Sometimes it’s Not About the Degree
I don’t think I wrote a single Reflection Sunday the whole month of July. Which is kind of sad because a lot of things happened in July—but that’s also why I didn’t get any done. I had a big event every weekend—between 3 weddings, a baby shower, family reunion, and a family cookout. I spent over 30 hours in the car in July and I was in four different states (not counting Nebraska and the states I drove through). I was able to visit with friends and family that I haven’t seen for a long time—it’s been a year or longer since I’ve seen some of them.
This kind of quality time can be a balm for a weary heart.
Honestly, I wanted to get this post up last Sunday, but didn’t have the time or energy to get it done before bedtime—you read that right. Bedtime. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to share, or how I wanted to share it. We had a day full of activity and didn’t get home until later in the evening.
That night we talked about college education, as several of the second cousins are getting ready to jump out into the broader world of academia. We talked about the value of education and degree tracks. We talked about student loans.
Sometimes when I look in my bank account I resent my college experience. I resent the student loans and my foolish belief that it wouldn’t be that bad. It’s so easy to think that I would be better off without the loans—I’m not working in my field of study (a half truth—I am working on writing, but it’s not how I’m making my living). It’s easy to imagine what that money could go towards instead of my loans—like a house!
But I have to remind myself of all of the friends I made while in college. Lifelong friends that I would not have met. Friends that I am blessed by time and time again. I don’t like imaging a life without them. It’s hard enough that I have to drive over an hour to see them—most of them are 5 hours away or more. But a life where I don’t know them? The idea of it is sad. I’d rather drive 5 hours than not have them at all.
So. If you hear me complaining about my student loan debt, please know that I value my education. I value those friendships. I know that I am beyond blessed by the people—peers and professors—who have helped shape me into the person I am today. It’s just that sometimes the ever-looming cloud of debt can be overwhelming and discouraging.
But it’s worth it.
It’s worth the friends and growth I’ve made.
I’d do it again.
In a heartbeat.
