The more I work in the MHGS Bookstore the more I fall in love with the place and the people of Mars Hill Graduate School.

During my first year at MHGS I felt that I was limited in access to the rest of the classes and – while I loved my people in the 1 year – I wanted to interact with those who had gone before and survived. This opportunity came during the summer term of 2010 and I could not have been more excited to stand behind the counter and interact with my fellow students, spouses, community members, faculty, and staff. In the two months of summer term I saw faces and met people that I might never have seen otherwise.

Now into my second year I can still rejoice because I have the opportunity to interact with the new first year class; what a pleasure it has been for me to see more new faces and hear more stories of how they’ve been affected by the class material and the MHGS culture at large! To be able to look into the face of a first year and know that to them, I am the one who has gone before and I, too, have survived makes this job a joy for me. To hear the stories of everyone who walks into this space and to provide an ear to bend makes me feel as though I have a purpose besides simply hawking the MHGS Bookstore wares, and also that people find peace in the midst of the four walls that create this space inside of a space has been reaffirming for me in this position.

To feel as though I play a integral role in the story of MHGS – this is what drives me as a MHGS Bookstore associate. Come on in and feel free to share how you’re day has been.

Courtney Warren is a second year MACS who hails from Magnolia, Texas (go Bulldogs!). She rode into town in a rented KIA minivan over a year ago and has enjoyed every moment of her life in the Pacific Northwest, but especially loves the changing of leaves in the fall. you can follow her random musings on her blog here or feel free to stalk her on Twitter @_courtneyann_.