To the Summit by Nick Allen

Author:Nick Allen [Nick Allen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780994132574
Publisher: Massey University Press
Published: 2016-11-06T04:00:00+00:00

During the months leading up to my February deadline, I realised how important it is to be surrounded by a supportive community, to not go at it alone. This realisation came through the friendship of three people — Jon, David and Joey — all of whom showed incredible generosity and acceptance.

Jon was a postgrad student who shared the same beliefs as me, and in the face of the university’s apparent antagonism we became best mates. We spent many hours discussing, researching and thinking through the issues presented to us by our classes. Jon had a sharp understanding of theology and proved to be an excellent sounding board.

He also had a car, and was keen for any excuse to get off campus. This was a huge help to me, as it gave me an opportunity to be myself without the feeling that I was under observation, and to find freedom from the claustrophobia that came with being otherwise confined to campus. During the week we’d often spend our evenings at a Denny’s diner. The plastic seats were never particularly comfortable, but Denny’s was open until late and served unlimited cups of coffee — something of great appeal when you had an assignment to crank out. Saturday was the day for classier options: we’d head further out to the spacious booths at the Atlanta Bread Company, or the comfortable armchairs at Panera Bread. We’d stay all day, studying, eating and drinking coffee. We were like brothers, and these moments of reprieve were incredibly valuable, particularly for my mental health.

Then there were Joey and David, a middle-aged couple I had met a few months before I was presented with the university’s ultimatum. Jon had known David and Joey for years and introduced me to them. They had gone through a process of theological ostracism not dissimilar to mine. Jon and I met David at a number of significant junctures to seek his advice, and I appreciated the wisdom and profound graciousness of his measured responses. Joey believed strongly in the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. She would often provide me with healthy meals to eat in the dorm, enabling me to move on from Pop-Tarts, biscuits and gravy, and coffee cake for breakfast, and she generally encouraged me to pursue a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

One of the things I particularly appreciated about being with Jon, David and Joey was the freedom to talk about my situation in its entirety. Instead of having to hide my symptoms and their deterioration in the face of the scholarship decision, I was able to talk candidly about how I was feeling, without fear of judgement or reprisal. Although this vulnerability was scary at times, with it came a sense of rest, freedom and acceptance.

Jon taking a Saturday out to study in the sun near Campbell’s Covered Bridge. I loved the quiet and the freedom of being outside.

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