I’ll admit it, sometimes I tend to obsess on one particular subject or passion, and only pursue that particular route. For example, I love learning everything there is to know about nursing, and could quite honestly study only nursing if I would be allowed.
However, in the honors college, taking classes to fulfill Lower Division honors has truly widened my horizons in ways I couldn’t expect. As I talked about in a previous entry, I’m taking a Cultural Visions class with Dr. Middleton this semester discussing Africa and the Africa Diaspora in regards to religion. Last week, Dr. Middleton offered my class to attend an extra credit lecture from the AddRan Distinguished Faculty Lecturer Series.
At first, I thought there was no way I would go. After all, why would I want to spend my free time learning about something so far away from my particular academic interests? You see, the AddRan Liberal Arts College’s Distinguished Speaker series featured Dr. Szok from the History Department. I have to say, while at first I didn’t want to, I attended, and am so glad that I did.
In his lecture, Dr. Szok discussed his work with popular art in Panama and its relationship with the various eras in Panamanian history, beginning with the building of the Panama Canal. The ways in which culture is affected by history are so interesting to me, and beyond what I ever imagined possible. I found myself riveted by the photographs of works of art taking place in ordinary locations like buses and barbershops. At the end of the lecture, I was glad I had gone.
You see, in the honors college, there is no way to hide yourself in a corner and learn only what you want to learn. You are brought out from your shell to encounter new places, philosophies, and people, which truly makes one well -rounded. Not only that, but the colleges teaches its students things that you could never get in an ordinary classroom. For example, Dr. Szok’s search for art in Panama taught me about a passion for learning. To see the thrill Dr. Szok had in his eyes when giving his lecture inspired me to be passionate about my interests, a lesson I can take much further than just my cultural visions class.
All in all, every time I encounter another facet of the honors college, I feel myself being molded into a well-rounded person with a quest for knowledge.
