We Are Sterling Online

Whew! Last week of class before a week break! Can I just say…. Woooooo hoooooo!!!!! I am SO ready for a break!

Yes yes…I AM enjoying my classes and in particular my New Testament Studies class (it is awesome and I’m learning sooooo much). And I do still have to write my final paper. But with some major changes happening in my life right now, and some beautiful 60-degree weather after weeks and weeks of below freezing and piles and piles of snow, can I just say that a week’s break is just what the doctor ordered, and I couldn’t be looking forward to it any more if I tried. Hallelujah! Amen!

—Alexx

Sterling Online student since June 2010

A little bit of me misses being a kid, when Valentine’s day cards, stickers and notes were given to classmates, relatives, friends and acquaintances somewhat indiscriminately.  When I was in elementary school, my mom would buy a little box of 1/4 page Valentines with cartoon or Disney characters and hearts on them, and I would carefully sign my name to every little card and address them by name to each of my classmates – selecting just the right one for each person.  Then after our Valentine “party” in class, I would come home with a little paper sack full of Valentines from all of my classmates. I’d dump them on my bed and read them over and over again, one by one. Each one I gave, and each one I got, reminded me of these people in my life, whether I loved them, liked them, needed to get to know them better…or maybe even thought they were a little annoying in class. Even if we weren’t best friends, each little card made me smile and made me feel special.

Then somehow, now that I’m grown up (mostly :-), it seems Valentine’s Day is reserved just for those extra special, romantic love relationships. I don’t buy packets of Valentine’s in boxes of 40 anymore, and I don’t get a paper sack full anymore either. And then yesterday, one of the preschool kids at Sunday School in my church gave me a little cartoon bear with a sparkly heart on it. It was so incredibly cute, and he was so obviously thrilled as I noticed the detail, thanked him and told him how happy I was that he had made this for me. He felt special, and I felt so special all over again too. Just like when I was a kid.

So, even though we are “too old” for this…I made this Valentine for all of you – my classmates and schoolmates - even those of you I don’t know you well, or know at all. I hope this makes you smile! 

Happy Valentine’s Day!

—Alexx

Sterling Online student since June 2010

I love football. I really do. But I struggle to understand a world where football players are paid millions and corporate America spends millions for 15-second advertising spots during the game, and there are still millions of people without enough food to eat.

And then I heard about the Souper Bowl. Yes, you heard (read) me correctly – the “Souper Bowl of Caring” has been happening since 1990 (I know…I’m probably the last to hear about it). It was inspired by this prayer by a seminary intern in the Presbyterian Church:

“Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat”.

I heard about this through some of our local United Methodist churches who were participating in the “Souper Bowl” weekend activities, and I learned through the Souper Bowl web site that this simple prayer has inspired a youth-led movement to collect food donations or serve meals to the homeless and disadvantaged in their neighborhoods, to help hungry and hurting people around the world.  Check it out at www.souperbowl.org.

Wow. That’s cool. Did any of you know about this? I’m so proud of our youth, of our churches, of God’s people who, in addition to enjoying an awesome day of football and fun, are also trying to love their neighbors and work for the sake of the gospel. Go team!

Oh, and by the way, since the Patriots are out this year (yeah, I’m from New England), who are we rooting for out there?? :-)

—Alice (Alexx) Wood

Sterling Online since June 2010

Okay, so…I really do love the flexibility of online courses. The idea is great, right? You get to fit studying and schoolwork into your schedule, and thus can attend school when it otherwise would be impossible. There are still due dates and deadlines like other courses, but the overall structure is more flexible since you can pace your week and fit in schoolwork and discussion time whenever it is convenient.

This begs the question, then, of why am I always working “just in time”? Even though I start off the week well, I’m cramming by the end of the week to finish all the (mountains) of reading and to write a good paper. Maybe it is just me and all my other commitments. But maybe college life is truly just this way, no matter if you are online or on campus.

And by the way, I’ve discovered that “just in time” is way better than “almost in time.” Not that this is any big surprise. Well, more later…I’m off to start my assignment (um…due tomorrow!).

—Alice (Alexx) Wood

Sterling Online since June 2010

This might be the first time it has happened since I started online classes at Sterling (theology and ministry program!), but last week I … wait for it… did NOT have a paper due! That’s right – a week of class without having to write and submit an essay or major assignment. What a gift!

Of course, I still had class discussions to contribute to, and tons of reading, and well, you know, all the other stuff…working full time, managing my family life (which now includes caring for my elderly mother with Alzheimer’s who just moved in with me two weeks ago), teaching Sunday school, etc. Oh, and since I live in the Boston area, add to all that shoveling lots and lots of snow! Yikes.

So even though I LOVE my classes, you can see why I get so excited for a week without a paper due. It is a lot to juggle. So, yeah. Last week was a gift. I’ll take it!

—Alice (Alexx) Wood

Sterling Online student since June 2010