Exceeding Expectations — Extremely

Reactions to Tuesday afternoon’s discussion of the pre-Socratic philosophers were very positive, with one student proclaiming that the Summer Program “has exceeded my expectations extremely.”

Others have said that the afternoon class — which focused on the nature of objects, the nature of man, and even the immortality of the human soul — was “the best one yet,” suggesting that students are growing ever-more comfortable with the Discussion Method. These conversations should prepare them well for this morning’s discussion of the two creation accounts in Genesis, which, unlike the pre-Socratics, depict each object as having its own, distinct nature and meaning.

Sports were once again the top order of the day at the afternoon recreation period. Most students worked on honing their volleyball skills in preparation for today’s planned 16-team tournament — even those who have never played volleyball before. “It’s great to see students coming out of their comfort zones and trying new things,” says Head Women’s Prefect Kathleen Sullivan.  

Fellow prefect Zoe Appleby, who along with Dan Selmeczy held auditions yesterday for dramatic readings of select Shakespeare scenes, witnessed a similar phenomenon. “Several of the students had no experience with Shakespeare, and when they read some of the language, got a little intimated and said they wanted to back out,” she says. “But I urged them to try it out anyway, telling them I would coach them along. So they stuck it out and had a great time!” In total, some 25 thespians signed up to participate in Friday’s performance.

After volleyball and Shakespeare, many students returned to the campus ponds for a continuation of yesterday’s impromptu water polo matches. Then it was time for dinner (honeyed ham, mashed potatoes, and veggies), followed by study hall, where students read from Genesis and prepared for next week’s classes on Kierkegaard and Boethius. The evening’s Rosary was once again well-attended, as was the nightly gathering in the Coffee Shop — with iced coffees, card games, ping-pong, foosball, and conversations about Catholic liberal education.

There was also much singing and playing of the piano in the Commons. “This is very musical group!” says prefect Isaac Cross. “Even after curfew, guys play music in the dorm every night.” Before lights out there were the five Cs: cheese, crackers, camaraderie, conversation, and consecration.