-- Posted by fenrir at 1:46 pm on Nov. 29, 2008 As of Tuesday of this last week, I was accepted to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary to begin work on a dual Masters, which will be an MDIV and MA in Christian Education. How will I afford this?  Due to my substantial military disability, they'll pay completely toward books, fees, tuition, laptop, etc. toward any and all degree of my choosing within 48 mo. of starting the program. How much will I be earning? $1,517 /mo. (90% VA permanent combined disability compensation) $379 /mo. (Social Security Disability) $558 /mo. (Vocational Rehab monthly stipend during full-time enrollment) This is considerably more than what I earned as a full-time soldier within the US Army, which I was recently medically discharged as of 22JUL08 from Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX. I will be living near my girlfriend in Arlington, and will be able to get myself to and from the graduate building without any delay and/or dilemma.  I feel quite blessed and this is all an enormous relief that I have been given such an amazing gift in order to carry on for the rest of my studies regardless of level sought. Upon completion of this degree plan, I plan on working toward a Doctorate of Philosophy from a TX State College and/or University with the help of the TX VA Commission and Hazzelwood Act (Tuition exemption for up to 150 cr. hr. at any TX State College/University regardless of level of education sought). Do I feel that I am worthy of this gift and/or blessing?  Certainly not, but I will make the most of it regardless.  I am certainly thankful that I was given it regardless.  I remember whenever my own father told me, "I can't wait to see you fail." right before I transferred to a four-year university where I promptly graduated roughly 2 years afterward.  I remember also when I was bedridden for 5 mo. due to my disease without even the remote ability to walk or bear any weight whatsoever, and my own mother cut ties with me saying, "You will fail graduate school."  All my life, I doubted myself solely due to the criticisms and critiques of others, which my own father refused to realize just how much of a blessing it was for me to be able to earn an education completely free of charge toward any Masters of my choosing. I cannot wait to begin this one crucial step toward the rest of my life.  I have my friends' and their support regardless, and just wanted to share my happiness with a forum where it varies greatly from young to old, naive and maturity, etc. etc.  My charge to you is no matter what you aim in life, never forget that you can do great things... all you have to do is believe in yourself in order to accomplish them. Thank you for reading. -- Posted by Wolf at 1:49 pm on Nov. 29, 2008 Congratulations.  I am really happy for you.  Best of luck in the future! -- Posted by ManiacPenguins at 1:56 pm on Nov. 29, 2008 Congratulations on being accepted Daniel. I am jealous of your ability to play video games and afford a new computer just from the VA. -- Posted by fenrir at 1:58 pm on Nov. 29, 2008 Yes, but in truth, I make it look easily attainable, eh?  You could have it, as well, as long as you were willing to lose everything I'd risked. -- Posted by SpM at 2:03 pm on Nov. 29, 2008 Dual Masters? Wow. Congratulations again and, as usual, I feel slightly embarrassed by your otherworldly humility. You planning on teaching once you've got your PhD? -- Posted by fenrir at 2:13 pm on Nov. 29, 2008 Quote: from SpM at 4:03 pm on Nov. 29, 2008 Dual Masters? Wow. Congratulations again and, as usual, I feel slightly embarrassed by your otherworldly humility. You planning on teaching once you've got your PhD? Yes, but wondering if whether or not I'd be better suited for philosophical pursuits within a secular field rather than Theological one?  I haven't any Earthly idea if I want to go into a full-time ministerial position, but certainly wouldn't pass up an opportunity to be active in some form of ministerial office or position.  My dream has always been the ability to share and dissect ideas and theoretical application rather than solely how one belief impacts my future in the here and now. Why?  Because whenever we become too worried over the here and now, we neglect the application from the past and future uses and how our children will view any form of theological discipline.  I value my studies first and foremost, and would have rather gone straight to graduate school immediately following graduation from Harding University back in 29JUL06.  Things in my life now would have more than likely been significantly different, but I wouldn't have known a great deal of friends that I've made along the way.  Also, my current girlfriend has been an utter blessing and foundation of support I've needed even during the most trying moments of my painful rehabilitation. As for my perceived humility, I am merely but a man, and a man is no more worthy of praise than whatever works he does for others to measure him afterward.  I would have figured you to be a more humble person than yours truly, SpM. -- Posted by medjai at 2:40 pm on Nov. 29, 2008 My rule is that I will change the world. Whatever your ambition is, it can be done, and you can do it. -- Posted by Hi Carie at 2:41 pm on Nov. 29, 2008 Congratulations on your entrance into graduate school Daniel. I am thrilled for you. -- Posted by nikki at 2:50 pm on Nov. 29, 2008 Seriously, congratulations :) I said it before, but I'm really proud of you, well done! -- Posted by fenrir at 3:15 pm on Nov. 29, 2008 Quote: from medjai at 4:40 pm on Nov. 29, 2008 My rule is that I will change the world. Whatever your ambition is, it can be done, and you can do it. Agreed, your dreams should take you to far heights, but never allow doubt or criticism strip any power of your convictions and/or dreams.  Thanks for your support.  Everyone.  Thank You for everything you have all given to me over the years from a quick hug when I was sad or amazing words of affirmation or consideration whenever I felt as though it was too tough to carry on.  Thank you. -- Posted by medjai at 8:26 pm on Nov. 29, 2008 Criticism is a joke, people tend to equate their own achievement with the potential of those around them. In other words, in their own experience of failure, they feel that great ambition is impossible simply because they gave up on their own. No great man was supernatural, and great men have lived, and will live, and there's no reason that you can't be one of them. -- Posted by fenrir at 8:32 am on Nov. 30, 2008 Quote: from barnabas at 4:41 pm on Nov. 29, 2008 Congratulations on your entrance into graduate school Daniel. I am thrilled for you. We're officially graduate school buddies!  But you have a whole semester over me! -- Posted by the real anti christ at 6:14 pm on Nov. 30, 2008 Val! The real question is, since your banking why haven't you come to visit me and return my books!!! Congrats mon amie. -- Posted by fenrir at 12:26 am on Dec. 2, 2008 Quote: from the real anti christ at 8:14 pm on Nov. 30, 2008 Val! The real question is, since your banking why haven't you come to visit me and return my books!!! Congrats mon amie. Because I cannot stop reading through "God's Debris" on my spare time. -- Posted by OnOnE353 at 9:07 pm on Dec. 3, 2008 Congratulations, my friend. You have my support. Good luck to you.