Why Regent University?

Regent University offered a unique perspective in undergraduate studies. Christ-centered leadership and biblically centered classes develop students professionally and personally. The campus is beautiful, and I soon found that my professors and my fellow students exuded enthusiasm and dedication to the Lord and their educational pursuits. Classmates prayed with me and for me; studying became a group effort towards excellence and not just another homework assignment.

Why Online Learning?

I was 21 when I started the online learning program at Regent University. I had the opportunity to dual-enroll in a local college while in high school, so my associates degree was partially complete when I graduated in 2002. I hit the ground running by working full time after graduating from high school, attending night classes to finish my associates degree. I guess I got used to the schedule, and when it came time to find a university to transfer to, I knew I'd want a flexible format that would allow me to continue in my professional endeavors.

Why A Business Degree?

My degree is in Organizational Leadership and Management. I chose this concentration because of the unique mix of business strategy and leadership development. In choosing a degree program I wanted one that would emphasize the "people" part of organizations and their strategic development. Some degree programs focus primarily on the financial and strategic side of business development, but Regent stressed the importance of the organization's people and the effectiveness of biblical leadership.

Business Degree

Storming.

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It's looking quite stormy and dark outside, where I can see the wind shake the trees and plants outside of my favorite window at Starbucks. It's actually looking quite scary outside. Interestingly, the weather is matching my mood right now. I'm somewhat torn between going out and doing something fun and being mellow and thoughtful. The weather, too, seems indecisive.

Today I took my LaceyDog for a walk and I'm planning to take another one later. I spent a few hours studying last night so I'm pretty much caught up for school, although I'm doing another assignment now. We are writing about affirmative action and I admit that I know very little about this issue, except that I know that schools use it to keep the school environments diverse. I hope I learn about how this affects human resources!

I feel a bit like a fish at my little window, because anyone who comes into Starbucks looks in. I'm the only one sitting here right now and I guess I look deep in thought because no one is talking to me! Which is fine...

Yesterday I heard that Randy and Paula White, the highly publicized and somewhat contraversial evangelists here in Tampa, are getting divorced. My heart goes out to them, not necessarily because I know them, but because they will have to go through this in the public spotlight. Apparently, the two have grown apart while each has been pursuing their ministry opportunities.

You know, I don't always get great advice from Starbucks baristas, but one time in particular I remember one telling me that we, as men and women trying to find love, are like triangles. We are far apart from each other, but as we reach towards God (the top of the triangle) we in essence become closer to each other. I thought about this as I read the paper's report on the impending divorce, and I felt saddened. In the article, they speak highly of each other. Paula even says that God comes to us in our darkest hours: apparently, the two are expecting some dark hours ahead. I find this situation troubling and I even have a hard time grasping the meaning of their decisions. I must point something out here, and not because I have any special insight into the matter, but because I feel that this is right: I really feel that the two could have demonstrated to their congregation (and the world) that hard times fall on even the most glamorous and apparently happy people. They could have acknowledged their problems and sought help. They could have separated for awhile. But this apparent breakup, this dividing, this clean cut, "we're done" and we're going to move on type of attitude really makes me question their true devotion to anyone or anything: including the ministry.

I think it's funny that people walk by and look at what I'm typing. They think I don't know, but I can see their reflection as they look over my shoulder. Not that it matters: I'm on the internet!

Well... I better get back to my HR studies.
chelsea

As Usual

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As usual, I'm writing when I should be finishing homework assignments...

I have so many other things to do, you see, besides homework. My hot water heater is still on the fritz, meaning that it is quite challenging to wash dishes. My parents gave me a shelf for my closet, so all of those things on the floor now need to go on the closet shelves. I have a substantial amount of pent up energy so I would like to go biking or running or horseback riding or something. Yet here I am, trying to get enough caffeine in my system to motivate me to finish my PowerPoint assignment and a three page paper. Sigh.

Tomorrow starts my marathon semester, where I am taking 5 classes in 16 weeks. I don't know what I was thinking, honestly. This means that I'm going to be studying like a fiend for, oh, I don't know, hours every day. If I wasn't such a procrastinator then I could at least study Monday thru Friday and have the weekends off. But seeing that I like to wait until the last possible moment to get an assignment done, that probably won't happen. Currently I'm at my favorite SOHO Starbucks, at the long glass window that is so conducive for homework and people watching alike. I've got Hinder in my ear and I'm feeling leggy in my platform sandals. It is a good thing I got here early because the place is filling up quickly. I imagine I will be here quite awhile so I'm glad I got a place by the plug-in for my computer.

Friday I toured the Alpha House, a home for pregnant women. What a wonderful ministry! I'm supposed to write a paper on a women's center in my area, and the Alpha House was suggested to me. The place was very clean and homey feeling, with lots of happy and smiling babies about. My tour guide was very informative and helpful in answering all of my questions. It is really nice to know that there are good places like this for women in need, whatever their unique situation is.



Homework is calling.

Rumble.

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Lightning flashes across the sky
A pale hand shaking its fist
Against the world that has done her wrong
Shaking the ground we walk upon

I wish I had my rain boots
Those slick ones I had as a child
Although they wouldn't do much good
'Cuz it'll always rain and feet don't stay small

Saturday is lovely.

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First an update:

I'm moving into my first place, a 1 bedroom over in Hyde Park. Watch here for pictures soon! I also started working back at the Firm. This was my first week. As always, when things change in my life, they change drastically and quickly. The apartment is less than a mile from work so I'm planning to ride my bike some days for the exercise. I'm also walking distance to the trolley stop, which takes you through downtown and to the various places in Hyde Park. Oh, and the Bestest part, I'm only about a block from Bayshore Blvd! So maybe I'll finally run that mile without stopping...

So I stayed up late painting last night, and when I couldn't stay awake any longer I went home to sleep before I started painting again.

I went again this afternoon. I just left, and before I left I attempted to remove the painters tape from the blinds. Oh, I removed the tape, all right. And the blinds. So they are on the floor.

Since I didn't have very much luck with the blinds, I decided to remove the tape from the long, skinny, built-in flourescent bulb along the other wall. The tape came down, and the entire fixture came down. My jaw also came down.

I put it all down, put my clothes back on (don't ask), and decided it was time to get a latte. But it looks nice, it really does! It's coming together, anyways. I can't wait to be fully moved in.

My friends surprised me for my birthday and took me out to Bella's. Thanks, guys! Currently I'm sitting at "my" window, at Starbucks, watching the interesting people and writing. I'm very happy today. They say that certain colors make you happy; Since I've spent the last 10 hours or so immersed in pink paint, I guess I've found the paint that has the greatest effect on me. Today my hair is wildly curly, and I wish I could go have it blown out again. I have paint all over me, including between my toes, and I wish I was wearing a cute sundress instead of my old Levis and my tank top.

When I'm all moved in I'm going to have a party, so stay tuned for an update :-) And since I'm graduating in December, I'm having a graduation party then, too. Oh, maybe we'll go caroling! and have warm stuff like hot tea and cocoa! Maybe we can all take the trolley over to starbucks before we go caroling! Now I'm running away with my ideas again... That's not until December ;-)


Guess I better go put the blinds and the light fixture back up.