TEDS: Academics and Community

     The last couple of days at Trinity have been incredibly amazing. I have already met some of the professors I will be learning from in the coming weeks and months. It has been a great privilege to shake hands with men of God who have not simply written influential books but lived lives devoted to service in the name of Jesus Christ. There have been a few moments during the past couple of days that I have sat in awe of this place and thanked God for bringing me to TEDS.
     Two things have arisen from orientation at TEDS- academics and community. These are two elements of life that have greatly intrigued me over the past couple of years. I have pretty much always been interested in academics, but only in recent years have I become enthralled with the concept of true community. I will take a moment to explore these two subjects briefly...
     I will begin with the academic element owing to my life experience with academics. It is clear that Trinity is an educational institution that seeks to equip men and women for service to God with an emphasis on increasing knowledge of the Bible, theology, and other disciplines. Nonetheless, I have come to realize that this institution hopes to accomplish something beyond head knowledge. It is clear that academics at Trinity is something, but not everything. I find this to be very encouraging.
     I will now turn to the subject of community. First of all, I would like to note that I am very introverted and socially awkward. Nonetheless, community is something that I long for- as does any human being. I have been able to meet a few people at Trinity. In addition, I have spent time in discussion with multiple individuals. It is clear from interactions with professors and other TEDS students that this institution seeks to foster a Christ-centered community. This element of TEDS is quickly becoming more important to me than the significant academic integrity of the Divinity School. Community that is focused on glorifying God is an amazing blessing!
     Needless to say, I have greatly enjoyed my first days at Trinity. I am thankful for new friendships, renewed friendships, and relationships that have yet to be cultivated. I thank God for bringing me to this place!