The Collegiate Year in Review - Gloria

ShepherdsCollege: Freshman Year!

By: Gloria Pavuk

My first year at Shepherds College is drawing to a close, and I have learned so much. Fall and spring semesters brought different classes and experiences. The classes I took in the fall semester included Computer Skills, Old Testament, Personal Development, Cooking, Landry, Home Care, Daily Living Skills, Math Skills, Language Arts, and Chapel. I have learned a lot from these classes. In computer class, I learned how to clean a computer, the different parts of the computer, and how a computer works. Also, learned about Microsoft and the different programs a computer might have. In Old Testament class, I soaked in a lot of information. It was difficult to understand but the promises in the Old Testament are amazing! My favorite book is Ruth because it is a love story about a wonderful woman of faith. In Discipleship class, I noticed I really grew. In that class I had to keep a spiritual journal. Even though that class has ended, I still have that journal and I keep writing in it. It is the best place to write my prayers, fears, and thoughts. In Personal Development, I learned how to get along with others. For example, I learned how to settle fights. In Home Care and Daily Living Skills, I learned how to clean my apartment and how to be independent. For instance, one way I learned how to achieve some independence is to go grocery shopping and plan a menu for my roommate and I. Each day, I am learning more and more about being independent.

The classes I took this semester include New Testament, Personal Bible Study and Transportation. Along with these classes, I continued to take the same classes I took in the fall. I learned so much more from this semester. In New Testament class, I had the chance to study the four synoptic gospels and the many different epistles or letters. Most of the epistles of the New Testament were written by the Apostle Paul. These letters contained so much knowledge of Jesus and salvation. The end times are also mentioned as well. Salvation and knowing what is to come is awesome! The letter to the Romans is one of my favorite epistles because it holds a ton of verses about salvation. Personal Bible Study class has become one of my favorite classes. For instance, I learned what it really means to study the Bible. One way to study the Bible is OIA. OIA stands for Observation, Interpretation, and Application. When learning how to study the Bible, you have to be like a Bible detective that asks who, what, when, where, why, and how questions. These Bible classes have helped me with my walk with Christ and to hide his word in my heart.

I started off the year living by myself in my apartment. Living alone had its ups and downs. Some positives of living alone include if I was upset, I had a place of solitude; if I needed a day to myself, I would spend the day in my apartment. One downfall of living by myself was that I got bored easily. After I had spent my first weekend alone in my apartment, I really wanted the company of others. Most of my weekends here I had spent it with the other girls. This semester, I moved into my friend's apartment and gained a roommate. I like having a roommate better than when I lived by myself. I have someone I can talk to and enjoy her company. It is so much fun! Those are some of the good benefits of having a roommate. Even though we do not always see eye to eye on things, it is a lot of fun having a roommate.

I went on numerous outings and participated in activities this year. I went on shopping trips to the grocery store and the mall. I went to softball games, restaurants and to church. I served at Shepherds twice and one of the things I participated in is the Hand Bell Choir. The Hand Bell Choir travels most weekends, performing at two different churches. Most of the churches they go to, the church families open up their home to these Hand Bell Choir members to stay overnight. The other service I did was acting in a skit for Shepherds Church. The skit was directed by Paul Van Tobol, who is the Spiritual Life Director for Shepherds Ministries. Both at college and church, I have been plugged into Bible Studies. I got baptism in March 2009. It was one of the best days of my life. The reason it was one of my best days in my life because I felt really happy! I could probably complete a book with all that I have learned while at Shepherds College.