I grew up in Port Orchard, a small town that is less
than an hour away from NBS. I have been a believer
as long as I can remember and was active all of my
childhood years in a local evangelical church. But
in spite of these facts, I did not hear about the
seminary until I was in college. After finishing a
degree in chemistry at Western Washington
University, I worked for two years as a chemist.
During this time, I decided that chemistry was not
going to be my lifelong vocation and that I was
headed towards seminary. I applied and was accepted
at another seminary, but I eventually decided to go
to NBS. The main reason was not because of anything
related to the school, but for several other
reasons. First, the church I grew up in offered me a
job. Second, I wanted to be close to my father, who
was close to death (he passed away in May, 2004) and
third, I wanted to be close to a certain young woman
(whom I married in March, 2002).
I did not have high expectations for NBS before I
started classes there, but I quickly learned that
the seminary was worthy of high praise. I attended
the school for three years, and then my wife and I
moved to Israel for a year and a half so I could
attend Hebrew University in Jerusalem. While I have
valued my studies there, my time at Hebrew
University has only increased my appreciation for
NBS (the teachers are much better at NBS!). We are
returning during the summer of 2005 so that I can
finish my Master of Divinity and Master of Theology
at NBS. After this my current plan is to go on for a
doctorate in Old Testament and teach at a seminary.
I have learned many things at NBS. The academic
level at NBS is high, and so I have learned many
academic truths about the Bible and how to interpret
the Bible. I thought I had the Bible figured out
before I came to seminary, but after spending a few
quarters being humbled and realizing I did not
understand the Bible as well as I thought I did, I
was able to learn a great deal. I have learned not
just lists of facts (although I have learned many of
them!), but how to think. But NBS is not solely
about facts. I have learned much about how to
correctly apply the Bible to life, whether it is
specific texts or general theological truths. The
professors have taught me how to have a Christian
worldview and how to view life in a distinctly
Christian manner. Outside of the classroom, I have
learned from watching the lives of my professors and
my fellow students. The professors have been an
example of love and helpfulness as I have come to
them seeking advice on a wide range of academic and
personal topics. It is a blessing to be around such
godly people on a daily basis. I am very grateful to
the seminary and I consider it one of the main
formative factors in my Christian life.
Charlie and Mariah Trimm
