As some of you know, this week I started attending Portland State University to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Public Health. I must admit that this sort of thing is about a hundred miles out of my comfort zone. At first I was fascinated at the idea of attending a big school with so many people and a new environment, but as time got closer to the beginning of the school year I became more anxious and worried about starting school. I was afraid of being surrounded with so many people that do not have the same worldview as I do and people who are not afraid to be outspoken about a worldview that contradicts everything that God has determined to be good. I was afraid of the overwhelming homework I might face and genuinely concerned that somehow this path would fail me. Some of these fears were rational because when I came to the campus, my perception of the type of people that would be there was correct. It just too easy to notice how different everyone is from me. The weirdness standard is much higher- on Tuesday I saw a man walking his pig on campus as if it was a normal and socially acceptable thing to do.. I mean... why wouldn't you just have a pet pig in an urban and heavily populated area like that? But my experience hasn't all been drenched with fear. I was glad to meet my professors and get a start on what I am going to be learning this quarter. The material is fascinating and I notice that my 2 hour lectures feel like 30 minute ones because I am so interested in what we are talking about. The more I learn the more confident I become in Public Health as a career choice. One insecurity that I still have is that I don't know a single person who goes to PSU. I am not a shy person but I also am not confident enough to just come up to people and act like we have been life long friends. It is difficult to have a lunch break and not have anyone there to talk to or hang out with after class. At this point making friends seems like an impossible and daunting task because it doesn't seem like there are any Christians around me. Pray for me to find a Christian community amongst this very strange group of people that I go to school with. I hope your school experience is going well. Please feel free to write to me or comment with your opinions or suggestions; I would love to know that I am not the only one who goes through these kinds of things. Have a blessed rest of your week :)
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