Let’s see–what do I think is different than I expected? Honestly, that is a hard thing to say since all that I wanted after graduating was difference. I wanted to get away from a wonderful school that I believe defined me more than I might have liked, I wanted to get away from voices telling me to go to seminary, I wanted to see new things and be with new people.

So, here I am in the great Pacific Northwest (I think that Jarred would agree with me after this weekend)! Since I really had no idea what to expect, I can’t say that anything is different than I thought. I suppose what has changed more than anything is the reason that I came out here: I originally thought that I would be discerning whether or not I was called to seminary/divinity school, yet I have realized that this year has been much more about learning to care for myself and my soul, something that I didn’t do very well in college.

I have also developed a keen interest in food security/justice issues, and I am really excited about exploring a career in that field. (Does that mean I am not going to seminary–I have no idea!!!) I live in community with others participating in the same volunteer service program, and I feel that they are my family here–I don’t know that I expected us to be so close. I know and love the city of Seattle, which I wouldn’t have believed would happen a few years ago. I have been in/am in the weddings of four friends, which is a great honor that I couldn’t have imagined having. I myself am moving back east due in strong part to how much I care for the person whom I am dating, and that definitely surprises me sometimes. All in all, I have been surprised at how I have come to love this place that is so far from my home, family, and loved ones. But, I have also learned that my love for this place isn’t ultimately sustaining without people that I love and who love me around me as well. That was a lesson that I could only learn, though, by getting away and experiencing something different–a decision for which I will always be grateful.

Let’s see–what do I think is different than I expected? Honestly, that is a hard thing to say since all that I wanted after graduating was difference. I wanted to get away from a wonderful school that I believe defined me more than I might have liked, I wanted to get away from voices telling me to go to seminary, I wanted to see new things and be with new people.

So, here I am in the great Pacific Northwest (I think that Jarred would agree with me after this weekend)! Since I really had no idea what to expect, I can’t say that anything is different than I thought. I suppose what has changed more than anything is the reason that I came out here: I originally thought that I would be discerning whether or not I was called to seminary/divinity school, yet I have realized that this year has been much more about learning to care for myself and my soul, something that I didn’t do very well in college.

I have also developed a keen interest in food security/justice issues, and I am really excited about exploring a career in that field. (Does that mean I am not going to seminary–I have no idea!!!) I live in community with others participating in the same volunteer service program, and I feel that they are my family here–I don’t know that I expected us to be so close. I know and love the city of Seattle, which I wouldn’t have believed would happen a few years ago. I have been in/am in the weddings of four friends, which is a great honor that I couldn’t have imagined having. I myself am moving back east due in strong part to how much I care for the person whom I am dating, and that definitely surprises me sometimes. All in all, I have been surprised at how I have come to love this place that is so far from my home, family, and loved ones. But, I have also learned that my love for this place isn’t ultimately sustaining without people that I love and who love me around me as well. That was a lesson that I could only learn, though, by getting away and experiencing something different–a decision for which I will always be grateful.

Ashish, I haven’t read that book (I didn’t see your comment until after I had posted before, apparently). I will check it out.

Ashish, I haven’t read that book (I didn’t see your comment until after I had posted before, apparently). I will check it out.

The other thing that has surprised me–and had you told me a year ago that I’d ever say this, I would have laughed in your face–is that I really enjoy working in the for-profit world. I always thought that I’d spend my life working with non-profits, and while I definitely don’t rule that out, I think it will be awhile before I head in that direction.

Right now, I like the fact that I have a clear separation between work and home life, that any issues and stressed from my job don’t carry over into my life outside of work. No, my job doesn’t have as much meaning as I would like, and no, I don’t see myself working there for the next 10 years. For now, though, I like knowing that service can be something I do outside of my job, and that there’s more than one way to be involved in those issues.

The other thing that has surprised me–and had you told me a year ago that I’d ever say this, I would have laughed in your face–is that I really enjoy working in the for-profit world. I always thought that I’d spend my life working with non-profits, and while I definitely don’t rule that out, I think it will be awhile before I head in that direction.

Right now, I like the fact that I have a clear separation between work and home life, that any issues and stressed from my job don’t carry over into my life outside of work. No, my job doesn’t have as much meaning as I would like, and no, I don’t see myself working there for the next 10 years. For now, though, I like knowing that service can be something I do outside of my job, and that there’s more than one way to be involved in those issues.

One thing I really didn’t expect was to miss college this much. Even though my experience is socially closer to a fifth year of college than many other people’s, I didn’t expect to miss research, writing, listening to interesting lectures by brilliant professors, and other facets of the undergrad academic life. Call me a nerd, I don’t care! Writing for Tropophilia has helped slow down the intellectual implosion, but I really can’t wait to get back to school and do some more hardcore learning.

Weird.