Summer Session 2012: Unfoldment in Thought, Enfolded in Love
"I feel richer than I was two weeks ago. I know better who I am."
"It was a spiritual experience for me. I feel closer to God."
“Much more rewarding than a holiday!”
Encapsulating the spirit of lifelong learning (and doing), Principia’s 2012 Summer Sessioners are bubbling with enthusiasm over their recent experience on the bluffs above Elsah.
Although the 174 attendees constituted a smaller group than usual—because of limited residential space due to major dorm renovations—there was no shortage of interest in the 45 classes offered over the two weeks. Similarly, morning chapels and evening talks and entertainment programs were extremely well attended and much appreciated.
Most, though not all, participants stayed for both weeks and were full of praise for the School, College, and visiting faculty who taught the courses, ranging from music appreciation to current politics and from Bible study to creative writing and art. One student who has attended at least a dozen Summer Sessions couldn’t say enough about the teachers’ “amazing knowledge, enthusiasm, and wit.”
Similarly, Kim Browning, director of Principia Lifelong Learning, had high praise for the students’ passion. “The enthusiasm of these students for learning is so inspiring,” he commented. “At every occasion they jump at the opportunity to learn. Standing around the Principia Solar Car, they'd just come up with one good question after another. These eager students are the ideal picture of the lifelong learner.”
First time attendee Tina Blackwell of Hayesville, North Carolina, was only able to stay for one week, but she says she can’t stop “singing the praises of Principia Lifelong Learning.” She had heard about Summer Session for many years and finally took the plunge—and has absolutely no regrets!
“I’ve had such unfoldment in thought,” Blackwell says. But more than that, she appreciates being “enfolded in the love expressed by everyone—from the pickup at the airport, through the week, right up to the drop-off.”
“Tina is so right,” agrees Browning, adding, “It is the Summer Sessioners themselves who take that sense of love expressed and reflect and amplify it. It is fun for us as well!”
No less complimentary are those who are regulars at Summer Session. Along with enjoying the classes and activities, many appreciate the opportunity to make new friends. “Each time I get to know so many new people, and we all share much in common,” says one repeat sessioner.
When asked if she plans to attend Summer Session again, Blackwell went one better: “I definitely will return—sooner than next year. Autumn Session, which begins this September, is on my calendar already!”