Grants update : Nathan Dunn
I have been at Oxford since the 28 September 2020 . After having a couple of weeks to settle in , the term started on the 12 October . There is definitely a pace to the studies here , which I am trying to keep up with ! Taking Sundays off is proving to be a must , as a preventative from burn out as well as giving me time to put my studies into context and not allow them to become allconsuming .
I have already submitted two non-assessed essays , “ Does the First Letter of Peter Succeed in its Purpose ?” and “ Why is Two Peter in the New Testament ?”. I am working busily on my third essay now , which asks me to “ Write a Critical Introduction to the Gospel of Peter .”
More challenging are the assessed essays . For my first one , I ’ m thinking about writing on the Sermon on the Mount within the context of Matthew ’ s Gospel .
In terms of interaction , there has been a mixture of in-person and
Nathan Dunn online events , both socially and academically . The new measures will impact this no doubt , but I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to create relationships with others , which will more easily transfer onto zoom now . I often wonder how everyone else is feeling about the new measures and wonder about their coping mechanisms ?
I ’ m very thankful for the opportunity to study in such an amazing place as Oxford , surrounded by lovely people who I hope to get to know much better over the coming year . I ’ m grateful to be settling into a church , St Aldates .
I pray for the continued health of the staff and fellow students , in particular the Vice-Master of my college who leads the Oxford Covid-19 Vaccine Group . I seek guidance and continued space to wrestle through questions of faith emanating from the tough experiences of last year .
I also pray for my continued research and applications for things post-studies . I am eager to get out and start applying what I am learning . I know that being in the school of life will yield some interesting questions and topics that I may choose to pursue in doctoral studies in the future .
Keble College where Nathan attends tutorials 5