Monday Diary and Slideshow: Classes, Art & Beauty, and Hoops Galore

On Monday morning the students were back in the classroom, working out Euclid’s definitions, common notions, and postulates in lively discussions. After the morning class and just before Mass, they met for an open forum with the Admissions Office staff, who answered questions about the College’s curriculum, teaching method, financial aid program, alumni, and various other subjects. Students then enjoyed each other’s company over lunch, and in the afternoon found themselves engaged in a discussion of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, which they had read on Friday night as a group.

In the afternoon there was time for some quick games of ultimate Frisbee and basketball before tutor Dr. John Nieto’s talk on Art & Beauty. The talk was so widely attended that students filled the Coffee Shop to capacity, with some opting to enjoy the breeze outside and watch through the windows. Dr. Nieto had prepared both written remarks and a PowerPoint slideshow of famous sculptures and paintings, many of which are at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, which the group will visit on Tuesday. The talk was well-received, giving the students a better understanding of how to approach various kinds of art.

After dinner students spent the evening study period preparing the Euclidean propositions that they will be called to demonstrate for the class the next morning. Prefects were on hand to help and encourage.  Afterwards many gathered in the Chapel for the nightly Rosary.

The final event of the evening was a set of basketball games pitting the prefects against the students. Both the women’s and the men’s games were full of energy, with the players making amazing three-point shots, blocks, and passes, and playing as if they had been together for a whole season. There was also an intense battle of cheering on the sidelines, with the supporters keeping up the energy and fun. Both games were close and well-played, but the prefects managed to stay ahead for the wins. A great time for all!