Blog

Let’s admit it. Too many of us let our grades define us. Yes, you know who you are. Believe me, I’m with you.

When I first heard that the classes for the fall semester in Ireland were three hours each, I must admit I had a moment of doubt in my commitment to the trip. Just a moment, though, and, when that news was quickly followed by the reassurance that there would be a tea break per class, I was a hundred and ten percent onboard again. Since each class is taught at Lakeside Manor, it’s essentially college via homeschooling, which suits my background as a homeschooler up until college perfectly.

“I don’t know how we met,” I say, looking at one of my best friends. We’re en route to our dorm, walking together after a meal in the cafeteria.

Due to previous stints abroad, I’ve had the opportunity to celebrate the 4^th of July away from the patriotic enthusiasm of the United States before, but the 4^th of July of 2018 was definitely a new experience for me. In Jordan, there are no fireworks stands by the roadside or American flags in the stores. It can be easy to forget about the holiday when you’re 6,695 miles away from the U.S.: there’s work at the dig site, pottery reading, and homework still to be done. But Americans can still have an amazing celebration wherever we are in the world!

It’s your first semester of college and, plainly stated, you are clueless. Everything is changing. Suddenly, you are saying goodbye to friends, then your parents. You find your new closet empty of clothes, and the wall bare of posters. You are at college. Still, you’re clueless. Why are you here? Ah, yes. College education. But where is the classroom? What supplies are needed?

As a missionary kid, I’m proud of my Guatemalan history. I love tamales, frijoles negros, freshly made corn tortillas (flour tortillas are a sad replacement), and the fireworks we light on Christmas Eve.

Before my younger brother came to John Brown University, I decided to write him letters containing advice to help him succeed and enjoy his JBU experience. I think you’ll find some useful information in these letters, as well as some personal stories about my time as a JBU student. I hope the information in these letters will help you to succeed at JBU but, more importantly, I hope they help you to enjoy this formative time in life.

I love running first thing in the morning on the Dogwood Springs Trail, the paved path that snakes through Siloam Springs and rings John Brown’s campus. Morning is the most beautiful time of day, full of the promise of the hours ahead. The sky is tinged with ever-brightening blue as I run by Hutch residence hall and down past the rugby pitch.

Late last night, I sat down at my desk to finally complete an assignment for my Old Testament class that should have been done much earlier. The assignment was to read the Abraham story (Genesis 12-25) and the accompanying textbook pages, and then answer a few reflection questions over them.