CLASSES & JOBS

My most memorable college class was actually my very first one. Its title in the course catalog was “Intensive Writing,” but on our first day, included both on the syllabus and her lecture, the instructor made sure our class understood that she approached it as “intensive writhing.” If you are the type who is not into introspection, critical thinking, challenge or self-awareness, then her description would be correct. I’m sure I struggled, but looking back I only remember that I adored the class.

We read and wrote a great deal, but we had field trips too. I recall one outing that was designed solely to help us bond as class members. I did not mind the trust walk or anything else, but the “fall backwards and let your teammates catch you” activity taught me that I don’t trust anyone, but I will give into social pressure rather than make a scene. My fellow students did catch me, but I remember standing from that height, my back to them, fully expecting them not to break my fall. I only went through with it so I would not disappoint this teacher I revered so much. And yet, even with this little glitch, I loved the course. This one class firmly etched in my mind that, if you follow the words from Delphi, to “know thyself,” you must read and write and write and write and live and write again.