Navigating Seminary, Fueled By Blessing

Published: April 13, 2021

Ask most freshmen, and theyll tell you that new beginnings are rough. Ask 2017 Greenville University graduate LaRyssa Herrington, and shell tell you that new beginnings at graduate school can be rough, too.

But once the dust settled after her first semester at Emory Universitys Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, LaRyssa saw a clear trail of blessings.

Candler had awarded LaRyssa a generous scholarship that covers most of her tuition. She excelled academically during her first semester and engaged her people interests, interning in its Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. She also found a place in Emorys Black Student Caucus and sings with the Voices of Imani and the Candler Singers.

She's made time to blog, too . . .

LaRyssa's recent blog post, Lessons in Depending on God, describes her fear embracing chaplaincy work with women incarcerated at Arrendale State Prison and her subsequent relief to discover God was already very much alive and present, working to weave redemption into their lives.

Themes of love and support emerge in the reflection, just as they emerged for LaRyssa during her undergraduate experience in Greenville, majoring in psychology and minoring in theology.

I was constantly challenged both inside and outside of the classroom by various faculty and staff, she recalls, and was always encouraged and propelled toward academic and personal excellence.

Her undergraduate experience kindled an intellectual curiosity and passion for learning. She credits the campus community and community of Greenville at large as nurturing her growth as a person, not to mention her faith.

Be diligent, intentional, and present, she advises current G.U. students. Not only academically, but also in the relationships youre building and establishing.

At Greenville, LaRyssa actively engaged in Residence Life, The Factory Theatre, MOSAIC Diversity Group (pictured) and other organizations.

She recommends honing academic excellence because it clearly impacts success in graduate school, but adds that grounding in God, a loving community and relationships is more important.

Lean into God and Gods promises, as well as Christs body, she says. If I had college to do over again, I would have paid even more attention to the movements of the Spirit and God in my daily life. I never realized just how much I needed to depend on Christ until I was out here in the real world."

She recalls Henri Nouwens wisdom to remember who you are and whose you are, more than what you are or what you dosomething I, too, long to embody during my time as a seminary student.

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