Norwich University

I've just completed my first semester of college. Almost all of my grades have been posted-all but calculus. I'm majoring in mathematics and minoring in social psychology so math shouldn't be a problem right? (haha, pun :D) It isn't usually a problem. Right now I'm facing the possibility of having a 3.59 or a 3.49 based on what I get in calc. If I made at least a 90 on the final exam, I will maintain my 90 for the course, an A-. If I scored below a 90, It will drop to a B+, bringing my total down to .01 away from the President's List. Either way I'll at least make Dean's list, but .01 away.. oh how annoying that would be.
God answered my prayers for good Christian friends and influences.
I'd like to take the time now to brag on Pastor Rake, Rev, and Joel. These three people have helped me stay focused on Christ in the hardest times. My faith has no doubt been tested, tried, and grown. I've fallen many different ways but I'm learning from my mistakes. Pastor Rake is a humble hardworking man with four daughters and a loving wife. At Norwich, I don't have very close friends. I don't trust anyone. Pastor Rake's youngest daughter, Angela, and I got along all too well. We would giggle and carry on like 3rd grade best friends. I was able to go to the Rake's house after services Sunday mornings and Mrs. Rake would cook a delicious lunch. This was one of the rare times rooks* like myself were able to kick back and relax. I got to do things like take naps and watch tv. Not allowed to do that on campus during rookdom**.
Reverend Wick is widely known all across Northfield, VT. He knows his greek and hebrew and His Bible, but most important, he knows his God. My God. My Savior. His Savior. Personally. He spreads God's word like none other. This man has a loving wife who bakes CBCs***. They are amazing! He also loves snow and skiing. He's one of the few people at Norwich who does not complain about the snow. Its uplifting to know I'm not crazy and that its okay to like things about Norwich even if it is college and cold. He encourages the college kids regularly. If someone asks him if hes got a minute he'll always say of course. The man's schedule is constantly packed but never turns a person in need down. He pushes paper not people.
Joel. Joel Heller. What to say about this person. A true Vermonter. He is also a mathematics major but minoring in education. God's called him to teach. This semester he will be doing an internship so he won't be at Norwich. This guy has been my closest friend besides God. He has a true love for the Lord that has greatly influenced me and constantly reminds me of who God is and what He's done. He comes from a wonderful and beautiful (he showed me a few pictures) Christian family that guides and encourages him. I asked him a lot of questions. He answered all of them and some of his answers took me by surprise. When I asked about Christian friends in college, he told me he hasn't really had any. Just the people back home and his family. We come from two different worlds, but I know God brought us together to serve Him. I've got a funny feeling I'll run into Joel again later on. He'll still be right smack in the middle of God's will.
Thank you to each of you. We face battles everyday. It helps to fight side by side and remind each other God's already won the war.

*Rooks-freshmen in the Corps of Cadets at Norwich Unversity
**Rookdom- the experience of being a rook equipped with many restrictions and a lot of pressure.
***CBCs-Chocolate butterscotch cookies