School #2

(Written by Allen)

Well...here we go. I’ve officially begun my schooling on the ‘softer (science) side of life’. It’s been quite a journey for me over the past two years in many ways, with this switch from engineering to family studies being one of them. God has taught me a lot during this time, including addressing my unhealthy pride in being an ‘engineer’, not making decisions based on what I am most familiar or comfortable with, and recognizing means how I can serve Him with passions on my heart.

There’s a mix of excitement, nervousness, and intrigue as classes and research work begin. Classes are quite different, in many ways. One immediate difference is how, for the first time, I actually contribute to the ‘diversity’ in the room! (for those that don’t know, the family studies field is as heavily populated with females as the engineering field is with males).

One last thing- yesterday was the first full day in my graduate student 'office'. It was a memorable first day: I stepped in gum, almost locked myself out, caused a printer jam, and- in attempting to fix the jam- sprayed some ink over my skin and shirt. Let the fun begin…