A Penguin with a Book

The first and probably most important reflection is that a reflection essay cannot be written in a day. You have to think and come up with the contemplations, which in my case took a few days. Then the writing part comes. Normally, meeting new people involves nerves for me. On the way to the campus on Friday, I realized something: I was not nervous to meet anyone. I think the blogs helped because it felt like we sort of knew each other. I was worried, despite having similar interests, that I would not click, but there was nothing to worry about because we are all buddies! As my mom put it, we got so close in one week because we were sharing space and ideas. If you are just with people discussing who did this, that, and whatever, you are not as likely to bond as fast. On the contrary, sharing thoughts about a challenging text and getting deep with others results in quicker connecting. Talking beforehand and then diving into tough material together makes for strong friends. I normal...

In Plato’s " Crito" , we meet Socrates who is in prison. His friend, Crito, proposes placing a bribe to help him escape, but Socrates refuses and proceeds to explain why he did so. While Plato was explaining the reasoning for Socrates staying in prison, I believe there is also a larger picture, one where he is attempting to convince the populace against placing bribes to help convicts flee. Plato was addressing those who have helped prisoners escape and the escapees by trying to convey the message of why running away and aiding runaways is not right. Crito says “Look here, Socrates, it is still not too late to take my advice and escape… a great many people who don’t know you and me very well will be sure to think that I let you down, because I could have saved you if I had been willing to spend the money” (56). From the way he explains his reasoning, it sounds like bribing people to help them out of prison was a common practice. It would make perfect sense then for Crito t...

My experience with learning is filled with twists and turns. There were times I liked it and times when I could have cared less. For example, learning time in the second grade was not my favorite thing (though the skill is definitely a blessing). This past year I thought my American history class was going to be dreadful (as I had not cared for it in the fifth grade) but I was wrong. I still might not like every period of it, but I loved seeing how everything was connected. My geography class in the seventh grade was one of my favorites. I did not always love reading as much as I do now, but the love was always there. It picked up in about middle school when I had more freedom to read what I desired. Soon after followed writing which was not my favorite activity in the world and nowhere close, but I learned to enjoy it. While there are times I can say I was not eager to learn, I can say I do like to overall. In " Artes Liberales " , James Schall discusses liberal education a...

Just what I wanted. A girl. They serve no purpose and a boy would have been so much better. Girls do not rule kingdoms. But no, I, King Schoeneus, was not fortunate enough to have an heir. A frown forms on my face as I look down at the child. The slaves are trustworthy enough, but not for this task, so I take it upon myself to perform the deed. I take the infant up in my arms and to a hill on the outskirts of the palace near the forest and throw her off. Do I feel remorse at tossing my child out into the elements like this? No, and in fact I soon forget that the female was even born. Years pass and I still have no son sired to me. Who is supposed to take over the throne when I am gone? Offerings are made to the gods multiple times and still they do not bless my family. There is only one action left that I know to take: Visit the Oracle. The journey will be hard but I need to know if there is any hope. I take two servants and provisions with me. I have already prayed for protection b...