Academic intensity

I was expecting college to be challenging, but after my first day of classes at Centre, I realized that I had been seriously underestimating what I was in for. The difference in the academic intensity of my high school and Centre is enormous, but I've been steadily acclimating to it throughout the term. The several hours of homework I receive every night have grown to seem normal to me, and staying up really late to perfect my latest paper is no longer a big deal.

One of my most interesting courses is Philosophy of Religion, taught by Dr. David Hall. I've found this subject matter captivating because it forces me to explore areas, which I tend to disagree with. For instance, I believe that the pure definition of faith is the belief in something of which you have no conclusive evidence. Otherwise, a belief in God would be no different than belief in a pencil I can clearly see on my desk. The class, however, puts forth ideas about proving definitively and reasonably that God does or doesn't exist and that He is, for instance, omnipotent. Though I'm comfortable with leaving these matters up to faith, this class encourages me to search for definitive proof. I've had many entertaining arguments in the class that have helped me develop support for my beliefs.

Another class that I enjoy is Introduction to Politics, taught by Dr. Garriott. My new knowledge from this course has led me to look at the world and its political machinery through a new lens. By taking somewhat of a historical approach at times in the class, I can now predict the future consequences of present issues. Also challenging is my Latin course, "Romans in Love," taught by Dr. Morrison. In this class, I've had the opportunity to explore some interesting, often negative, but usually humorous accounts of love by the poets Lucretius, Propertius, and Ovid. Finally, my humanities class with Dr. Levin has let me explore my favorite areas of schooling: literature, writing, and art. As is indicated by the fact that I have no math or science courses on my schedule, it's the humanities that I really prefer. Some people dread writing long papers, but I truthfully enjoy the feeling of accomplishment after a masterpiece is completed. I like reading the classic texts of Homer, Plato, Sophocles, and Euripides, and I also appreciate the classic art that we have examined.

I've managed to fit weekly guitar lessons into my schedule. I took instruction up until early high school, but eventually I stopped keeping up with it. A course offered by Centre, however, gave me the opportunity to give it another try, and I'm glad so far that I decided to.

So, all in all, it would be an understatement to say that academics have kept me busy. I've had to drastically improve my time management skills, but I really don't think there is that much to complain about. I'm having a pretty good time here, and I'm learning more every day.