my career. And finally I have mastered the art of reading and understanding journal articles. Too bad this skill is being fully realized now, at the end of my schooling.

Youth Outreach and Evangelism: I am more adamant now than ever that Chap Clark is an amazing professor, and I am so thankful that I have been able to take two classes from him. He is the reason I came to Fuller in the first place, and I have not been disappointed. This particular class was a bit of a struggle for me because I have never been comfortable with evangelism. Probably the most important thing I am taking away from this class is a greater appreciation for my mainline Protestant upbringing. Had it not been for the Methodist Church’s emphasis on loving and caring for others as opposed to conversion, I would not be the person I am today.

For those keeping track at home, I turned in all of my assignments on Monday of finals week, which means I have almost two full weeks off before spring quarter starts. There is a beach trip planned for tomorrow, and then I am heading up to the San Francisco Bay area with friends for the first few days of Spring Break. I will finish up my break back here in Pasadena, enjoying this amazing city that I normally cannot take full advantage of because of school.