A Letter from Lauren

Lauren Busch graduated from MYO last year and is experiencing her first year at Patrick Henry College. This letter details her first week at school. Lauren, we're very proud of you!!
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Hello All!

Well, it's Sunday...which means I made it through my first week of college!!! And what an awesome week it has been. I have intensely enjoyed every minute of every day here at PHC this week.

Last Saturday, to close the week of orientation and get geared up for the first week of school PHC held the annual freshman talent show. There were about a dozen acts, ranging from musical to theatrical. I played a Celtic fiddle piece with my new-found violin friend Hannah and a guy named Tait on guitar. The grand finale was a guy who plays the bagpipes....and wow was he amazing! I've never seen anybody play bagpipes that fast. (Would you believe on a campus as small as ours that we have two bagpipe players?) The talent show was alot of fun and was a great way to get to know people.

Monday brought the long-awaited day...convocation and the first day of classes. Convocation was an exciting event. Everyone dresses up and all the faculty wear the full academic regalia. (If you want to see click on PHC Visuals on the main page of http://www.phc.edu/ and watch the little video.) The hymns and scripture reading had obviously been carefully selected and were filled with meaning. Our provost delivered a very insightful and challenging address and our chancellor led in a special time of prayer to dedicate faculty, students, and all we have and are to the Lord this year. It was a very special time for me.

As I mentioned, Monday also brought the first day of classes....logic, US history, and our PHC portfolio class to be specific.The famous Dr. Spinney teaches the US history...he is an incredibly knowledgeable guy and both he and his class are universal favorites. I have really enjoyed it so far, and it will probably end up being my favorite too.

Tuesday brought on history of western civ, theology, and research & writing. Western civ is an exciting class - absolutely fascinating and rather fast paced. Our professor is very enthusiastic. Surprisingly though, theology is the most entertaining class. Dr. Cox is so hilarious...not something I was necessarily expecting from a doctor of theology. Despite his humorous side, he takes God's word very seriously, and I have gleaned several profound thoughts from his class already. Research & writing is my least favorite class, though I'm sure it will be very beneficial. :)

I was very excited for Friday, because it brought my first chamber orchestra rehearsal. We have 10 violins, 2 violas, and 1 cello at this point (though I found another cellist and am going to press gang her into joining! :) I like the repertoire we are going to do this year, and I really like Dr. McCormick, the string director. Of course it helps him out that he has some Hoosier roots...he went to school at IU (So he is one of 2 people on campus who know where Martinsville is!)

Saturday I had my first experience working in the dining hall. Saturday morning is just a continental breakfast and most everybody sleeps in, so we weren't real busy. I mostly helped prep stuff for lunch and dinner. I peeled a bag of carrots the size of a duffel bag. It seemed to take forever, but Adalid (one of the chefs) said, in his delicious Costa-rican accent, "Oh, you are faster". :) I worked again this afternoon. It is definitely easier than waitressing, and everybody you have to deal with is super nice and polite, so it's a good job. (And by the way, the dining hall food is AMAZING! I'm going to have to be real careful. ;)

So the first week has definitely been a good one. I am all settled into my room, and get along well with my roommates, Emily and Mary Sue. (In case you didn't get the "orientation newsletter": I am in Mount Vernon, aka D1, the most conveniently located dorm, with a lovely view from my desk overlooking Lake Bob.) Every class has been so enjoyable that I haven't been ready for them to end when the professor dismisses us. All the students here are so intelligent and insightful...it is really exciting to be in a place where you can learn so much not only from your professors but your peers as well. (Funny story: A TV show host once asked Dr. Farris on air if it was easier to get into heaven than PHC...Dr. Farris said yes.) I am so glad to be here, even though I am starting to miss my family. I know God is going to grow me tremendously. This year is going to be alot of work, but if the weeks to come are anything like this one it will be well worth it.

I don't plan on writing "epistle" length newsletters every week, but since this was the first one there was alot to say to get started. Thank you all who are praying for me as I continue to adjust to the college life and workload.

With Love,
Lauren