WELCOME TO THE CONFESSIONS OF A STRUGGLER. Last semester...I was a professional struggler. (Struggler: one who progresses with great difficulty. Struggs, for short.) That is not to say that I not a struggler now, but there was a specific struggle which was of great consequence for me academically.
As part of our preaching class here at Princeton Theological Seminary, we are required to participate in Sermon Delivery Workshop, a class that meets five to seven times in a semester, in which we work on our sermon delivery in an intimate setting. We are allowed to miss two sessions. Any more than that, and you're out.
Last semester, I was enrolled in said workshop...had a great professor, a great class, a good time of the day. However, after a mere two sessions, the struggle began for Joshua Scott Cleveland...
Here's the deal. Our workshop started mid-semester, so I already had my routine down, and the workshop really did not fit into my weekly routine. So, one week, I plumb forgot. Went out to coffee, was running errands, etc. Now, I am usually a very prompt person, and love to be on time to my commitments. Oops. I contacted the prof, apologized profusely, and proooooomised not to miss again.
So, thankfully, I made it to class the next week. (Good work, Josh.)
The next week was a double week. So, it counted for two weeks, right? (I bet you can guess what happened...) Yes, I missed it again. Come on, Cleveland. When did I remember? Oh, you know, during the class period, while I was in the middle of lunch. It was right after the end of the first part of the session. My friend Lindsay called me right about the same time I had remembered, and told me to get my butt to class. I was embarrassed, frazzled, stressing, etc. So, I began to jog over to class, and said, "Whatever.' Didn't go. Three strikes, and I was out. Worried, still, I emailed my professor, apologized profusely, and asked if I could just retake it in the Spring. He was quite kind and accommodating, but I still felt like an IDIOT. (A certified Struggler, wouldn't you agree?)
I was teased to no end for my struggle (not by my professor, that is, but by my peers).
Here's the redemption: I am now enrolled once again in the workshop (different professor, equally great). I SUCCESSFULLY WENT TO CLASS ON MONDAY AFTERNOON! One down, six to go. I will be attending all six sessions, and will pass the course. Or else.
Friends, if you see me at 4:30pm on a Monday afternoon, and I am not in Templeton 112, you have my permission to scream at me, laugh at me, and drag me to class. (Really.) (Please.) (Do.)
Thanks for sharing your struggle so honestly, Josh. However, I hope your parents don't read this or they might find it necessary to come out to NJ to help you get to class and how embarrassing would that be? God be with you this semester and may you pass with flying colors (and prayer).
Posted by: Roberta Fernandez | February 07, 2006 at 10:09 AM