Hello again!
Another week has passed here at Lawrence–those 10-week terms really fly by! As we approach week five of spring term, I’m reflecting on all the fantastic things we have happening on campus. There’s always so much to see and experience; the Conservatory alone averages three performances a day! It can be easy to get caught up in the bustle of activity here, which is why I recently made a pact with myself to consciously attend at least one campus event every week. This may sound lame–like maybe I’m a homebody–but between homework, campus jobs, and various meetings, it’s easy to forget about all the exciting things students are organizing here.
Let’s start with what a typical week looks like for me, a very average Lawrentian. This term especially has been a crazy adjustment, because I have a class schedule that is very different from my first two terms here. On the bright side, my classes start later in the day–no more 8:30 Biology lectures! These days, I wake up around 9….or maybe 10:30…or 11–okay, eventually I roll out of bed and get to class. Give me a break, I’m a college kid with TERRIBLE sleeping habits and you will be/were too. Later, I’ll grab lunch and get a little homework done. Monday through Thursday night, I work at my campus jobs, and then do a little more homework before bed.
Oh my god am I boring or what?
On a campus with so much to do–free movies in the cinema, sporting events, concerts, recitals, etc.–I realized I am not taking advantage of what Lawrence has to offer. I think this is a very normal experience for a college freshman–it’s so easy to get swept up in the stress of it all. It was time for me to snap out of it and get out there. Luckily, if you’re open to it, new and exciting experiences fall right into your lap at this school!
So what did I do this week? On Wednesday night I headed to Sankofa house on the Quad for their Conversation Series. This series was started last term by Sankofa (a diversity group on campus) and CODA, the Committee on Diversity Affairs. Conversations is a discussion-based class dealing with topics such as race, class, politics and other issues in the context of both Lawrence and larger communities that students are a part of. As a student studying the intersections between science, anthropology, and international affairs, this was an event that I was kicking myself for missing the debut of during winter term. I didn’t know what to expect, especially because of the sensitive nature of the issues the Conversations Series discusses (on Wednesday it was Class and Classism). I have to say I have never been more proud to be a Lawrentian than I was during this event. My fellow students maintained a respectful, intelligent, and eloquent dialogue that was not only enlightening but empowering. The event was well-organized, beginning with a large-group discussion that broke down into small groups and met up again at the end for final thoughts. The event was very well attended, and we all packed into the Sankofa living room, sitting on chairs, tables and the floor. Every person in attendance was engaged and engaging.
photo credit: Jaime Gonzalez, 2015.
I don’t think anything screams “Liberal Arts” louder than a group of students organizing on a weeknight to talk about social issues. For me, this was an excellent re-affirmation of my decision to attend Lawrence, and almost exactly one year after I decided (officially) to be a Lawrentian. Sankofa/CODA Conversations made me feel positively GUSHY about the Liberal Arts, Lawrence, and my peers. It was so worth it to attend, and I can’t wait for the Conversations planned for the rest of the term. Most of all, it was an excellent sneak-peak into the happenings on campus that I am actively attempting to be more aware of, and has definitely pushed me to seek out more events during the coming weeks.
Have a great week, and stay tuned for Conservatory Events, Downtown Appleton, and The Dogs of Lawrence!