Date: July 21, 2026
When I came to seminary, I expected to be busy reading, writing, translating, and writing some more. What I did not expect was the constant deluge of academic visitors, evening programming, special services, advocacy opportunities, and organizational meetings. I quickly discovered I could fill up an entire day without cracking a book or having a down-to-earth conversation with another human being. With so many incredible ways to be invested in my learning and the VTS community, every day is full of decisions forcing me to prioritize. It has been a continual struggle for me to find the balance between what is good for my body, soul, and mind. So when I first started sorting through old documents in the VP folder, I was struck by a little sentence at the top of a planning guide describing Full Stops (our campus tradition of gathering for a meal together on Friday nights). “Seminary moves at a frenetic pace- you have the opportunity to bring things to a full stop once a week and enjoy time together without a particular agenda.” I’ve been thinking a lot about this idea of “bringing things to a full stop” this summer. Maybe the idea of a big dinner with all of campus doesn’t sound like something that eases the frenetic pace. It doesn’t feel that way for me either sometimes, but I like the concept- so I decided to play with some other ways of creating a “full stop” moment:
- Can I have a <10 minute conversation with a classmate that focuses on something other than course work and school related endeavors?
- Can I create space in my week for an activity that has no particular agenda (indulging in fun for its own sake!)
- Can I engage in a spiritual practice that is non-performative and not evaluated or assessed in any way?
- Can I find an activity or place within walking distance of campus that invites me to get out of my head for a little while?
While all of these are works in progress, I can tell you that the Shirlington Dog Park is basically a puppy rave, so that’s a great option for #4. I invite you to use summer as a chance to lean into the practice of a “full stop,” and then bring that habit back with you in the fall. While I’d love to see you at our Friday dinner gatherings, mostly I will be delighted to know you are finding ways to resist the frenetic pace in your own way.
Katelyn Printz (M.Div. ’27’)
Student Body Vice President