I applied for a degree in Community Development and Action. You may never have heard of it; I hadn't.
But, once I discovered it and researched it, I fell in love with it... so much so that I am not applying anywhere else. I realize this is risky but I'm stepping out in faith because I know that if I applied to the other programs I was looking at, I wouldn't go even if I was accepted to them. If I don't get into Vandy, I'll just reapply.
That is how cool this program is :)
So, what is it?
The Program
It is technically a Masters of Education, though one does not have to teach once they graduate. The website says that
"Graduates of the CDA program can work in community organizations, governmental agencies, and development institutions. some have continued on to further post-graduate degrees in various fields; future study might include Social Work, Law, Public Health, Community Development, and social sciences such as Psychology, Anthropology, and Sociology."You know, just basically everything I'm interested in ;)
The focus of the program is to train
"professionals seeking to foster developmental change in human communities. We analyze development as freedom to choose among opportunities for realizing our human potential."I love that: helping people learn to make the most of themselves and their gifts and their passions... their human potential.
I also love the content of the program that seeks to develop the following in its students:
- competencies as a self-directed, life-long learner
- competencies in helping roles that the student may perform as a human services worker
- group relations competencies
- administrative and organizational competencies
- competencies as a change agent
- research competencies upon which all the above depend
I can hardly believe these are all rolled into one program!?!
Round 1 of Applying
The first time I started applying to graduate school was my senior year of college. I had taken the GRE the summer after my junior year, visited a couple campuses, started 3 different applications and was on my way to pursuing a PhD to become a professor in Communication and/or Women's and Gender Studies.
But, my heart wasn't in it.
I was simply applying because my parents and professors really wanted me to and I didn't have another alternative. This PhD route seemed to be a good idea because I enjoy school and teaching; however, I had intense anxiety and no peace about spending so much time, money and effort on the next 5-6 years of my life to end up with a degree and a profession I wasn't 100% certain I wanted to have.
I finally broke down and decided to take a detour from that PhD path, much to my parents' and professors' disappointment. I, however, felt incredibly free and relieved... though I had no plans for what to do instead.
Fortunately, a door was opened to allow me to work with BCM which I've been doing the last year and a half. It has provided me with a mental breather and also placed me not behind a desk or at a computer all day but in a community where I've been able to learn so much about people and myself.
Another blessing about this job is that it led me to Vanderbilt.
What Led me to Nashville
Their trips have included New York City, Vegas, San Francisco, etc. For whatever reason, in 2012, they chose to have their YaYa reunion in Nashville, a place I had always been enthralled with but never had the chance to visit. My mom, knowing my interest in the city, its music and its art scene, asked her friends if I could tag along. I was so excited to hear they said yes that I booked a plane ticket right away.
NOW, back to BCM: The very next day after I bought my plane ticket, I received an email from my boss about how BCM had a national collegiate ministry conference which is held once every 3 years. They were to meet in May of 2012 and it was the first time ever that they invited the semester missionaries/BCM interns (aka me) to come along.
It sounded like a good opportunity to learn and network and prepare to be a better BCM intern for this year so I said yes. When he sent me further details I found out that it was where???
Oh. Nashville. NBD.
And when???
Oh just the 3 days prior to when I was supposed to tag along on the YaYa long weekend reunion.
Hmmm. Handy.
Now, realizing that I was going to be in Nashville for nearly a week I thought I might go ahead and check out Vanderbilt because it is such a good school.
How I Discovered the CDA
I googled Vanderbilt and Masters of Public Administration which is what I was considering this time around for grad school since literally ALL of my internships happened to be in non-profits (not on purpose, because I chose several of the first few for writing or PR experience and they just happened to be at non-profits).
What came up as the result of my search was the Community Development and Action program.
I could not believe how perfect it was.
Ephesians 3:20 has been a huge verse for me in the last couple years as things continue to happen that are better than I could ask or imagine. This was another Ephesians 3:20 moment for me because I had no clue this kind of program existed.
It combines helping people, activism, organizing, empowering, an interdisciplinary approach where you can pursue classes that align with your passions. PLUS it is in Nashville (which I loved by the way, more than I even thought I would have)!?!
It seems too good to be true but I am hoping and praying that is not the case.
If you pray too, please do pray that doors would open and that they would accept me... if it is the Lord's will. And if it isn't, I'm praying that he will give me peace and a plan B... much like the door to BCM opened up after my senior year.
But, by February at the latest, I should know if I'll be heading to music city to start at Vandy!?!
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