I was born to love science. Ever since I could remember I was always outside in the woods or playing in the dirt or catching fireflies on sticky summer nights. It just made complete and logical sense that when it came time to go to college that I would major in something to do with science. And so I did. I am proud to say that I received a Bachelor of Science degree from NC State University in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. I loved every single solitary second of it, and was glad that I chose the science route.
My friends and I used to always joke around (okay so maybe most of the time we were being serious) that we [the science kids] were the ones that were doing all of the work. Unlike the people in the humanities department who just had to read and write papers, we were the ones slaving away in the chem labs or over hundreds of notecards with complicated formulas and proteins on them. We were glad we were not "those" people since they would have no chance of a job upon graduation. Where was reading and writing going to get them anyways we said to ourselves as we flipped through flashcards of muscles and ligaments.
As fate and the good Lord would have it, just a year later I am now one of "those" people. In my decision to come to divinity school here at Wake Forest University I have made the complete 180 degree turn from the science world into the world of humanities. Believe me, it was a bit of a culture shock. I am slowly learning however just what it means to be a student of the humanities.
On any given day you can find me curled up in my recliner, or wedged in the back of a busy coffee shop reading for hours on end. My pile of colorful highlighters and pens sit by my side at the ready to make sure I have all the necessary passages at my fingertips. If I am not reading, then I will most likely be writing. My nose deep into my macbook pro, my eyes bulging from staring at the screen a little bit too long, and my fingers beginning to cramp. From reading reflections, to research papers, to defending a thesis there is never a dull moment nor lack of work to be done. However life is just not about work. I have found great delight in sharing community meals with my classmates, participating in intramural sports, and joining together in good secular fun to shake off the stress of the semester. Being one of "those" people is actually quite exhilarating for both my mind and my spirit.
I can say with much confidence and pride that I am now one of "those" people. I would not trade the change for anything in the world however. For when I am done with this chapter of my life I will not only be a woman of science who has knowledge of atoms and anatomy and genetics; but I will also be a woman of ministry who has the knowledge of theology and ethics and pastoral care under her belt. I will no longer be one of "those" people, but rather my own person. I will simply be Sara, the girl who has a interest in science, a passion for ministry, a love for baseball and the outdoors, and a girl who enjoys the company of her peers.
So for those of you who look down upon or judge the others across the hall or in the building next door, I challenge you to take a peek into their world. You never know, you just might fall madly in love and make it part of your life's journey. It is amazing what can happen when you just open up your heart and your mind.
Have a Blessed Journey Y'all
-S
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