Antigone in the A.M.

After an evening of delicious snacks at the coffee shop and many other activities, students slept soundly last night and woke up refreshed for a second day of classes. A large number attended the 7:15 a.m. Mass, and a dedicated few even managed to fit in a little soccer practice beforehand! Breakfast followed, and then it was off to the first class of the day. 

Discussions this morning focused on another Greek tragedy, Sophocles’ Antigone, specifically the polarizing characters of Creon and Antigone herself. Students are adapting quickly to the College’s unique classroom discussion method, and they especially enjoy the ability to participate more freely in the conversations. “Everybody’s open to talk whenever they want to, which I think is a big plus, because a lot of people might be intimidated that they won’t be seen or noticed,” observes Elena W. from Irvine, California. “If you have the chance to say whatever’s on your mind when it’s relevant to the conversation, I think that also helps people hear everyone’s ideas.”

Right after class, classroom sections lined up around the academic quadrangle for group photos, then gathered on the Chapel steps for a group picture of everyone on the program. (Photos will be posted later this week.) From there some walked right into the Chapel for the midday Mass, and others headed over to St. Joseph’s Commons for a savory lunch of chicken and rice.

As of this writing, the students are back in the classroom to grapple with a few of the Pre-Socratic philosophers, including selections from Empedocles, Democritus, and Epicurus. Prefects are busy preparing for this afternoon’s activities, which will feature a short hike off campus, swimming in the campus ponds, and games of soccer and basketball. There are also exciting plans in place for parties in the residence halls this evening, so be sure to check out the SummerBlog tomorrow morning!