What is Paideia?

I have had a request to describe what paideia is. Lets see, how can I explain paideia?

Paideia is the freshman English course that every single first year student has to take. Even if you get English AP credit in high school, you have to take paideia. Every section of paideia, each class is called a section, reads the same books. Its nice to read the same books as all of the other freshman on campus because then you can talk about how much you like or dislike the books with your friends. However more often than not you over hear people complaining to one another about either the book it self or just the large amount of pages we have to read for homework. I enjoy being able to talk to my roommates about the books, especially before I start writing papers. First semester we read about seven books. During class we mainly just discuss the books. Honestly it feels much like the English classes I took in high school. Each book was different from the others. We read a Shakespeare play, a book by Martin Luther, the Odyssey, and a couple other novels. Each semester each professor gets to choose a book that only their section will read.

During second semester we have to write a 12 page research paper on whatever subject our professor chooses. The research paper is actually the only paper we will write all semester. We are supposed to do various drafts, extending over a large period of time. We will continue to read books throughout the semester although I think we are only reading 5 or 6. In general I like paideia. The class is interesting, at times. I really like my professor, which helps a lot. If you do not like the professor you get first semester- you do not get to choose whose class you are in- you are able to switch for second semester. The part that I like about paideia is the writing, simply because I feel like I am understanding what the expectations are for writing at a college level. Even though I dread writing the papers, I know that it is a good experience and is making me better. I hope that this better explains paideia. Everyone will tell you that it is horrible, but honestly its not that bad. There are definitely worse things in life. Sure, sometimes we have a lot of homework/reading but for the most part it is manageable.

I have two more days until break, and I can't wait!!! I am ready to be done with school for a week. I hope you all have a great rest of the week and a Happy Easter!-Leah

Spring is in the Air

I finally finished my paideia paper!! It feels so good to be finished. Last night the girls and I watched movies and didn't do any homework in celebration of being done. We probably should have done homework because now I have a lot to do tonight. It is okay though, trying to focus on homework would not really have worked. Chris and I went to Wal-Mart to get some junk food to last us until spring break. He has a car, which is really nice. However I spend more money because he has a car than I would if he didn't have a car. The trip to Wal-Mart was not necessary, but kinda needed because I was out of food. I only have seven days of classes left until spring break! I can't wait. I am excited to go home and see my family. I am actually starting to miss my dad and little brother.

Sierra, Anna, and I have started climbing the wall after lifting practice. It is really fun. We have a good time, and it is a good work out. My arms and legs are sore from climbing!! Track has been winding down n the sense that we don't have anymore meets for a month. It's nice having a little break mid season. Granted the practices are considerably more difficult and longer, but it was nice having my Saturday free.

I am looking forward to this week because I am done with my paideia paper. Well, I am done with my first draft. Eventually I have to meet with my professor and talk about my paper. After I talk to her I have a week to make changes and then I have to hand it in again. Also, it is finally starting to get warm. It is supposed to be in the 40s a couple days this week!! I can't wait to finally be able to wear spring clothes and get rid of my winter coat! I hope everyone has a great week!-Leah

No sleeping in college

I wish that I had something really interesting to report. The only exciting thing in my life right now is that I am almost done with my paideia research paper. I have discovered how difficult it is to write a 12 page research paper with a thesis. In high school my research papers were more just reports and didn't really have a thesis. The paideia paper is due Monday and at this point in time I have a full draft written, but sadly it is not close to being done. I am a little overwhelmed with school work. I have two big Spanish projects due tomorrow, and I am feeling pretty sick.

I have discovered that it is a lot easier to get sick in college. Since everyone lives together germs spread pretty quickly. I feel pretty crumby right now and I ready for the weekend. Compared to high school, it is a lot harder to get enough sleep in college. I probably wouldn't not be feeling so unwell if I had been getting enough sleep for the past week or so. I stayed up really late finishing homework on Tuesday night, which did not help at all. Plus I find myself surrounded by people who just don't need as much sleep as I do. I might be done with my homework at night around 10:30, but I will stay up until midnight or later just talking to people. Track has helped me to get more sleep because when I finally finish my homework I am really tired, so I have been getting to bed a little earlier than before. Sometimes it is difficult to go to bed before everyone else because I feel like I miss out on quality bonding time, but I guess that is what I have to sacrifice so I can make it through the next day without falling asleep during class.

Today, I had a chemistry test today and then came back to my room and slept until lunch at 1. My roommates and I go to lunch together every Thursday at 1. It's a fun little tradition we have. It helps us stay connected. Anyways my life has been crazy busy this week- I won't even go into details- but thankfully the week is almost over! The highlight of my week was the Ben Folds concert. He was amazing live. I loved it. I am off to take a nap before track practice in hopes that I can get rid of this cold. I hope you all have a great week!-Leah