This semester has been absolutely grueling. It’s pretty safe to say that I won’t take this many hours again – when 17hrs sounds like a break, you know you’ve hit rock bottom—but who’s complaining? I learned plenty this time around and have certainly enjoyed myself without going too crazy. This first shot at Paideia has seemed to go by with shocking speed, which I suppose can be attributed to only meeting every other week, but I have, honestly, really enjoyed it and our discussions. I am happy to have an outlet like Paideia to talk about things that interest and affect me where I normally wouldn’t even allot the time to read and think about on my own let alone seriously discuss and consider with others. I know it sounds corny, but this course has already begun to change my opinion about different people and different topics and is already helping me to approach issues with a more open, more willing perspective.
I think it would be great if there were more opportunities for our group to meet outside of the class discussion meetings – perhaps not always at Dr. G’s house as hostess-ing can get tiring fast – but I think that really helped me feel more comfortable and better able to open up and talk in class. I also think it’d be beneficial if people started commenting on blog postings. I know I don’t get to read everyone’s and that I don’t always comment on those that I do read but I have been trying to make an effort lately to do so – so, all around, including myself, I think that’s one aspect of the course that we could improve upon.
My favorite part of this semester’s class was probably going to Dr. G’s house and playing volley ball – dodge ball was fun but terrifying as only our dear David can make it. I’m not good with team sports, A) just because I’m not good at them and B) because I don’t like working with others much. I can be a real control freak when I want to be and I missed sharing day in kindergarten, so whilst I usually end up okay after group work and everything pans out just dandy-fine, I’m not always happy about it to begin with – in other words, it was and usually is a good exercise for me if I’m not thrilled about it on the way in. And besides that the food was scrumptious! (Thanks again, Dr. G! :D) So, even though I grumbled about it, I did end up having fun and was plenty glad that I’d been able to go – plus it was kind of hilarious seeing the political divide between the neighborhoods :p
Then I was just wondering about what we would be doing next semester as far as discussion time goes – are we going to continue on with the 50 Facts book? That would suit me just fine, I’ve really enjoyed it, and I’m sure we’ll continue with Newsweek (as I hope we do) but could we maybe also have a Student’s Choice kind of a thing as well? As in, for a presentation either instead of or a part of one of the 50 Facts, the presenter could pick out any article they like at least a week in advance, email everyone the link, and then present on that topic? It was just a thought since I know we definitely have a diverse group and I still don’t feel like I completely have a grip on where everybody’s standing right now.
It’d also be greatly appreciated if EVERYONE would speak up in class. Don’t get me wrong, I know I can be quiet and I know I can be chatty, and I’m endlessly grateful and glad for those in class who share on a regular basis but there are some people in our group that I feel I know hardly at all simply because they never pipe up with anything. What’s the point of Paideia if you don’t want to participate? I apologize, I don’t want to be harsh or mean because if it’s just shyness then I can relate more than you think, but I just don’t want to go through the next few years in the class and feel like I missed out on half the group.
At any rate – thank you everyone because I have really enjoyed this and I do really appreciate all of you. You’re all wonderful people and I’m glad to be a part of our group.
Till next time, take care, be safe, say a prayer, and bon voyage!
No comments:
Post a Comment