I’ve never been one to make resolutions for the new year, but this year is going to be different. I’ve written previously about my absolute failure to take advantage of the opportunities I had to continue my education, a failure that results in my present situation in which I am 36 years old and have not completed even a bachelor’s degree. In 1991 I was a student at John Brown University, but I only stayed for one year (two semesters) before dropping out, and only managed to achieve a total of twelve credit hours toward my degree. Apparently, more is possible in that amount of time, but it depends upon the student actually attending classes for which they are registered, a concept I failed to fully comprehend at the time. When I add that to a couple of semesters at two different Michigan schools, I find that I have accumulated a whopping nineteen hours of credit.
But recently, after investigating several different options, I learned about the distance learning program at Liberty University. There are many degree programs available, and all of them can be completed from right here at my computer in southeastern Oklahoma.
This program will allow me to complete a bachelor of science in religion degree by taking classes in eight-week terms. The first one begins on January 14, and I plan to take as many classes as I can handle in order to complete this program as quickly as possible. Currently I am registered for an English class and an Old Testament Survey class (I was enrolled in OT Survey at JBU, but I think it met at 7:30 AM…), and I am contemplating adding one more for this first term.
I don’t know how long it will take to complete this program, though I am sure it will not be done in 2008, but my resolution is to complete it. If you are so inclined, I would appreciate your prayers. I’m about to be busier than I’ve ever been. God has done amazing things in overcoming financial obstacles, though some remain. He has been gracious to provide me with a church family that supports me in this pursuit. Most of all, he has provided me with a wife who believes in me and encourages me, and this is the most valuable blessing of all.
on Jan 1st, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Wes,
You definitely have my prayers, support, and encouragement in this endeavor. As one who is currently a student and is without a Bachelor’s degree, I understand what you are facing. I especially understand doing it while also working as I went to school part time for 4 years while working a full time job. It was only this summer that the Lord provided the means for me to quit working and focus on my education. Seems He knew what I didn’t know, that learning Greek was going to take every spare minute I had that was not in the classroom!
I’ve totally enjoyed this time of learning and pray that you will also. It’s wonderful that you have the support of your family and your church. I am sure you will also have the support of your friends in blogland.
Congratulations on taking such a wonderful and exciting step!
Trish
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on Jan 1st, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Great to find a fellow LU DLP’er. I am 34 and am taking classes with the goal of a B.S. in Religion.
Maybe we can encourage each other toward success!
Brian Giaquinto
Fort Pierce, FL
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on Jan 1st, 2008 at 5:22 pm
All the best to you, Wes. You can do it. In 1993, I was in the same boat as you. Serving on a church staff with no degree. I had fifteen or twenty hours from Tulsa University, but that was it. I found a program for non-traditional students at OU which combined short, intense classroom learning with independent study, one on one with professors at the university, known as the Oxford-style of learning. I started the program in 93, and by March of 1995, I had finished my degree. I had a family and a full time job at the church, but was able to do it.
If I can do it, anyone can. I could give you all kinds of advice if you want it, but the bottom line is that school becomes your top priority for a little while, maybe a couple of years. But in the end, it is worth it.
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on Jan 1st, 2008 at 10:42 pm
You can do it bro!
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on Jan 2nd, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Brother Wes,
I’ll be praying for you as well. It’s exciting just to get to study even more!
Your already my favorite editor!
Blessings,
Chris
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on Jan 2nd, 2008 at 11:35 pm
Congrats on deciding to finish your degree. I love LU. I myself have a BS in Religion from there. It’s a good school and I know you’ll be proud once you’ve finally completed the degree. Persevere you Champion for Christ. (you’d have to have heard it from Jerry Falwell, but that’s what he called LU students – Champions for Christ).
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on Jan 3rd, 2008 at 12:24 am
Welcome to the LU family. I am an Alumni (my Bachelors is from LU (Bachelor in Church Min.) and really enjoyed. Stay committed daily and you will accomplish it. I did much of mine through there distance program in the 90’s and loved it. Would not trade it!
Praying for you!
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on Jan 5th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Is there any way to get credit for your extensive blogging career? I mean, you’ve written the equivalent of how many research papers here?
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