You’ve probably heard about Lawrence classes. If you’ve ever been within 10 feet of a Lawrence brochure or one of those massive e-mail blasts then those small sized, discussion based classes should sound pretty familiar. And, I have to say, “It’s true. All of it.” (Abrams, Star Wars: The Force Awakens). You’ll learn about citations like this in freshman studies, and yes, I have cited Star Wars before in a paper for a professor.
Not all of Lawrence’s classes, however, are about boring papers and slightly awesome citations. Take, for example, one of my winter term classes titled “The Civic Life Project.” Taught by three different professors, the class centers around researching, producing, and presenting a documentary about some sort of community issue that the students in the class will present in front of many important members of the city of Appleton. Hang on a sec. Three professors? Community issue? Present? Of? On my first day at Lawrence I never thought that this would make up part of my college experience. Myself and the other two students in the class have gotten the opportunity to speak with the mayor of Appleton, the CEO of Goodwill, and several state senators and Congressmen about what they see as the biggest issues in the community. After hearing them speak, we’re beginning the first steps in creating our documentary meant to create awareness for these issues and inspire discussion. In this class, we get the chance to make a difference. I’ll take that over sitting in the back row of a lecture hall any day.
Here’s an example of a student made, Civic Life Project documentary about education in Appleton.
Most of the time, the issues taken on by students are not light nor easy topics. Racial conflict, domestic violence, and drug addiction are examples of some unsavory, yet still important, issues that students tackle in this class. This is a tribute to the type of learning culture we have at Lawrence. Students and professors are not afraid to examine and discuss the problems of the world in the classroom, at dinner, or even when hanging out with friends. We’re weird like that.
To be honest, when I was a senior in high school looking at colleges, I was a little intimidated by being expected to talk and have an opinion about difficult issues on a daily basis. I was, and still am, a pretty quiet person who wasn’t used to talking a lot. Now, in the senior year of my undergrad, I reflect on how much I’ve grown in the past four years. Through my classes, extra-curriculars, and social life I find myself being more outspoken and more ready to share my opinion on anything in a more educated way. It has definitely been a challenge, but I see the world differently now and, I got to say, that’s kind of cool.