Change

It came suddenly this year.  Fall in the Pacific Northwest is not always magnificent; the trees are just slowly beginning to turn; the weather, overall, has been alternatively dry and muggy the last few months.  Nonetheless, fall is here and everywhere. It is not so much something you can see - just a thunderclap sense that something has changed.  (Oh, all right, Pumpkin Spice Lattes help...)

*These photos are from earlier this month; we are indeed getting real thunderclaps today!

What a year this has been already!  In a week and a half, my fourth and last year of college begins.  *double-take*  Can it be so soon?

Everybody is asking me what my post-graduation plans are.  Abridged answer is "get a job," but the other day I took time to jot something more thoughtful down in my journal.  Here is the paraphrased version:

• becoming self-sufficient (don't get me wrong, though, my family is the best!)
• pursuing perpetual education (self-taught)
• following God's Will above all
• using my independence, education, ideals, etc., etc., towards the best possible purpose (i.e. previous point)

This summer I had no job, internship, or classes.  It was intensely disappointing, for a variety of reasons.  But ultimately, I realized (for the umpteenth time?) it is silly to compare myself to others.  What was my goal in college?  To get a degree; to get a job with that degree.  So far so good.  It happens I am not a typical comp-sci student and couldn't possibly be.  I have other interests, just as strong and worthy to have majored in.  It's ok.  Comp-sci feels right (I'm quite happy with my choice) but it's not the be all and end all.  There are so many options. 

"The good thing about all of these deliberations, doubts, and possibilities is that I feel something  is changing and happening."  Couldn't say for sure what  is happening, yet, but I'm ready for this academic year.  Wherever you are in your own life, I hope it is a good year for you, too.