Guest speakers add a great deal to classroom learning

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natalie.jpgThis week I attended a variety of lectures and learned that Colgate never fails to bring great speakers and presentations to campus. On Tuesday, as part of my Challenges of Modernity class, I attended a film screening of Jean-Luc Godard’s Histoire(s) du cinema.

I found this avant-garde French film to be rather dense. Luckily, the next day Daniel Morgan, a specialist on film studies and Godard, came and lectured on the content and theme of the film. Thanks to Morgan’s discussion of the film, our class was able to appreciate its form and correlation to what we are currently studying.

Additionally, I went to a lecture by Jake Brashears on Thermogenesis in Pythons. This talk was really informative and Brashears engaged the audience with his interesting findings and witty personality. I feel lucky that Colgate brings such great speakers to campus to add to the experience of learning outside the classroom.

I really appreciate the fact that any student who is seeking assistance or tutoring in an area of study can easily find a student-tutor to help with that subject. This week I had to make up a calculus test, and wanted to review some of the chapters.

My professor provided me a list of student math majors who work as tutors, and after e-mailing some of them, I immediately heard back from one who said she could assist me.

We spent a few hours going over the finer points of implicit differentiation and linearization and I left feeling much more confident about the material. I think it is great that Colgate students are so willing to volunteer their time by working as tutors.

Gluten-free goodies were among some of the samples offered at Frank Dining Hall

This past Thursday, as students arrived for lunch, they encountered something very new in Frank Dining Hall.

The food service lines, as well as a few sections of the sitting area, featured company representatives who provided samples of their products for students to try.

Students could sample everything from creative vegan and vegetarian options to gluten-free brownies and organic teas. Students’ lunches consisted of a variety of new and interesting foods they seemed to really enjoy. After trying these new items, many expressed a desire for their permanent place on the menu.

I personally loved the falafel, pasta primavera, and fruit with chocolate fondue options that were served. Even the Colgate Raider, who made a surprise appearance, joined in on this unique lunch.

Look every Friday for my blog entries about what is going on at Colgate.