The spice of life
GUEST BLOG
June 17, 2009
Megan Gileza, Dardenne Prairie, Mo.
Today marked the halfway point in the academy, and, again, it was a busy, fun-filled day.
I began my day with biscuits and gravy at Mark Twain Market and then took some time to play cards in the lobby with the other scholars waiting for class. I’ve now fallen into the full swing of the academy’s schedule.
After lunch, I chose to spend my afternoon constructing tangrams. The friendly competition and challenging puzzles contributed to an awesome day. Following dinner, we had some down time; I took the opportunity to call some of the people I’ve been missing back home.
The resident advisers prepared a smorgasbord for the scholars tonight. Later in the evening we all headed out to our chosen activities. I’d signed up for the poetry slam workshop; it was really cool to be exposed to a form of poetry I didn’t know a lot about.
Preceding curfew, we had some time to unwind and socialize. At 10:30 p.m., everyone headed back to the residence hall for house meetings and some much-needed sleep!
June 18, 2009
Sarah Jones, O’Fallon, Mo.
Walking through the cafeteria this morning, one could see napkins with the words “Thank you” or “Have a nice day” on many scholars’ trays. These messages were written for the Mark Twain Market staff to show them how appreciative the scholars are of their hard work.
After breakfast, students headed to the Quad for taiso, led by Ake Takahashi. Taiso had been postponed due to the weather.
After majors, minors, Personal and Social Dynamics and a wide array of afternoon activities, scholars had a chance to participate in an etiquette dinner in which they learned the formalities of proper dining.
After dinner, we could choose from many interesting evening lectures and presentations, including a jazz lecture, West African dance, a talk by Missouri Poet Laureate Walter Bargen and a showing of Examined Life, a film by Astra Taylor.
Finally, scholars shuffled back to their rooms for some much-needed rest to get ready to start another exciting day.
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