Learning To Live
Some people say that College leads to a good job, and others affirm that College is self-discovery in one's life. So, how did I traverse a collegiate path? How did I conclude what to learn? The answers are related to joy and energy.
Today, potential college students answer the same questions through analytic influences such as job forecasting and economic trends, “Where to work to make a lot of money.” It is a sure thing to jump-start the college career, right? Sometimes, College graduates later discover that the status quo has interfered with a good education. And still, later, some agree that what brings them joy and energy in the workforce has little to do with job forecasting before College.
Instead, the question before College is, "What brings me joy and energy now?"
Reading the Bible and helping others brings me joy and energy. So, I asked myself one day, "How do I learn more about helping others via Bible stories?" I sought to look for answers by volunteering at my church. “It would be an excellent way to talk to others about this”, I thought.
To my surprise, I discovered that discussing biblical topics is directly linked to helping other people. So, I enrolled in various ministry certification programs at my Diocese. These certifications were pitched toward teaching the faith. Here, I was enthralled with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. It was a "real-world education". This means I learned about my life, society, and its moral implications. As I matured in my faith, I appreciated good thinkers such as Jesus Christ, Saint Thomas Moore, Saint Augustine, and Saint Pope John Paul II, who all influenced my outlook in life, especially in my marriage.
Shazam! I knew what I wanted to learn in College: to help people, be a good thinker, and encourage God Talk!
I set set my sights on two schools of thought, theology and sociology. So, I enrolled in an exceptional Catholic College and a local Community College. Much like monastic living, communal and stemming from the revelation of Jesus Christ, both Colleges provided a life course in truths and experiences. Theology offered "faith seeking, understanding, and acting in pursuit of our goal." (Anselm of Canterbury, d.1109) This goes beyond the textbook and builds relationships with others and our Creator. Sociology teaches solidarity with humanity (mainly the marginal) and how to respond to social issues with deliberate thought and action.
At both graduations I noticed the same joy and energy that I have is among others around me. We set out together, learned individuals willing to think well. Our goal is to aid humanity and not burden it by adding to its skirmishes, relativism, economic status, or injustice.
Today, I strive to work harder than ever on the faith communities' role in societal transformation. I am also focused on researching the impact of social structures on Christian practices in America.
One thing is sure: both degrees will not foster a rich lifestyle. Instead, it will make a difference in the lives of people around me. Theology equipped me to combat the pull that social status had on me and sociology helps me to help others, empathizing directly.
In Collegiate learning, I discovered to do something well and relinquished the urge to get something.
What about you? What brings you joy and energy?
