I can’t believe my first semester of seminary has already come and gone! It seems like it wasn’t that long ago that I was packing up my car and heading to Waco to start my studies at Truett. But I’ve been in Waco for four months now, and my first round of classes is complete! So I thought this would be a good time to reflect on my experience with seminary so far and give you guys on update on how everything is going.

This semester, I took all of my introductory courses. I took Introduction to Christian History, Introduction to Christian Scriptures, Introduction to Christian Theology, and New Testament Greek I. These classes are pretty basic and are mostly meant to build a solid foundation for when I move on to the more advanced classes in the coming semesters. However, they kept me pretty busy, and I learned a lot of great stuff this semester.

I think the thing I was looking forward to most about seminary was the ability to focus my studies solely on topics that pertained to my vocation. I loved studying Religion and Psychology as an undergrad, and I think I learned a lot of helpful things, but I was really excited to dig deep into the Bible, Christianity, and theology at seminary. And my first semester did not disappoint. I learned a lot of information that I found interesting and meaningful in my ministry, and my classes made me even more excited about my studies by giving me a taste of what’s to come.

I’m always amazed at the end of a class by how much I’ve learned without even meaning to. I feel like classes are meant to saturate your mind with so much knowledge in a subject that you can’t help but pick up at least the basics. And that’s definitely the experience I’ve had with my classes this semester. I’ve learned so many new names, words, and concepts this semester, but it hasn’t felt overwhelming or burdensome. It’s been super-interesting and fun. I learned all this stuff on accident, and I think that’s the way it should be.

I’ve also been blown away by how kind and supportive my classmates have been this semester. Seminary is not a competition. We’re all in this together, and we’re each willing to do what it takes to help others succeed. It’s fun to talk with my classmates outside of the classroom about the things we learn in class. It helps me remember what the professors are teaching, and it’s also interesting to see how other people’s experiences affect how they view the subjects we’re discussing in class. I’m loving it.

One thing I realized this semester is just how short seminary is going to be. Three years sounds like a long time, but it’s really not. And I’m already one-sixth of the way into it. That’s crazy! I’m really trying to appreciate these times and recognize that they’re going to be gone before I know it.

All in all, I’d say my first semester of seminary has been a huge success. It’s better than I ever imagined it would be, and I couldn’t be more pleased. I’m excited to take a break and get ready for next semester. Thank you all for supporting me and keeping up with me on this journey. I couldn’t do it without yo. Here’s to a restful holiday and a successful semester in the spring!