In the Beginning

In the beginning, on the first day of school, there is the potential for darkness – homesickness, sadness, fear, uncertainty, behavior issues and exhaustion.

It’s difficult to gauge how a year might start when many of the students have left home for the first time. Or they’re living with strangers whose routines or personalities may be very different from their own. Or the disciplines of college life seem overwhelming after the easy, breezy days of summer vacation. Or the food doesn’t taste like their mom’s. 

I walked down to the college building yesterday not knowing what to expect. Would I see a bunch of long, sad faces? Would paras be comforting sobbing students in the hallways? Would the instructors’ faces be ridged with tight lines of superhuman self-control?

Nope, nope and nope. 

Walk with me and see for yourself…  

Lindsay couldn't be more excited to start her third year of college.

Dallas and Daniela thought learning about using a time clock was pretty cool!

Katy has her new student ID.

Bethany smiled sweetly when I asked her if she was glad to be back.

Does this look like a stressed out teacher? Mrs. Kolkman is too cute to look stressed...

Joe and Daniela wait to select either a lanyard or clip for their IDs.

Donovan gives his third year a thumbs up already! Sean isn't quite sure yet...

Half of the second year students go over the technology policy.

The other half of the second year students are setting up their computers with log-ins and passwords.

Maika looks like she picked a funny password.

Audrey pauses in her computer set-up to bless me with her beautiful smile.

Megan isn't sure she's ready to see me or my camera again...

 

The second year guys are serious about the instruction they're receiving from Mr. Andrus.

Our first-year men are talking about Daily Living Skills.

These guys are trying hard to ignore the camera and stay focused on the topic. Good job guys!

The first year girls talked about the Shepherds Nursing Department.

Nurse Melba kept it short and to the point. Look at those smiling teachers in the back row!

Joe practices how to clock in and out for his internships.

It's Christian's turn to practice. Mrs. Konopasek points out the instructions.

I had to ask, "What on earth is Olya doing?!" She was part of a skit demonstrating one of the Shepherds College character traits - discernment.

The first-year students ended their school day with a photo shoot. Leibforth Photography stopped by to take class & individual photos.

And we called our first day good, very good.

 


Shepherds College - Guiding Your Transition to Appropriate Independence. Please visit us at www.shepherdscollege.edu.