Several people have sent messages asking how Rachel is doing at college. Must be time for an update. I don’t get too many pictures unless I screenshot her SnapChat, and I don’t get a lot of updates without asking either! Quite typical I think. I did want to share this story about choosing spring classes because I think it is very sweet and shows some maturity, too.

It’s time to pick spring classes. She has settled into her acting and hospitality emphasis. They actually seem to complement each other and her. I had been looking through the classes and the Bear POWER Director sought some input from the acting and hospitality departments and her academic adviser.

We were with her for Missouri State Homecoming a few weeks ago and were at the College of Education tailgate and the Bear POWER program was included in that. We were talking to the Bear POWER director about next semester when Rachel said, “I was looking through the courses, and I found a class I want to take. I might want to take a class about the Old Testament.” Jonathan, the program director and I all looked at each other with a bit of shock. I said, “Rachel, that is great that you want to take a Bible class, but I’m not sure this class will be what you are thinking. It’s a lot of history and reading. I’m not sure the class is the right one for you.” With a big smile she proclaimed, “Well, I love God so I thought it would be good to learn more.” Her dad chimed in reiterating what I had said. Finally, the program director said “Maybe we can find a Bible study.” She’s involved with a church and a campus ministry. We exchanged a few other comments with her. I thought end of discussion.

She met with her adviser last week to decide on her classes. The adviser offered up some options for acting and hospitality that she liked. Her advising notes then said: “Rachel also mentioned an interest in taking a Religious Studies course specific to Christianity and the Christian Bible, but she expressed concerns that this course might be challenging for her.”

While I am proud of Rachel for many reasons, I am most proud that she is not ashamed of her values. She continues to hone those important self-advocacy skills. And apparently, she is learning better how to listen and apply input from others. Great life skills – that we can’t buy.