Things I've learned from my first year of Social Work

Again taking lessons/cues from my dear friend Trish, I was thinking over a few of the things I've learned this first year in grad school.

1. Until the end of time there will be a need for social workers--the world and the people in it are in profound need--and little on a grand scale (like public policy) has changed the level of need over the last few hundred years.

2. Grad students enjoy a way more real interaction with professors--almost peer-like. Very different than undergrads.

3. Some professors are fabulous, passionate, knowledgeable and effective teachers. Others are quite the opposite. Get on the good side of both.

4. Some people go into social work because they want to help others or change the world; others go into social work because they need help.

5. All internships are not created equal, and even fighting hard for a good one doesn't always make it work out.

6.Writing papers is a very effective way to understand concepts. (For me--far better than exams).

7.Having professors believe in you and compliment you feels really great!

8. I'm amazed at how many solutions people propose quite apart from any religious base that are exactly the principles and ways of living that Jesus teaches. Hmm....

Fellowshipping Week

As a friend asked yesterday, "how was your week?" I realized I've been blessed with a tremendous amount of fellowship in the last 9 days...first with being in Chicago as part of the "proposal plan" of Brad and Lisa getting engaged and a weekend of fun around that and then some music time, then Mon. game night rearranged into fun chats with the Marshall's (Jim and his friend Steve were siding Jim's house, while inside Jamie and Jen were having good female chat time, so I joined them). Tuesday night game night there did happen, with two other friends, then Wednesday was Bible study and the beginnings of plans for a girls' night for Friday...then Thursday the undergrads went to South Haven for a perfectly lovely beach night, ice cream and a few for a movie at a GCF (Grad IV) guy's place after. Late night, lots of fun. Talked to my sister briefly while at work on Friday afternoon. Friday night, 8 became 3 for girl's night, but Andrea (GCF) and Keri (IV) and I had just a blast. Saw Shrek 2--big fans. Saturday coffee with my 2 international friends, Nesrin and Cindy. Sunday evening, good church time up at Mars Hill in GR. Wow and wow. Good blessings.

Crossing Barriers

My question of too long, newly resurfaced: How much is it possible for men and women who aren't married to be in quality, appropriate emotionally invested, real friendships? At the moment I'm frustrated by what seems like too much power coming from the side saying these are unrealistic. What does it look like? What is "appropriate" and what is not? Some of those things I think I know are being challenged--and on very personal heart levels it makes me question some legitimately good friendships. That doesn't seem right...but what do right relationships in this way look like?