It truly amazes me of how much homework we all have at the beginning of the semester, it seems like once we all begin, the first month is a catch-up game followed quickly by midterms and then another round of catch-up as a lot of us stop caring....
But truly, I like my classes this semester, and the readings are enjoyable, which is probably why I'm actually doing them. For instance, I am taking a very unique class entitled Utopia: Temptation of Hope and is part of the ILS Department. Granted, it is the first ILS class that I've taken and on the first day, it was clear that a lot of other people in the class know a lot more than I do, but I am determined to keep at it. I mean what really is Utopia anyway? Isn't the direct translation "no place," meaning it doesn't exist? And if "Utopia" can never be found, even though we all yearn for it, then truly what is the point? Reality is that you'll only be as happy as you let yourself be anyways, and some sort of ideal commune where you only work 4 hours a day is not going to help your situation if you, yourself, are not already happy. But I guess that's only my opinion, and considering I've never taken a class on Utopia, it doesn't mean very much. Well, I can deal with that though....
On another note, I am also taking my first and only International Studies course, which is very interesting and just makes me wish I was anywhere but here. Mostly, we discuss current events of Latin America...the corruption, stereotypes, but also the good parts. I mean, if you take a survey on campus, you will find that a lot of people have studied or traveled abroad, most to Latin America. It makes me wonder what Latin America or these other places offer that we all can't seem to find here. Is it the sense of excitement or adventure? Maybe being on our own for the first time, having to make new friends and truly put yourself out there? The new living conditions? I often ponder what makes us leave the U.S., the land of opportunities....but moreso, I ponder why we always want to go back and discover more.
Besides that, my course are pretty standard (and I'm not giving a description of this course because I figure you guys already know the deal). I'm taking a history class...it's ok. Not sure if I like the style of the class, but whatever, I try to live on the edge. So, to sum it up, I'm looking forward to my classes this semester although I hate being behind, even though I feel that it will pass. For the most part though, I'm looking forward to the semester ending and to be on my way, utilizing what I learn and hopefully making some sort of difference in the world that I'm about to step into. We'll see...
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The ILS class about Utopias sounds pretty interesting. Is there some assignment asking you to describe your vision of a utopia? I think it'd be interesting to see what different peoples views of perfection are. Are you guys going to discuss Fruitopia at all? It is a pretty tasty drink, and with a name like Fruitopia, it damn well better be.
I can understand your sentiments about being able to theoretically find everything in the US, as in other places.
But then again, I think you hit it on the head when you said that it is the sense or desire for adventure that spurs us forward to travel farther and longer.
I can only tell you that when I've been traveling, (and for myself, it wasn't in Latin America, but the Middle East)I was always reminded of how little I knew.
Walking through this small town, I'd meet some individuals couldn't tell me who the president of the United States was. I was happy for them.
Through this major city, I'd meet ten guys my age playing soccer, talking about the same stuff me and my friends do, and with pretty much the same dreams for their lives. And yet, they were technically part of a semi-hostile nation.
Always eye-opening stuff.
I feel the exact same way about this beginning of the semester. We just get off of a month break, and it's right back into the thick of things. There seems to be no leeway for anyone. In particular, one of my big lectures, Biology, is implementing this teaching strategy where they do active learning. Now, i get the concept for classes of about 20 or so, but not for a 200 person lecture. Plus, the in class worksheets that we have to do with our groups don't even correlate with the material. I guess after a month off of school, i need a little more time to get back in the flow.
We do have a final project, but it is to go through different areas of Utopia, like Ecotopia or Utopian Philosophy, Dystopias, etc. The class is pretty interesting to say the least. And because it's a smaller class, like our english class, it's really easy to have discussions, although they do get heated. I heard that ILS had a happiness seminar class too, I wanted to check that one out.
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