So what happened you may ask? Well, I finally finished being a student! This past December I handed in my final papers and submitted my edited thesis paper. And just like that, I was donned the title of Master of Divinity from Wake Forest University School of Divinity. And while I don't consider myself a "master", I do feel like I am geared up and ready for whatever life hands us next. Ministry is a continuous learning process and I am very grateful for everything that Wake Div has given me during my time there. And while I don't get to technically walk across the stage until May (Wake Forest is too small to have two commencement ceremonies) I still have my diploma in my possession and have officially been voted in as a graduate by the faculty and staff of the divinity school.
Some of our friends and family have been curious about what marriage and ministry and school all looked like together, as well as what our future plans are, and what I am doing currently since graduation in December. So I thought I would use this blog post to answer some of those questions!
How were you able to graduate in December?
A lot of people find it odd that I was able to graduate from a three year professional graduate program in two and a half years. People ask if I brought in credit from a previous school or if I did not put in the same amount of effort as some other students. I in fact did not do either of those things. I just used old fashion determination and hard work! Each semester I decided to take on an extra class. It is recommended that students take on average 14 credit hours in order to graduate on time. I took on average between 15-18 hours each semester. These classes were a mix of in class, hybrid, and weekend classes. Then in the summer I also took an extra class. It took effort to schedule and to do my work in the midst of personal relationships, extra curricular activities, and internships. I am not saying it was easy all of the time. In fact there were some periods where it was downright stressful. However I would do it the exact same way if I had the chance to do it all again. I feel like early graduation was the right choice for me and my current life plan.
How did you make time for your marriage in the midst of graduate school?
Y'all, this was tough sometimes. My first semester of graduate school consisted of a long distance relationship. However during the second semester I was engaged! I then spent the next year planning a wedding, working two part time jobs, competing an internship, and taking 17 hours of classes. Chase was oh so supportive. He would surprise me with treats, call me in the mornings to make sure I was up early to do homework, and even help me study for my exams. He knows how much this means to me and he has been the perfect spouse. Of course there were times when we were both tired and upset at one another. That is when I am thankful that we live in a 900 square foot apartment. It forced us to talk things out and to come to compromises. We made vows to one another to be there for one another through thick and thin, and that is exactly what we did. I feel like living on love (and one income) this past year of marriage has made our love even stronger. He is my sidekick and I am glad that I was able to have Chase as my spouse and encourager during my time in graduate school.
How did you celebrate finishing school?
I jumped up and down. Chase high-fived me. We took Luna on a walk. I called my parents. And of course we documented the occasion on social media. The night I submitted my final thesis project Chase took me out to a fancy dinner. We went to a place I always wanted to try but knew was way to expansive. However this was an occasion that would never happen again. We splurged. We filled our bellies, and we laughed. It was wonderful and perfect and everything in between.
Do you have a job?
Well that is a tricky question. Technically I do have a job. I am currently a church preschool assistant teacher. I work with the toddlers and I LOVE every single minute of it. It is the job I have been working since I began graduate school. Even though I love my current position, I also am looking for jobs that I can use my degree for. I am currently applying for chaplaincy residency positions. I should hopefully know in the next few weeks if that is the plan that God has designed for our family. I know that the possibility is there that I might not be hired. If that is the case there will be disappointment, but I am content. I will be ready to move forward and look for something different. Hopefully something that will fill our lives with happiness and joy. I am open, I am waiting, and I am ready to go when I am called. If I do get hired as a chaplain resident I will start that job in late August. It is a year long intensive job that will ready me for board certification as a chaplain, as well as give me more experience before I begin applying for long-term jobs. Please keep us in your prayers through these next few weeks as our futures will be decided in these days.
Is it odd to no longer be in school?
It is very strange to no longer be a student. I have too much free time on my hands and I have trouble deciding how to fill it. I am currently trying to find a hobby that I love. I am sure that in the next few months a rhythm will develop and things will become easier. In the meantime if you would like cookies or cupcakes just let me know. I seem to find myself either in the kitchen or binge watching Netflix.
How has your relationship with Chase changed since this life transition?
Even though our marriage was great during my time as a graduate student, it has gotten even better since my graduation. We just celebrated our one year wedding anniversary and were able to take a trip to DC for a few days. Our evenings are no longer filled with my homework. Instead we are able to play games, go out with friends, have spontaneous date nights, and do projects with one another. We are excited to see what life looks like in the coming months. We are ready to settle down and find a normal for the two of us. We are excited and ready for this next step!
Time is flying by and I am so ready to start life as a minister in some sort of capacity. We feel so loved by our family and friends during this time. Please continue to pray for us as we continue to walk through this transitional period. We are confident that we will be called to do what is meant for us to do!
P.S. Check out the new pictures that we had taken of us for our one year anniversary. Our photographer Ang from Snap by Ang in West Jefferson is simply amazing. She has been with us from engagement, to marriage, and now to our first anniversary. We are so happy to have these new memories.
-S&C
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