Student Experiences/Life
30 Oct 2007
I started my graduate life in the autumn of 1988, almost 20 years ago, reading theology at the London School of Theology. I was so desperate to leave, and not very happy with my experience overall, but as the years have gone by my memories have become much fonder.
I remember the stresses of being a student, with a wry smile. Having a full time job, commuting, wife, kids, and then being bi-vocational, make me realise, the sheer expanse of time I had then, that I don’t now.
The there was the romance of meeting my now wife Bev, and parallel romance of discovering Vineyard Churches, and the subsequent years of amazing experiences in church plants and of ministry.
The toughest times were having to put myself and then my fiance through our degrees. I was too young to be a mature student, and my parents too delinquent to help me in any way financially. Towards the end of my course, I was worked 12 different jobs, evenings, weekends, and term breaks in my last year. Working to pay for two lots of fees was tiring.
And during that whole process and time I was a typical student, who did as little as possible, to get the best grade I could. But I missed out on a deep learning experience, and wish with hindsight I had engaged more in learning then.
So now I find myself after several years into more education, on a second doctorate, a PhD at Kings College London. So this year I have imbibed as much of the university as I can. I have read books about he college and it’s history, attended all the induction seminars, and receptions for post graduate students.
I have visited the Chapel, libraries, and had some time to study on site, and just soak up the romance of being a student at such a wonderful university. I have gotten my NUS student union card for cinema discounts, and even visited the university shop and have the King’s coffee mug on my office desk, along with choral music from the choir at King’s (that I listen to in the mornings when I study).
I might have less time than ever (I do most of my studies from 5:30 am to 9 am each morning) but my fees are being paid, and I am grateful to Jesus for this learning opportunity. And I am making sure I enter into a larger educational experience, in a way I didn’t get to nearly 20 years ago.
13 comments
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Comment by Paul
4.05 pm on 30 Oct 2007
Will you be getting an “I’m with the Kings” sweatshirt and matching hipster-show-off-your-boxer-jeans to study in as well??? ;)
He says jealously :)
Comment by Jason
3.08 pm on 2 Nov 2007
They do hipsters? ;-) I must go back.
Comment by Jonathan Brink
4.20 pm on 30 Oct 2007
Jason, your reminisce reminds me of my graduate experience as well. I was 39 and soaked in every minute of it. Its so much better at this age. TWO PhDs though? Aren’t you a bit of a glutton for punishment? ‘-)
Comment by Jason
10.03 am on 1 Nov 2007
not two PhDs, a D.Min and now a PhD :-)
Comment by James Prescott
7.28 pm on 30 Oct 2007
Sounds great Jason, really immersing yourself in that student life 20 years on. Enjoy it!!
Comment by Greg Laughery
9.55 am on 31 Oct 2007
Jason,
I was finishing at LST (LBC) twenty years ago and then completed a PhD at the University of Lausanne-Fribourg, Suisse. Trust your new PhD research will be a benefit to you and many others.
Comment by Jason
10.04 am on 1 Nov 2007
Thanks Greg and everyone else
Comment by keck
5.42 pm on 31 Oct 2007
your a work horse… or is that an ox?
Comment by Jason
3.09 pm on 2 Nov 2007
British Beef, 100% :-)
Comment by claire savage
11.31 pm on 1 Nov 2007
Hey – long time and all that! That’s great news about your PhD – hope you enjoy the studying! I am studying again as well. VIA is over – we had a great time in Poland in June by the way – and I am now training as a journalist, which I really love. I know I’m in a slightly different boat to you, as I only finished my last degree 2 years ago, but even I find it weird being a student again! I like what you said about using your time wisely and appreciating it while it’s there in abundance. I feel like I have little time these days, but I know I have more than many other people and I intend to make the most of it.
All the best!
Comment by Jason
3.10 pm on 2 Nov 2007
great to hear from you Claire…journalism, superb move!
Comment by Carol McLaughlin
3.45 am on 2 Nov 2007
Hey Jason… or is it Dr. Clark?
Just wanted you to know that your MAML students are checking in on you! Blessings, good coffee and altho’ there is a bit of a time difference the morning hours are good study times — I know!
We are growing — may it be into His likeness.
Carol
Comment by Jason
3.11 pm on 2 Nov 2007
Great to hear from you Carol, I wondered how many of the GFU MA students have been coming here for a visit :-)
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