We all have one thing in common that makes us unique. It has had an impact on each and everyone of us, both good and bad. A common experience, that not many people have had. We all went to high school in a Christian school. This makes us different. I always felt a little strange, not sharing the same high school experiences as my friends. We grew up in a place where rock music was frowned on. None of us had a prom. We didn't have drivers ED (unless you consider me riding around with Eric Regan an education in what not to do). We shared a classroom with another grade. We had a stiff dresscode. We didn't have honors classes. We didn't have a football team. No one skipped class. No one got caught smoking in the bathroom. No one threw wild parties (except for that party at Jammin's). No one drank a beer. All our friends were spread out across two states, and too many miles. I just couldn't walk a couple of blocks to my best friends house.
I'm not trying to make an argument for or against a Christian education. I think that there aren't many people who grew up like we did, and it's comforting for me to know that you guys are out there. It's nice to know we all have that bond of shared experience. It doesn't make me feel so strange.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
A Common Bond
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I can honestly say that I am VERY greatful for my education. I would certainly not be where I am today were it not for Christian education. First off, SENCHA was definitely a higher degree of education than public schools. In college, I was light years ahead of many of the freshman - mostly in English and surprisingly Math (although, I did attend Stratham Votech College for Trig my senior year in High School).
As far as the rules, well, that prepared me for college at PCC and also helped ground me in my christianity. Rules have different affects on different people. For me they were good. Yeah, I hated them then, but looking back they really weren't THAT bad.
The only thing I really feel I missed out on was sports. Christian schools will never be able to compete with sports programs of public schools ... the money will never be there. BUT, I still have a lot of good memories from soccer and baseball.
PCC built on values and education I had already received and definitely prepared me for the work place. I honestly feel that my education has given me more opportunities than most people. I work with some VERY smart people and have achieved the highest levels of certification Microsoft has to offer ... not to brag, but as a testament to my education.
I for one value and will always be greatful for SENCHA and PCC.
I think that SENHCA did a better job than most Christian schools in preparing us for higher education. I think Mr. Dahms is primarily responsible for that. And, while I always felt that my English, History, Political, and Art education was very good, I felt I was very weak in Math and Science.
But, as far as a stellar education, I don't think that's what SENHCA was all about. Our parents paid a lot of money for us to go there. Do you think we'd be better off if we'd gone to a more traditional private school? Maybe we'd all have ended up at Harvard or Yale or something instead?
As far as a Christian education, I see kids now days getting the same thing by being actively involved in Church and Youth group. I think just because you go to a public school doesn't mean that you are less of a Christian, or will be a better Christian.
I feel a big part of High School, in addition to the academics, is the social aspects. How many of you don't feel like you missed out or can't relate when someone starts talking about Prom or Homecoming, or playing in the High School Marching Band? I also whole-heartedly agree with Shaun about the sports too. I missed playing football, but I had lots of good times playing baseball and soccer.
I personally felt that I was missed out a lot on these things. That's why I chose to go to a large public, with 40,000+ other students. I did my best to experience the normal college life. I lived in the dorm, I went to every football game, and I got involved in student organizations. I feel that I learned a lot from those experiences too, and not just the words to the Aggie Way Hymn ;).
only have time for a quick comment...this morning. might comment more seriously later. but to set the record straight....i took eighteen skip days my senior year....i did go to a prom....ummm so ok talk later
You also threw the wild party, so I already had you figured as different.
Eighteen skip days? How did you get by with that?
I think we all agree the education we received was oustanding.
However, between my parents being as strict as they were and the rules of SENHCA, I felt smothered. That's just my opinion.
But now as an adult, with children of my own, I am terrified to send them to public school, so I can understand my parents point of view now. I'm at the point where I am trying to decide between private school and public school for the kids, it's not an easy decision. I don't want my children to feel as I did in private school my whole life.
I too cherish my years at SENHCA, having gone there K-12 (less second semester of my junior year at Dublin Christian Acad.). However, having come from a very strict home, a legalistic church, and then a small, sheltered school, some of us had "culture shock" when we got out into the real world. During our school years, so many decisions were made for us. Many of us went to the same school, the same church, had the same little circle of friends. It was great in some ways, but in other ways, it was too sheltered. Once we got out, we wanted to try it all, see what was out there, experience everything we thought we'd missed. Unfortunately, that brought with it some life-long consequences that now we wish we never had to experience. I do have to confess to several skip days my senior year also. I would drop my cousin Jeff off at school (he was a junior), and I would leave for most of the day. I still can't beleive Mr. Dahms allowed that! Academically I think SENHCA provided a great foundation in the basics of Bible, reading, etc, but we did not have much exposure to the "extras" like computers, work study, etc. As a female, I didn't feel that I missed out on too many things in the sports area, because we had a great softball team, we played volleyball, basketball, and were able to cheer. I can see how the guys would feel they missed out on football, and just the whole experience of the tougher competition, etc. a public school might offer. We did miss out on the prom, etc. but we had the junior/senior banquet which was fun. Now as a parent, I chose to send my first child to Christian school for K-4 and K-5, however, that wasn't an option this year, so we made the deicision to put her in public school. That was one of the hardest decisions of my life. Both she and my three year old boy are at the public school here in town and so far we have no complaints. Our little guy is going to the preschool in the elementary school for assistance with speech needs. Academically, my 1st grader is ahead of her class, but that may be because NH does not require kindergarten, so there are some children in her class who have never been to school. Both of our kids have teachers who have no problem when our children talk about the Lord, and have even commented positively about it. In fact, my little girl brought home a paper around Thanksgiving time talking about how the first Thanksgiving was celebrated to thank God for His goodness, etc. I don't know what the Lord's plan is for them going forward, but for now, we are comfortable with having them in the public school.
Overall, I wouldn't give up the friends, memories, etc. that I have of my SENHCA years, and am very thankful for the whole experience.
Hey, ya'll! This is one thing that I have to comment on. I must be honest and say that I didn't appreciate what I received from SENHCA while I went to school there, but I now recognize the huge benefits that I received from attending. I don't believe that going to SENHCA has caused any of us to miss out on anything.
First, although I feel that it would have been nice to be in a stronger athletic league, I cannot say that it has held me back. I was able to play three years of college soccer (1 at Baptist Bible College and 2 at Tennessee Temple University) and was able to play against all levels (NCAA 1, 2, 3 and NAIA). I also went to Brazil on a college missions trip and played against 2 semi-professional teams. Now I am the Director of International Development for a Christian Sports Ministry which has allowed me to play in Haiti, Guatemala, and Thailand and in over 20 states across the US.
Secondly, as we know, Mr. Dahms definitely prepared us in the areas of history, english, and the arts. Yes, we didn't have the strongest math or science program, how can we truly blame our school? That is one of the problems with our society today--always passing the blame. I knew that some of that was lacking so I knew that I had to study harder in those areas and took responsibility for my learning.
As for morals and Christian living principles, I know that I am grounded in what I believe. I talk with my Christian friends across the country and realize that they do not have the same Bible knowledge that I take for granted. I know this is from the Bible classes and going to church three times a week. Yes, I pushed against it then, but now it is what pushes me to do what God wants me to do.
I don't really think that I missed out on much. I've been to a prom and it wasn't that big a deal--maybe it's because I can't dance! :-) Also, I'm glad that we didn't have to deal with drinking, smoking, drugs, violence (not that it wasn't there).
Plus, I would have to say that most of our political beliefs (and most of us are conservative)were shaped by our parents and SENHCA. That is not something that you will receive at MOST public schools.
It is amazing that we are still talking and friends after all these years. Many public schools don't have that. Most of my friends that went to public schools talk to none or very few of their high school friends.
Also, I taught in a large Christian school for four years in Florida. This school competed in the public school league, had a lot of money (due to charging $5,500 a year), but still kept conservative principles. The students didn't always appreciate what they had (you know, the grass is always greener on the other side principle) while they were there, but they would come back and remember the positive things like we are doing now.
In closing, although I was not a model student at SENHCA by any means, NOW I appreciate everything that I received from there and the sacrifices my parents took to place my siblings and I there.
Sorry to ramble on, but I do feel that the Christian school movement is a strong part of my life and the foundation of American society (remember we didn't need Christian schools until an activist Supreme Court took the Bible and the Ten Commandments out of the public schools). I appreciate all of you guys and the memories from our time together!
Are you sure that you are all ready for this? LOL I feel that what ever avenue that we have either chosen or has been chosen for us, molds us into the person that we are right here and now. To make believe that we are somehow, different due to going to a Christian school, is, in my opinion, over exaggerating the situation a bit. Wouldnt you believe that many people who went to a public school were secluded and lonely? Of course they were. It always amazed me how there was a feeling of anamosity between those who went to a Christian school and those who went to a public school. They are people too, who deal with the same things that we do. I would definitely have to agree with alan on the point that the school that you go to does not make you a "more favorble" Christian. In a flip point to that same issue, always keep in mind that it will be YOU, and only you, not your parents, not your teachers, not your family, or any one else, that will be standing before God in the end and accounting for your own individual actions. I find this to be a question that I would equate to handling a loaded gun, handle it with care. There will always be opposing views as far as the answers go to this question. Every answer is relative to each individual person. There is no right or wrong answer. I have heard that some are afraid to express their views because they may differ from others. Do not be nervous of others opinions. Their opinions do not matter, and I would like to hear from any one who would like to comment.
I am glad for the friends that I do have in all of you. How could I even complain that I didnt get the opportunity to go to a public school and make different friends? To have different opportunities. IT IS WHAT IT IS! You cant go back. I do feel that I missed out on a lot of great opportunities, and yet the scales are balanced because of lifelong friendships that seem to be able to pick up after 15 years without even taking a breath of hesitation, at least on my part. How many of you can think of other crossroads that if you chose differently, would have led you to someplace totally diffent? This life is a journey. I can think of many points in my life that if I had made other choices, I would not be the person that I am today. I personally feel sad for those Christian people out there, and there are many, who go through life letting a school, a church, or what their parents have taught them, define their Christian beliefs. How can you say you believe if you have not been put to the test. This is a general comment and not directed to anyone specific, so please no emails. LOL My point is to always remember that no one will be standing next to you when you answer God's questions. There will be no one to blame, nor will there be any one there to use as a crutch. We can not say, "well, I went to a Christian school....". Yeah....so? We all are different in our own personal ways. Every person walking this earth is different, that is how God made us, and that is how God has molded us by the choices that we have made. Good or bad. I have met many different kinds of people and experienced many different things in this life, and the one thing we all need to learn is that we are all different, so tolerate each other, yet we are all walking similar paths. I do not like looking down on someone because they drink, smoke, of whatever. Guess what? We all have vices, yes even those who have gone to Christian schools. I think religion, without a true relationship, is a major vice for a lot of people. I guess you may think that I missed the point, but I have way to much to voice about this to make this comment simple....In short...we are all different. Tolerate each other... and be happy with who you are or change it. Not sure this will make sense to all. but there it is......
Bravo, Ben! I don't think I could have worded it any better or be in more agreement. You hit the nail on the head, I understand and agree with you completely. Excellent essay! Mr. Dahms would be proud! Actually, I'm impressed with everyone's long comments. I was beginning to think FC was falling by the wayside....
I didn't intend for this to be a discussion of the merits of a Christian education, but it's headed that way. I think that we can all agree that Mr. Dahms did a great job, better than if we had gone to a public school. We also agree that we all had made great friendships while we were there. I also agree with Jammin', we can't go back and change things, and so don't have regrets. But, I do think it's worth discussing because all of us already have or will in the near future, make the decision to "repeat history" and decide whether or not to give our kids a Christian education.
So, is a Christian education good for your kids? I think the point of schooling is to provide you with an education that prepares you for higher education and to help you succeed in life.
My thought is to try and give my child the best education possible. And most of the time, that means not a Christian school, despite our luck with having Mr. Dahms. Will you choose to sacrifice some of the quality of education so your kids don't have to hear about evolution, or go to a high school party where there's alcohol? I think kids are better off with teaching them Christian values at home and church, and leave preparing your kids for college to someone's who's first and primary focus is a quality education. I think they'll be better prepared to live in the real world after that.
I'll put on my flame -retardant pants now.
Loved ones - yes, still, after all these years, you hold a special part in your teachers' hearts. As a teacher and as a parent, I have been interested in your comments on this topic. Let me give you a different perspective. This is why we (the Williams Family)put our children (Chris, Rick, and Jenny) in Christian school.
Our children were not put at SENHCA to receive a superior education, although I believe that the training and grounding each of them got - for the most part - was far above the national average. We certainly didn't put them in for elitist reasons. Those of you who were in our home know that we lived quite modestly. They were not placed there for "day care" reasons, even though Christian education is less expensive than most day care and after school care programs.
We believe that God will hold each parent accountable for the education of his children. (For ease of writing, I am going to switch to first person! You all do remember what that is? ;-)) With that being said, what does that mean? Well, I will face God one day and give an account for many things, including the education of my children. For this reason, it is imperative that each parent take a serious look at all aspects of education - and that is, of course, not limited to academics. After all, we are responsible - not the public school system, not the government, and not the school board at SENHCA.
We believed, and still believe, that our kids would receive more of what they needed for life in a Christian school. The Christian school has been likened to a hot house environment. It is a proven fact that tomatoes raised in a hot house, and then transferred outdoors are sturdier, more productive, and taste better. Roses that are raised in the hot house last longer and smell sweeter than those raised outside. The plan is that children who are sheltered in the Christian school, in addition to everything else they get, will also get the grounding and feeding they need to make them stronger individuals when they go out into the world.
I am sure that my kids will concure that we did not try to hold them back and keep them sheltered when it was time for them to leave. When they went in directions of their own choosing, the only thing that we could do, as parents, was pray for them, and trust that the grounding that they had received from home, church, and school would be enough to keep them strong in times of trouble.
Because they were properly grounded in the Word of God, there are many things that they have chosen to NEVER do. Maybe they wouldn't have, anyway. Still, I will not be ashamed to stand before God when questioned about the education of my children. Both Chuck and I did all we could to ensure that they would be productive Christian adults. Are they perfect? Well, even I don't think so. Have they made mistakes? Sure. So have I. Am I disappointed in them? Not in the least! I am also proud of each of you - my former students. It is apparent that you have not completely abandoned what you learned at SENHCA.
PS> YOu might enjoy reading the BJU publication (I can't get this to underline the title!) Christian Educatioin: Its Mandate and Mission, by Ronald A. Horton. It delineates quite clearly, albeit wordily, how Christian Education is supposed to differ from secular education.
as stated before..we all will have different, some very different views. NONE of which are right or wrong for all. As is any choice made in life, they all are individualized. Only you will be accountable for your choice. Isnt it great that God in his infinite wisdom gives us choice? I think so. He does too seeings he gave it to us. Enough said.
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