I keep starting a new post, only to delete or abandon it. I can't seem to find the words to capture the whirlwind of craziness, excitement and exhaustion that I have experienced over the past two weeks since moving into my dorm here at the GTU. So I guess I am going to have to forget all those English classes and my incessant need to make everything sound nice and pretty and just write.
It's a cliche, but it's been an emotional roller coaster. My life in Berkeley began with the placement exams, which were brutal. I passed the Hebrew exam, which was a huge relief, but I did not pass Greek, which means I have to take the advanced Greek class in the spring. I had one day off (which my mom interrupted by waking me up at a quarter to 7am, thinking we were 3 hours ahead) and then orientation started. Four long, overwhelming days. By the end of it, I was exhausted and completely drained. So much information, so many new people. And, while the website says the PhD can be completed in 4 years, we were told on the first day that the average is 7 years--and then I was told by biblical studies people that it takes us even longer because we have so many more requirements. All of it resulted in me breaking down in tears at the "buddy" luncheon. That was rather embarrassing, but those who witnessed it were really supportive. Apparently it is just part of the PhD process. [And, as a side note, after talking to my advisor and other students in the program, I think I can be done in 4-5 years.]
So the end of orientation was rough, but the very next day is when I found out I passed my Hebrew exam, right before I had my meeting with my advisor. I was so excited and enthusiastic that he decided to take a TA for his intro class after all, so I begin that tomorrow. I never thought I would be TAing right away, but it is a great opportunity and I am lucky to have received it. Talking with other PhD students, there doesn't seem to be enough positions to go around. Just goes to show it is as much (if not more) about luck and enthusiasm as it is about talent and knowledge.
I won't go into all the boring details of my life. I have met a lot of great people, and a lot of challenging people. Living in PSR housing, I have gotten to know many of the new MDiv students, and it's been fun helping them navigate through orientation and planning their first semesters. One of the biblical studies PhD students had a party last night, so I had a chance to meet and talk with a lot of the other biblical studies students (along with a few others), although I was the only first year student who went.
As much as I didn't want to move to California, I know this is the right place and the right program for me. It's already starting to feel like home in some ways. I have found some supportive friends, both inside and outside the biblical studies program. And I have a new church home, which is always nice.
There is much more I could say, but I will save it for another time.
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