Seminar? Yes. Attendance? No.

November 10th, 2017. I woke up in a hotel room and changed into a pair of warmer clothes with running clothes underneath. Leaving the room, a venture began across the city for a place to eat breakfast. After settling down and eating, I met up with my coach and we practice ran the state cross country course in Tallahassee, Florida.

However, my morning differed than that of most of my classmates. Despite my lack of presence at the latest class Catcher in the Rye discussion, I have gathered some general insight on the seminar and the process.

One of the most prominent comments I heard about the seminar was Josiah talked. A lot. Which I can see in a positive light; he must’ve really had a lot of critical analysis, understanding, and passion about the book. Go you, Josiah, for being prepared to discuss! But on the other hand, I heard that some students didn’t feel always comfortable butting in and speaking when another student was in conversation. So I can understand if there was some frustration for quieter students concerning the talk time Josiah got.

Continuing on, I also heard word that the seminar was super uncomfortable. Students reported to me that they didn’t feel like they could be themselves exactly. But I understand why. Given that the seminar counted as a test grade, it was pretty important that rules were followed and processes were performed traditionally. And it’s only the first time we’e done a seminar. So, naturally, when everything is new and sometimes unclear and one discussion can change a student’s overall grade, it would lead to discomfort.

And, finally, I heard evidence from both sides that students were appreciative of the seminar and learned a lot from it and that students didn’t feel like they learned anything they didn’t already know. I’m not sure what I feel like I would’ve gotten out of it, but I do wish to be a part of an activity such as this sometime. From everything I heard, it sounded like everyone did a great job “policing” themselves and keeping a certain coolness to the seminar. No extreme battles were fought nor were voices raised in argument from my understanding.

Also PS huge shoutout to Caitlin, Mackenzie, Danya, Kayla, and Brenden for having blogs done by 10 PM so I could use your information in your post as reference!!!!!!!!