Returning to Seminary

     The formidable doors that are pictured above are one entrance into Union Theological Seminary in New York City where I return in about a week to complete my last year in pursue of a Master of Divinity degree that I initiated in the Spring of 2008. It has been very challenging going back to college after some forty years and at the age of sixty-eight but also very inspirational and nourishing with a satisfying sense of accomplishment. Many things have changed since I last attended college and I still am amused at recalling my first day of class going to lecture with paper and pencil to take notes, I was the only one there with paper and pencil – everyone else was tapping away on their computers. Reflection and term papers are now emailed in and many of the required reading are to be downloaded and printed or in the form of eBooks. The curriculum is much tougher than I recall that I experienced in acquiring my Master of Science which also did not have a requirement of field education. So far, I been able to hold my own, as they say, even acquiring a few “distinguished” grades along the way. The biblical courses have been the most difficult for me; perhaps, due to my Unitarian Universalist posture regarding their factual accuracy and the serious devotional way they are upheld. That said, I do give credit to the professors for providing in-depth historical and literary criticism which was of great assistance in helping to understand and appreciate this world renowned literary work.

     I am a little more than apprehensive about this upcoming semester. First, because of the way the courses are scheduled, I have to commute from my home in Philadelphia to New York City three times a week versus the usual one or two, the tuition cost of over $10,000 which comes at a time that I have some significant dental bills, fluctuating health issues, course(s) focus being theology versus psychology where I am more proficient, and having adequate physical stamina. However, one of my traits (merit or fault) is that I am stubborn, persistent, and a determined individual. When I set a goal for myself, it is usually hell or high water be damned, I am going to achieve it. So here I am pulling up my bootstraps, marching to my drummer beat, and proceeding through those formidable seminary doors. I am appreciative of received encouragements and positive wishes; and while I do not believe in petition prayers – maybe they wouldn’t be of harm <smile>. So here is to May 2012 with me standing in a crimson graduation robe with a Master of Divinity diploma in hand.