Home · Publications · Towers · Towers Issue · 2018 · Volume 16, Issue 06 · 10 things you probably didn’t have time for during your first semester — and still need to do

10 things you probably didn’t have time for during your first semester — and still need to do

With your class schedule in place, resolve to try something different this semester. This list will give you a place to start.

By Andrew J.W. Smith

As a new student in Fall 2017, by now you’ve likely settled into a reliable pattern: You’ve found a job, a church, and a weekly routine that allows you to get all your assignments done.

A new semester offers a chance to push yourself in new directions, try new things, and engage a little more in the what the city of Louisville and the state of Kentucky have to offer. Don’t get bogged down by your studies — go breathe the fresh air and grow into a well-rounded human being, too.

1. Study somewhere besides your dorm/house.

It’s easy to get sucked into the “seminary bubble,” finding yourself interspersing hours of studying only with trips to the cafeteria and a quick grocery store excursion. Get a little more creative this semester by checking out a new coffee shop or even — once the weather improves a bit — laying down a blanket outside. Just try to find one new place to study this year. Oh, and the library doesn’t count.

2. Start a workout program.

As it warms up outside, the spring semester is a good time to get back into shape. Ensure your intellectual and spiritual growth is accompanied with some physical development, too.

3. Try a new local restaurant.

At least one that’s new to you. Some of our favorites:

El Mundo, Frankfort Ave.
Mussel and Burger Bar, Taylorsville Rd.
Coals Artisan Pizza, Lexington Rd.
Havana Rumba, Bardstown Rd.
Queen of Sheba, Taylorsville Rd.

4. Attend a classical concert.

Louisville Orchestra director Teddy Abrams is a former clarinet prodigy who has reinvigorated Louisville’s classical music scene. His 2017 project about boxer and Louisville native Muhammad Ali stretches the conventions of what classical music is, featuring dance, opera, slam poetry, and hip hop. The 2018 season features highlights from Holst, Strauss, Stravinsky, Copland, Ives, Pärt, and others. Remember: Students can get $10 tickets with their student ID to some events.

5. Go to a major Louisville event.

Louisville has plenty of cultural and social experiences to offer, from art fairs and festivals to its professional sports teams: its minor league baseball outfit, the Louisville Bats, and 2017 United Soccer League Cup champions, Louisville City FC. But any local will tell you the biggest event on the annual calendar is April’s Thunder Over Louisville, the nation’s largest annual fireworks event and one of its largest air shows. This year, Thunder is scheduled for April 21. Pro-tip: Make sure you reserve space on the grass by the river hours before the 9:30 p.m. fireworks start time.

6. Take a road trip.

Louisville is one of the most centralized cities in the United States, with over half of the American population within a one-day drive. Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Nashville, Columbus, St. Louis, and Knoxville are within four hours of Louisville. Take a weekend with some friends and explore a new place in the central United States this semester.

7. Go on a date.

Classic dating is not really in vogue these days. We prefer hanging out, going out to coffee, “talking,” and plenty of other strategies to minimize our romantic interest. It’s time to bring back the old-fashioned date. Guys: Don’t make things weird and just ask a girl out to dinner. A dinner you pay for, and over which you talk about anything but marriage (at least at the beginning). Girls: Say yes, at least once.

8. Take a walk.

Frederick Law Olmsted, the same landscape architect who helped design Central Park in New York City, also laid out plans for Louisville’s robust parks and parkways system. Nearby attractions like Bernheim Forest and Cherokee Park are other great options for getting some exercise and fresh air. Just leave your Greek and Hebrew flashcards at home for this one.

9. Get away for an afternoon.

Seminary is a grind. The coursework can not only be physically exhausting, but spiritually draining as well. It’s easy to get disoriented and lose your sense of why you enrolled in seminary in the first place. Set a day aside, take just a Bible and a notebook to Red River Gorge. Reflect, plan, and pray.

10. Do something hospitable.

Paul’s command in Romans 12:3 is simple: “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” It’s the sort of thing that doesn’t need a how-to manual or a great deal of explanation. Maybe you don’t have a home or even an apartment to offer — I once heard a preacher say that maybe the most hospitable thing you can manage is peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in your dorm. Do that.

Mark your calendars

Southern Seminary

Chapel

Each semester, Southern and Boyce students have the opportunity to hear from pastors and leaders from around the country during our weekly chapel services. This semester, take a study break and join the seminary community to gather and worship during the week. Chapel is every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m., and students’ families and children are also welcome to attend. Here’s a preview of who you can plan to hear preach this semester, find more info at www.sbts.edu/chapel.

R. Albert Mohler Jr. | February 6
Randy Stinson | February 8
Matthew J. Hall | February 13
Thomas R. Schreiner | February 15
Michael Pohlman | February 20
R. Albert Mohler Jr. | February 22
Kevin Jones | February 27
Juan Sanchez | March 1
Aaron Menikoff | March 6
Vance Pitman | March 8
Danny Akin | March 13
R. Albert Mohler Jr. | March 15
Russell Moore | March 20
R. Albert Mohler Jr. | March 22
R. Albert Mohler Jr. | March 27
Jason Allen | March 29
John Thweatt | April 17
R. Albert Mohler Jr. | April 19
Andy Davis | April 24
Francisco Preaching Award Recipient | April 26

Giving Days

For the second year, Southern Seminary is undertaking a four-day initiative to support the institution’s mission. The weekend of April 19-22 will give students, alumni, donors, and faculty the opportunity to tell their stories, support the seminary financially, and serve the community of Louisville through the 1937 Project. The final day, “Preach the Word,” will partner with the Bevin Center to put SBTS students in Sunday morning pulpits throughout the Kentucky Baptist Convention. Last year’s event raised more than $300,000 for the school.

Academic lectures

Covenant Theological Seminary New Testament professor Bob Yarbrough is giving the spring 2018 Gheens Lectures, Feb. 27-28, and David Dockery, president of Trinity International University, will deliver the Norton Lectures, March 27-28.

Bevin Center

Global Connections
Connect the classroom to the mission field — and get some free lunch. February 16 and March 16, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. in the library basement. RSVP here.

Church Planting 101
Hear from season church planters and consider where the Lord might be leading you. February 23 and March 23, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. in the Library Basement. RSVP here.

Jenkins Center

Jesus and Moses in the Quran | March 2-3
Islamic studies scholar Gabriel Reynolds, from the University of Notre Dame will deliver his lecture series: Jesus and Moses in the Quran.

Dearborn Mission Trip | March 16–18
Dearborn, Michigan has the highest concentration of Muslims in the U.S. Students will engage with Muslim Americans and learn from local missionaries. Register and get more info at missions.sbts.edu. and jenkins.sbts.edu.

Health and Rec Center

The seminary offers students and families many opportunities to stay active, even during the colder months. From fitness classes to ballet, family events to personal fitness activities, the Health and Recreation Center plans events for the whole family to enjoy throughout the semester. More information about what the HRC offers is available at sbts.edu/hrc.

CrossFit SBTS Grand Re-opening | January 26
CrossFit SBTS is moving from the third racquetball court to the Levering Gym, giving you a lot more space to do your WODs. Its grand re-opening was last month, but they are accepting new trainees at any time. Ask the Health and Rec center about a free trial.

Family Swim Night | February 16, 6:15 – 7:15 p.m.
It’s exactly what it sounds like — you swim with your whole family. Ages 13 and up.

Missions

With a new year comes a new flurry of overseas mission trips. Teams are already filling up, but you can submit last-minute applications to the Bevin Center by March 1. Even if you aren’t going on a trip this year, resolve to pray for the students who are. Here’s everywhere we’re going this year:

Boyce College

The spring semester is in full swing for Boyce Bulldogs, including many student life events. Here are a few events you’ll see around campus — ones you don’t want to miss.