Baylor Bears

Through the last few years I have been angry at Baylor University. I have not been happy at the way they have handled many things and am sadden at their choices of terminating useful programs (their Ed.D. program and now community counseling). I came to NC thinking that my allegiance to a school where I had been for eight years was for the most part gone. I realized last week, that this is not the case.

I was at an ACES (Association for Counselor Educators and Supervisors) conference this last weekend in Pittsburgh. I knew that Baylor's football game was going to be on TV and was excited to get to watch them. I forfeited a night of karaoke for college football (such an easy choice). A friend did persuade me to go to the hotel bar during the fourth quarter of the game. The bartender happily changed the television to the Baylor/OU game. As the game was ending and Baylor tied it up, I was happy to tell those around that I went to Baylor. I got in a conversation with a man beside me and bragged about how wonderful a school Baylor is.

My reaction to this situation got me thinking about how much I do love Baylor. Yes, it has its flaws. But in reality what doesn't? It is a university run by imperfect people just like me. I in no way should through out the wonderful things, just because I disagree with the way the past administration handled things. The eight years at Baylor were the most formative in my life. I proudly wear my green and gold today as I wish I was in Waco for the Homecoming festivities. I am proud from where I came and in no way want to apologize for it!

Passion

Since day one of starting my Ph.D., I have been told to do my dissertation on something about which I am passionate. The reasoning being that this is the only way you will finish this long process. I came in saying my passion was eating disorders. I know a weird thing to be passionate about, but it was mine. I cann't explain why I had this interest. I have never had an eating disorder, but ever since I watched the Karen Carpenter story when I was about 12, I have been fascinated with the subject. In the past few months, I wondered if this passion that started with a made for TV movie would be enough. I realized last night that I couldn't stay away from this passion even if I tried.

Last night my friend Kerrie (also in program) and I went to dinner. We then proceeded to Barnes and Noble to look around. Before I knew it, we were both sitting in the floor of the psychology section. I had pulled off the shelf the only three books about eating disorders. I quickly became engulfed in what they had to say. I looked up at one point and asked Kerrie if we were sick. Here it is a Friday night when we could be doing anything and we are spending it looking at books for school. As I said the words, I realized we aren't sick, we are passionate. To spend a free night reading those things that deeply interest you is pure joy. My passion that started with Karen Carpenter is enough. It is enough because it is my passion. I don’t have to explain it, but I merely need to embrace it.