Hello all -
I decided I'd share this prayer that we sing at Holden Village Vespers at the foot of the cross. It's especially beautiful, for those who are downtrodden, tired, worn, or anxious. It's a beautiful, floating melody, and it goes as such:
"Come and fill our hearts with your peace,
for You alone O God are holy,
come and fill our lives with your peace,
Alleluia..."
I just thought I'd share that with you, because I really enjoy it and I hope the words are meaningful to you as well, dear readers! Since it is now falling into night, may God's peace be with you now, and always, in your hearts and your lives.
God's abundant peace that passes all understanding,
From the Village -
Dean
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Sunday, May 27, 2012
New Responsibilities in the Holden Kitchen
Hello all –
What a whirlwind past few days it has been! Mostly filled
with work – this week I worked three afternoon shifts and a morning shift. This
work week has been a transition in leadership roles – I’m not following the
Lead Cook, I am now a co-lead cook, which I will be for the next two weeks
before I finally take command of the kitchen on my own. Now that I finally know
my way around the Holden kitchen (it’s really big and there’s a lot of stuff to
learn!),
I feel prepared to begin leading and assigning duties.
I’ve noticed, working alongside the leads, that it’s best to
direct as simply and be as welcoming as possible. The two leads I worked with
this week – Ellie and Kari – let kitchen assists choose their duties at the
beginning of the shift, so everything runs (most times) smoothly and
efficiently. Once people know their tasks, things get done quickly without
complaint. That’s how I hope to lead as well. I want people to be as happy as
possible (making what they like, etc), which will create for a more positive
work environment. In regards to being “as welcoming as possible”, I’ve noticed
that the leads are always kind to new-comers, will answer as many questions as
you have without complaint, and always have a smile on their face. I hope to,
once I get over the first few shifts of solo leading, be able to do that as well.
We’ve had two new kitchen workers (Emily and Chris) come in
this week (an assistant and lead, respectively), so I’ve been orienting them to
the kitchen and telling them about how it runs – they’re both extraordinarily
culinary-smart and have caught on quickly. I’ve been making a point to tell
each of them that I’m glad to have them on board and am going to immensely
enjoy working with them – I want them to feel welcome here.
Today was my “Saturday” off. It also was the transition day between
May Youth Weekend groups (where the Village has an influx of 160+ area
Washington and Idaho high school students and youth leaders), so I helped vacuum
lodges and wipe down mirrors. There were over 300 people in the Village, so
summer is definitely on the horizon.
The teaching program begins on June 3rd, when
faculty from all sorts of colleges and universities across the nation will
arrive for differing week-long teaching sessions – from there on out, the
numbers are expected to increase to about 400 people per week. I’m looking
forward to the variety of classes that are going to be offered, and am hoping
to get to go to a few! There’s one coming up called “Living Liturgy” that looks
really neat.
Anyway – that’s all for now. I’m going to go get some coffee
and a book and read.
From the Village –
Dean
Monday, May 21, 2012
A Series on Profound People: John (Gus)
Hello all -
I was thinking this
afternoon that I would share a bit about the people I meet while I’m here at
Holden Village. Anyway, the first person of interest. He’s a fellow kitchen
worker, about 60 years old. His name is John. Working originally out of Spokane
as a soup kitchen cook for the homeless, he came to Holden to volunteer for a
few months, and will be here for only a few more weeks. His street name (used
in the soup kitchen, primarily) is Gus.
I got to talking with him
a few times over the past few days, both in the kitchen and outside on the Ark
during my off time. He’s an interesting character: multiple wives, divorces,
and he has a certain street-edge to his persona. He grew up in Willmar,
Minnesota, before moving to Spokane, Washington in his teen years. Just before
entering college, he was offered a scholarship to go to radio broadcast school,
as he was told he had a great “FM voice”. However, he told me that instead of
pursuing his passion of drama, he held a “more practical job” as an optometrist
during his working years, which he tells me was more “therapy in an armchair
than anything else”, and his career “was anything but linear or traditional”. John
later attended culinary school in his mid-fifties, before transitioning to soup
kitchen work. In the Holden kitchen, he tends to keep to himself, (letting the
new people learn for themselves), but will always come over and help if you
need it. While I still don’t know all about him, he has taught me invaluable
tips in the kitchen (dicing onions and making hummus, haha), as well as for
life:
We were chatting on day
outside on the Ark, and the conversation turned to why I had come to Holden. He
said that most people come to Holden to figure out their life, and he said,
“Dean, you don’t need to own a Ferrari or have a mansion. Live close to the
ground – it’s simpler; better that way. A kind heart and a still soul is all
you need, and you have that. You don’t need to make it rich or impress the
world with your smarts. Stay close to the ones you love, and live close to the
ground.”
Live close to the ground. Coming from a man who lives to serve the
homeless, who doesn’t have a lot of possessions, and spends his time getting to
really know people, I think I’ll take his advice.
I leave you with this:
Like John, how can you live closer to the ground? How do you keep a kind heart
and a still soul?
Anyway. Enough for now –
I’m going to go back to my house and do some more reading. Tomorrow’s an off
day for me, which I’m thankful for. Looking forward to more conversations,
coffee, and books.
From the Village,
Dean
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Copper Mountain Adventure
Hello all -
For the past two days I've been back at work (I'm getting adjusted to the kitchen; I feel confident now to lead shifts, so that's good!), and things are going well (people are liking my food). But I wanted to tell you a bit about the hike I took on my last day off!
Holden is surrounded by four mountains (Buckskin, Copper, Dumbbell, and Martin's Ridge), which create a sense of almost claustrophobia. To look outside and not be able to immediately see the sky is a bit weird, especially after growing up on the plains of Minnesota and going to school in Iowa.
Anyway. I decided to take a hike, going along with a more experienced hiker, and media technician, Lena. We got about a quarter of a mile up (Copper as a whole is about a mile tall - 5,000-some feet) and had to turn back because there was snow covering a really thin ledge over a ravine and we didn't want to fall to our deaths. So, Copper will be attempted again in it's entirety sometime next spring (it will soon be closed to all hikers this summer because of mining work).
So, I was going to post pictures here. Really, I was. But Holden's internet isn't the best and is being really slow. I will post as soon as possible.
So now this post is essentially pointless. Oh well.
The Holden School (Narnia) is selling cookies as their fundraiser for their yearbook. I'm off to support their cause! :)
I will update again soon. With pictures.
From the Village -
Dean
For the past two days I've been back at work (I'm getting adjusted to the kitchen; I feel confident now to lead shifts, so that's good!), and things are going well (people are liking my food). But I wanted to tell you a bit about the hike I took on my last day off!
Holden is surrounded by four mountains (Buckskin, Copper, Dumbbell, and Martin's Ridge), which create a sense of almost claustrophobia. To look outside and not be able to immediately see the sky is a bit weird, especially after growing up on the plains of Minnesota and going to school in Iowa.
Anyway. I decided to take a hike, going along with a more experienced hiker, and media technician, Lena. We got about a quarter of a mile up (Copper as a whole is about a mile tall - 5,000-some feet) and had to turn back because there was snow covering a really thin ledge over a ravine and we didn't want to fall to our deaths. So, Copper will be attempted again in it's entirety sometime next spring (it will soon be closed to all hikers this summer because of mining work).
So, I was going to post pictures here. Really, I was. But Holden's internet isn't the best and is being really slow. I will post as soon as possible.
So now this post is essentially pointless. Oh well.
The Holden School (Narnia) is selling cookies as their fundraiser for their yearbook. I'm off to support their cause! :)
I will update again soon. With pictures.
From the Village -
Dean
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Raiding the Holden Library, or Adventures on a Day Off
Hello all -
Today, on my first day off, I decided to raid the Holden Library. Located across from where we have winter/spring worship, it's a nice quiet space filled with (a rough guess) around 2,000 or so items - general collection, magazines, and a children's corner. Being a Lutheran retreat center, much of the material is religious, which I appreciate - I picked up Karl Barth's "Humanity of God", as well as a few poetry books.
They say as an unofficial rule you're only allowed fifty books at a time from the library. I think I'll sufficiently get to that number, hahaha.
Oh! And another exciting note! Holden Village owns two cellos - and I was able to pick one up today! I'm going to talk to the Village Musician about getting a string group together and playing for Vespers sometime this summer.
Other than that, this day was pretty relaxing - slept in until about 10:00, had lunch at around 12:00. Today was Hunger Awareness Day, so all that was available for lunch was rice and water - it was an awakening to realize how little some people do have.
Oh! Another neat fact. Tonight, as I was walking to the dining hall after Vespers, I stopped abruptly as I noticed four deer literally only ten feet away from me. The animals here are quite tame, and don't think much of us Villagers, until you get really, really close to them. Even then, they don't run off. I was able to get a shot of three of them as they sauntered off the grass onto Chalet Lane. Pretty neat!
Well, that'll be all for now. Hope everything is well with all my readers.
Today, on my first day off, I decided to raid the Holden Library. Located across from where we have winter/spring worship, it's a nice quiet space filled with (a rough guess) around 2,000 or so items - general collection, magazines, and a children's corner. Being a Lutheran retreat center, much of the material is religious, which I appreciate - I picked up Karl Barth's "Humanity of God", as well as a few poetry books.
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| The Holden Library |
Oh! And another exciting note! Holden Village owns two cellos - and I was able to pick one up today! I'm going to talk to the Village Musician about getting a string group together and playing for Vespers sometime this summer.
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| The Fireside Room, where winter worship is held |
Other than that, this day was pretty relaxing - slept in until about 10:00, had lunch at around 12:00. Today was Hunger Awareness Day, so all that was available for lunch was rice and water - it was an awakening to realize how little some people do have.
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| Deer on the lawn |
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| More of the Holden Library |
From the Village -
Dean
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
The Day of New Things
Hello all -
Today was a great day! I worked a "1" shift - made cookies for coffee break, as well as set up lunch, and worked with some fantastic colleagues in the kitchen! After lunch, I took advantage of the cool, but still great, weather and sat out on our front porch, snapped some photos, and waited until dinner.
I had dinner with the Bookstore Coordinator and her family - great, great people - and then the Village gathered for Vespers.
Vespers was interesting tonight. Holden is undergoing a mine mediation project as of this year to clean up the valley. Because of mine involvements with the Village, some of the buildings in the valley (an old garage, Compost Lane, and an old shed) are going to be torn down. Because of this, Vespers tonight focused on remembering those old buildings, some older staff shared memories, and we sang "In the Lord I'll be Ever Thankful". I was one of the staff to read Bible verses; I shared Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 - "For everything there is a season...". For what the Village is going through this next year, there couldn't be a more appropriate theme.
After Vespers, the weekly Wednesday staff meeting - my very first one! New staff were introduced, Village happenings and announcements were made, and departing staff were circled around, hands laid upon, and blessed. As we gathered around those departing, standing in the valley surrounded by the majestic mountain peaks, we prayed the "Holden Prayer":
"O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
After that, the meeting was over. I began to walk back down the valley, blue mountains on each side of me, a long gravel road ahead which leads back to the Village. I stood, breathed the air, looked at the sloping sharp ridges of Martin's Ridge and Buckskin Mountains, and I've never felt more in tune with God's creation; his people. I've never felt more alive!
From the Village,
Dean
Today was a great day! I worked a "1" shift - made cookies for coffee break, as well as set up lunch, and worked with some fantastic colleagues in the kitchen! After lunch, I took advantage of the cool, but still great, weather and sat out on our front porch, snapped some photos, and waited until dinner.
I had dinner with the Bookstore Coordinator and her family - great, great people - and then the Village gathered for Vespers.
Vespers was interesting tonight. Holden is undergoing a mine mediation project as of this year to clean up the valley. Because of mine involvements with the Village, some of the buildings in the valley (an old garage, Compost Lane, and an old shed) are going to be torn down. Because of this, Vespers tonight focused on remembering those old buildings, some older staff shared memories, and we sang "In the Lord I'll be Ever Thankful". I was one of the staff to read Bible verses; I shared Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 - "For everything there is a season...". For what the Village is going through this next year, there couldn't be a more appropriate theme.
After Vespers, the weekly Wednesday staff meeting - my very first one! New staff were introduced, Village happenings and announcements were made, and departing staff were circled around, hands laid upon, and blessed. As we gathered around those departing, standing in the valley surrounded by the majestic mountain peaks, we prayed the "Holden Prayer":
"O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
After that, the meeting was over. I began to walk back down the valley, blue mountains on each side of me, a long gravel road ahead which leads back to the Village. I stood, breathed the air, looked at the sloping sharp ridges of Martin's Ridge and Buckskin Mountains, and I've never felt more in tune with God's creation; his people. I've never felt more alive!
From the Village,
Dean
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Working in the Kitchen
Hello all -
Now that I've been at Holden a few days and have been getting oriented to the Holden Kitchen, I think an update would be appropriate as to what we do.
It goes without saying that we make all the food for the Village. Right now we have about 100 people in the Village, so we don't have to make as much food as we will in the summer when we'll be upwards of 500 people. All the same, it was weird using 12 cups of sugar in the "Ultimate Chocolate Brownies" I made yesterday.
I think that's what's most difficult - getting used to the insane quantities of each ingredient that you have to use. I've been making cake for 100 people, brownies for 50, bagels for 100, bread for 100 - it's all over the map.
I've been getting used to using mixers. Before Holden, I made all my bread by hand, literally. While I don't like it (yet), it certainly does make large quantities easier!
I worked a "2" shift today. The kitchen goes as follows. Early "1's" start at 5:00am, with breakfast prep. Regular "1's" follow at 6:00, as breakfast is being finished, put on the "line" (serving table), and lunch is being prepped. "2's" enter at 11:00, right as lunch is getting ready to be served. Late "2's" come at 12:30, and start dinner preparations, prep for following days, as well as end-of-kitchen and end-of-day tasks. "1's" are my favorite because I get to get up early, there's only three of us in the kitchen (1 lead cook and 2 kitchen assists.), and you can take your time more with getting the food ready. "2" shifts, like I worked today, are much more rushed. I started at 11:00 and got off at 7:00, just in time for Vespers.
Tomorrow I work a "1", followed by two days off. Looking forward to them - I'm going to go check out the Holden music stuff (they have a cello here in the Village somewhere!), catch up on reading, as well as order some food for brownie making. Seriously - those "Ultimate Chocolate Brownies" are the best in the world. Ever. I'm not joking.
Anyway. That's all for now. It's been four days, and so far the transition has been going as great as it possibly can!
By the way...I promise an update with pictures...soon! All the pictures I have taken are already on Facebook...maybe I'll get some more mountain shots, kitchen shots, worship photos, etc. Just to give you a more well-rounded idea of what life is like here!
From the Village,
Dean
Now that I've been at Holden a few days and have been getting oriented to the Holden Kitchen, I think an update would be appropriate as to what we do.
It goes without saying that we make all the food for the Village. Right now we have about 100 people in the Village, so we don't have to make as much food as we will in the summer when we'll be upwards of 500 people. All the same, it was weird using 12 cups of sugar in the "Ultimate Chocolate Brownies" I made yesterday.
I think that's what's most difficult - getting used to the insane quantities of each ingredient that you have to use. I've been making cake for 100 people, brownies for 50, bagels for 100, bread for 100 - it's all over the map.
I've been getting used to using mixers. Before Holden, I made all my bread by hand, literally. While I don't like it (yet), it certainly does make large quantities easier!
I worked a "2" shift today. The kitchen goes as follows. Early "1's" start at 5:00am, with breakfast prep. Regular "1's" follow at 6:00, as breakfast is being finished, put on the "line" (serving table), and lunch is being prepped. "2's" enter at 11:00, right as lunch is getting ready to be served. Late "2's" come at 12:30, and start dinner preparations, prep for following days, as well as end-of-kitchen and end-of-day tasks. "1's" are my favorite because I get to get up early, there's only three of us in the kitchen (1 lead cook and 2 kitchen assists.), and you can take your time more with getting the food ready. "2" shifts, like I worked today, are much more rushed. I started at 11:00 and got off at 7:00, just in time for Vespers.
Tomorrow I work a "1", followed by two days off. Looking forward to them - I'm going to go check out the Holden music stuff (they have a cello here in the Village somewhere!), catch up on reading, as well as order some food for brownie making. Seriously - those "Ultimate Chocolate Brownies" are the best in the world. Ever. I'm not joking.
Anyway. That's all for now. It's been four days, and so far the transition has been going as great as it possibly can!
By the way...I promise an update with pictures...soon! All the pictures I have taken are already on Facebook...maybe I'll get some more mountain shots, kitchen shots, worship photos, etc. Just to give you a more well-rounded idea of what life is like here!
From the Village,
Dean
Saturday, May 12, 2012
I've made it!
Hello all -
What a whirlwind these past two and a half days have been! I boarded the train at 11:15pm on Thursday evening at St. Paul/Minneapolis, bound for Wenatchee, Washington. The two nights/one day was uneventful - I met some really interesting people, though! One was from Grand Forks, a few were from Lewiston, ND, working on the oil fields, headed back to Wenatchee. I got to take a lot of pictures, which you'll find on my Facebook page!
This morning brought Wenatchee - I got off the train at 5:30am and headed to the bus station, where I waited to catch the 7:15 train. This time was mostly reflective - sitting in a new city, where I knew no one - and it was really, really, quiet out. It was sort of nice! The bus came, I boarded, and we left for Chelan, where I got off at the Chelan boat dock, the "Lady of the Lake". I grabbed my ticket, jumped on the boat, and we were off at around 8:30. We arrived to the Holden drop off at around 11:30, where I was greeted by hugs from people I didn't even know! "Are you Dean? You're going to be a cook, right?" - things like that - and it was really relieving. I know I'm going to be a part of a great community!
I had lunch with some of the other kitchen staff - leads, assistants, directors - who will be my colleagues for this next year. It was nice to get to know some of them before tomorrow!
I later had staff orientation, where we went over the mission of the Village, I got a little tour, got a staff coffee mug, and then got my picture taken. I then went back to my room, showered, and am now waiting for dinner and Vespers.
It's been a long 2.5 days. I'm relieved to be here.
I will update again when I can and post pictures then, as well!
From the Village,
Dean
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Thursday, May 10th
Hello all -
The day is soon approaching where I wil get on a train - the "Empire Builder" - and head west. I'm nervous. I've been trying to do everything possible - going on tree jobs with my dad, going through my packing list, framing artwork, anything and everything - to keep my mind off the coming days.
Tomorrow will be the packing day. The sooner I can get things organized the better. I'm meeting my grandmother for lunch, where I will say my goodbye to her. I said goodbye to my Safe set of grandparents on Sunday, when we had a graduation/send off celebration.
Having said some goodbyes already makes it easier, I think. Realizing that I won't be seeing anyone until October (when my parents, brothers, and grandparents are coming out to the Village) is extraordinarily difficult. I will miss everyone - Cannon Falls family, Waldorf family, friends - so, so, so much. But, in the end, I know that this year out at Holden Village will be one of the best.
Anyway. Thursday is soon approaching. My train departs the Saint Paul/Minneapolis station at 11:15 pm. I'd ask for your prayers and good thoughts, as they'd be greatly appreciated. While this leg of life is daunting right now (for me, at least), I know it will be great.
I'm brought back specifically to Psalm 18 as I look toward these next few days, as it goes: "I will love You, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
In God, I have everything I need. I've been reflecting on the fact that I'm going out to Holden not only to serve others, but also to be changed by God. Transformed. Renewed. Where I can actually take time away from everything this world throws at us and focus on what is truly important. Getting back to God. The one who loves us all. While I may be nervous and terrified to leave family and friends, I know that what I will get out of this year will be worth it: a chance to do real ministry, talk and debate with real, broken, honest children of God, as well as have my own mind and heart transformed as God wills. And I couldn't be more excited.
I'm sorry I'm rambling, but doing this helps me clear my thoughts. Especially now.
My next update will either be on the train or at the Village!
Dean
The day is soon approaching where I wil get on a train - the "Empire Builder" - and head west. I'm nervous. I've been trying to do everything possible - going on tree jobs with my dad, going through my packing list, framing artwork, anything and everything - to keep my mind off the coming days.
Tomorrow will be the packing day. The sooner I can get things organized the better. I'm meeting my grandmother for lunch, where I will say my goodbye to her. I said goodbye to my Safe set of grandparents on Sunday, when we had a graduation/send off celebration.
Having said some goodbyes already makes it easier, I think. Realizing that I won't be seeing anyone until October (when my parents, brothers, and grandparents are coming out to the Village) is extraordinarily difficult. I will miss everyone - Cannon Falls family, Waldorf family, friends - so, so, so much. But, in the end, I know that this year out at Holden Village will be one of the best.
Anyway. Thursday is soon approaching. My train departs the Saint Paul/Minneapolis station at 11:15 pm. I'd ask for your prayers and good thoughts, as they'd be greatly appreciated. While this leg of life is daunting right now (for me, at least), I know it will be great.
I'm brought back specifically to Psalm 18 as I look toward these next few days, as it goes: "I will love You, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
In God, I have everything I need. I've been reflecting on the fact that I'm going out to Holden not only to serve others, but also to be changed by God. Transformed. Renewed. Where I can actually take time away from everything this world throws at us and focus on what is truly important. Getting back to God. The one who loves us all. While I may be nervous and terrified to leave family and friends, I know that what I will get out of this year will be worth it: a chance to do real ministry, talk and debate with real, broken, honest children of God, as well as have my own mind and heart transformed as God wills. And I couldn't be more excited.
I'm sorry I'm rambling, but doing this helps me clear my thoughts. Especially now.
My next update will either be on the train or at the Village!
Dean
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Finished
Hello all -
I'm officially a college graduate! Lots has happened since the commencement ceremonies on Saturday, the 28th, and it's only nine days until I leave for Washington and Holden Village. Anyway: a recap of finals week and commencement day.
Finals week...
Finals week was, as any college student will tell you, stressful. That goes without saying. I had a bass clarinet jury on Tuesday. My final art portfolio ended up being 36 pages, my creative writing senior thesis, 34 (a collection of poems). Four final capstones were due for my American Environmental Studies class, as well as teaching lesson plans for my independent-study Shakespeare seminar. I mostly took it day-by-day, and didn't look towards commencement until Friday night, after the inauguration of Waldorf's 16th President, Dr. Robert Alsop. The inauguration was a fun ceremony, attended by robed Waldorf College faculty, distinguished guests, and the general public.
Commencement...
It began bright and early at 9:00 on Saturday, when a friend and I walked over to Salveson Hall to pick up our cap and gowns. The fact that I was really graduating didn't hit me until I put on the gown. I kept on thinking, "It's really over", and part of me was relieved (done with final projects - thesis, portfolio, capstones), but I was also terrified (moving out to Washington, not going back to school for a year, etc).
Baccalaureate was a really great service, led by our campus pastor, Professor of Religion Steve Smith. The biblical text of the day was Revelation 21:5 (look it up!) :), used to make the point that as college graduates we are leaving behind the old and embarking on something new - the rest of our lives. In the words of Professor Smith - "if you don't change, you are dead." I thought quite often throughout the message of the big changes coming ahead in my life; how Holden Village and Luther Seminary will both transform, inspire, and challenge me all in the same way beyond my time at Waldorf College.
Commencement held mixed emotions. 95 graduates in the class of 2012, most were elated to be finished. Some cried, and hugs were given all around. Congratulations by family and friends filled the air. As I went through the faculty recieving line, I said goodbye to the professors who nurtured and shaped my learning and thoughts these past four years - Professors Kristi Carlson, Sheila Willms, Joe Wilkins, Suzanne Falck-Yi, Larry Hill, Joy Heebink, Brent Dodson, President Robert Alsop, librarians Cindy Fitzgerald and Amy Hill, along with a host of others. I returned my cap and gown, checked out of my room, and we were soon on the road. As I drove past Salveson Hall for the last time, the past four years felt like all of fifteen minutes.
Being home has been great. I've gotten ahead on my packing list for Holden - today I picked up a MacBook Pro (I'm extraordinarily excited!), hiking boots, more art supplies, a water bottle, flashlight, and a bunch of other stuff. I feel like I'm keeping ahead of things - I will soon start the packing process within a day or two.
Anyway, enough for now. I'm going to go tinker with my MacBook for awhile. I have some updates, installations, and customization to do. :)
Dean
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| Done! |
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| God-mom and aunt, Jean! |
Finals week...
Finals week was, as any college student will tell you, stressful. That goes without saying. I had a bass clarinet jury on Tuesday. My final art portfolio ended up being 36 pages, my creative writing senior thesis, 34 (a collection of poems). Four final capstones were due for my American Environmental Studies class, as well as teaching lesson plans for my independent-study Shakespeare seminar. I mostly took it day-by-day, and didn't look towards commencement until Friday night, after the inauguration of Waldorf's 16th President, Dr. Robert Alsop. The inauguration was a fun ceremony, attended by robed Waldorf College faculty, distinguished guests, and the general public.
Commencement...
It began bright and early at 9:00 on Saturday, when a friend and I walked over to Salveson Hall to pick up our cap and gowns. The fact that I was really graduating didn't hit me until I put on the gown. I kept on thinking, "It's really over", and part of me was relieved (done with final projects - thesis, portfolio, capstones), but I was also terrified (moving out to Washington, not going back to school for a year, etc).
Baccalaureate was a really great service, led by our campus pastor, Professor of Religion Steve Smith. The biblical text of the day was Revelation 21:5 (look it up!) :), used to make the point that as college graduates we are leaving behind the old and embarking on something new - the rest of our lives. In the words of Professor Smith - "if you don't change, you are dead." I thought quite often throughout the message of the big changes coming ahead in my life; how Holden Village and Luther Seminary will both transform, inspire, and challenge me all in the same way beyond my time at Waldorf College.
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| Cap and gown! |
Commencement held mixed emotions. 95 graduates in the class of 2012, most were elated to be finished. Some cried, and hugs were given all around. Congratulations by family and friends filled the air. As I went through the faculty recieving line, I said goodbye to the professors who nurtured and shaped my learning and thoughts these past four years - Professors Kristi Carlson, Sheila Willms, Joe Wilkins, Suzanne Falck-Yi, Larry Hill, Joy Heebink, Brent Dodson, President Robert Alsop, librarians Cindy Fitzgerald and Amy Hill, along with a host of others. I returned my cap and gown, checked out of my room, and we were soon on the road. As I drove past Salveson Hall for the last time, the past four years felt like all of fifteen minutes.
Being home has been great. I've gotten ahead on my packing list for Holden - today I picked up a MacBook Pro (I'm extraordinarily excited!), hiking boots, more art supplies, a water bottle, flashlight, and a bunch of other stuff. I feel like I'm keeping ahead of things - I will soon start the packing process within a day or two.
Anyway, enough for now. I'm going to go tinker with my MacBook for awhile. I have some updates, installations, and customization to do. :)
Dean
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