The Second Week

Good afternoon, my darling readers!

Today marked the commencement of our second week of summer college. The forecast was correct. Sure enough, today's clouds brought us rain. But the weather is of little importance. Today's lecture was on LOCKEAN LIBERALISM. We have left behind the ideas of classical antiquity and have moved forward to analyze concepts of the modern era. Here is the outline for today, the 29th of June...

I. From Justice to Freedom

II. Locke;s Life (1632 - 1704)

III. Lockean Liberal Principles

a. "Individualism"

b. Rational MAn

c. Natural Rights

d. Negative Freedom

e. Property

f. TOMORROW!

g. TOMORROW!

As you can see from the above outline, our lecture on Locke has been broken up into a two-day segment. Today's topic was interesting in that the Declaration of Independence is so clearly tied to Locke's ideals. It is said that the importance of Locke's ideas is derived from the simple fact that his perceptions have been so influential to just about everything theoretical, philosophical, and political. It was great to be able to learn first-hand of the source behind the ideas of the Declaration of Independence. 

Since it is a Monday, we had discussion section and writing workshop after lecture. I have been dreading and anticipating this day since last week. As you know, we turned in the final drafts of our freedom essays on Friday. That same day, our TAs informed us we would get it back (corrected) on Monday - TODAY. Desmond had some positive comments about my composition, which was a huge relief. I know sometimes people have a tendency to slack off when they do well on an assignment. I'm kind of the opposite. Receiving compliments always pushes me to work even harder the next time, because I feel like doing well creates expectations. I never want to fall short of what people think I am capable of, so I always give my best. I think the freedom essays will push me to go above and beyond to succeed in this course. Hopefully my Plato essay will have a positive outcome as well!

I think I will walk away from this experience with a new outlook. It has only been a little over a week and I already feel like I am a better thinker. I have learned to read more closely, to pay more attention, to analyze everything, but to also enjoy what I do. It hit me today when I was walking back to the dorms from class that next week will mark our final week in Ithaca. That thought genuinely saddens me. I've gotten into the swing of things over here. Though it will be great to be home, I will miss Cornell, the class, my colleagues, our TA, our discussion section. All of it has somewhat become a routine for me, and when it's time to go home, I'm going to miss it all. What can I say? Ithaca is growing on me.

This has been such a positive, influential, and beneficial experience. And I am here because of the Ivy League Connection. I can only hope that the ILC continues to flourish so that it can continue to provide students like me when this WONDERFUL opportunity. Hardworking, deserving students need to be recognized and rewarded, and the ILC does just that. It provides students with an incentive and a motivation to continue onward in their academic success. For me, the ILC has given me so much more than I could have ever even imagined. My chance for a successful future has increased dramatically because of my participation in this program. I will try my best to think of some way to bring my experience back to the community. Students deserve this same opportunity I had. If I can inspire even one student to work harder in school, it will all be worth it.

I will end my blog with that note. More words of wisdom tomorrow! (:

- xoxo, Julia.