Considering Community:

I've been thinking some about the Texas Lutheran University community lately and it hasn't necessarily been in a negative sense.  

Now, for those of you who may know me, this will come as somewhat of a shock.  I waltzed into this University with the intent of transferring if not at the end of my first year then surely, after sophomore year. 

See, I grew up in New Braunfels and being so close, thought I held an understanding for TLU, Seguin, and what both of those places stood for; what they were about.  I realize my preconcieved notions were valid, but did not represent the totality of communities.  I am also beginning to realize my own potential to become a leader within these two spheres following Ghandi's urge to "be the change we wish to see in the world; thanks to the information I have received over the year

My first year in higher education raised my awareness of many realities and exposed me to many thoughts and modes of thinking that sufficiently addled my brains, allowing my to think more clearly.  I laugh typing this thinking of how to my surprise, a year later I recall all those nonsensical concepts Profe, my Freshman Experience teacher offered us that first semester and how all those paradoxes he raved about are finally making sense.  

I think about the passages from a wide range of books from Plato to Comic books.   I recall lectures from Vrooman discussing topics such as Marxism, Feminism, Post-Colonialism and more.  I discovered that I took for granted a near neighbor or ours and developed a love for Mexico, it's Spirit and it's winding, tumultuous history.  I learned lessons wherever I could and paid attention to the vibrant world around me.  I have embarked on the path to consciousness and the conversations I shared with the students here facilitated by professors who are excited to be here surrounded with a sense of care and community.  

But as of late, I've been taking many things into consideration and I believe my mind is made up that I will be beginning and finishing my Undergraduate Degree at this fine establishment.  

 

This comes with a certain level of difficulty to say for many reasons and intricate windings of understanding; but it comes with a sigh of relief.  This decision allows me to begin the process of planning for the future and my goals seem a little more directly satisfying.  Now I can commit myself whole-heartedly to the place where I am and in serve a functional purpose here.  

I am very excited to see where this path will take me and look forward to the future with a hopeful eye.