Campus Classes

Change is happening as school starts up here in Dallas.  Last week we visited the campus of University of Texas at Dallas where we will be teaching an institute class starting next Wednesday. On this campus of about 27,000 students, a room has been reserved for us to use each week. It is located in a new addition to the student services building and has a ceiling-mounted projector, white-boards, tables, etc. and everything a teacher would want.  

UTD (the walkways are lined with magnolia trees)

Before our first class.  The two sister missionaries
are in the foreground.

On Thursday, we attended our first class on the beautiful campus of Southern Methodist University in downtown Dallas (about 12,000 students).  The room reserved for us there is in a wing of the student union.  It is small, with a circle of comfortable couches and chairs, microwave, fridge, etc. (A light meal is provided to these classes since many of the students attend during their lunch hour.) It makes for a cozy, intimate setting in which a small group (6-12) can hold a stimulating gospel discussion. I thought of Allison and how much she would enjoy such a class due to the students' eager participation, diversity, and thoughtful exchange of ideas.  It make us feel young again to be mingling with the college-age crowd (and also a little intimidated by their degrees and intellect).

SMU

The other two campuses where we will be holding institute starting next week are UT Southwestern Medical School (about 3600 students) and Collins College (services about 53,000 students on 7 small-sized campuses - think MCC). The class at Southwestern is held in a very large lecture hall, and it is so amazing to teach in such a setting. We are not the regular teachers here (thank goodness because the students are older and so SMART that it is intimidating), but we will be filling in from time to time. So our new and improved weekly schedule includes an additional 4 classes for a total of 6 institute classes, 3-5 early-morning seminary class visits or inservices, and a variety of other meetings like district council, zone conference, faculty meeting, coordinators' meeting, etc.

Lecture Hall at UTSouthwestern

Collin College Spring Creek Campus

UTSouthwestern

Something else that adds to this experience is the opportunity it gives the young missionaries to go with us to do tabling for an hour or two. The president shared that this is one of the most productive finding opportunities the elders and sisters have, and they can be amazing recruiters for us in building the size of the classes held on the campuses.

Snacks for the students

We're excited!