One of the wonderful things about going to Lafayette is the love you can find. Sure, I’m in a long-term relationship as I write this post but I’m talking about something a little different. A geekier sort of love in the form of academic pursuits.
Since I’ve been here I’ve had the opportunity to really acquaint myself with a number of professors and the incomparable Skillman Library. These resources have enabled me to pursue my love in written form. Over the last four years I have been able to learn about a large number of things far outside the bounds of my majors: photography, French, computer engineering, carpentry, philosophy, space travel, and even the complete history of James Bond. This semester in particular allowed me to write two truly enjoyable papers about topics I never thought I’d have in my classes.
The first was a sociological interpretation of the past, present, and future of the American space program. It was a fantastic journey and I was not only able to pursue my dual passions for sociology and space travel but I also found out what a wonderful writer Buzz Aldrin is. A few weeks passed and I found myself again writing a paper that I never thought I’d write: a history and sociopolitical analysis of James Bond. Were you aware of Bond’s affinity for navy summer suits and that the next Bond might be Black? Writing the paper was an enlightening experience and a unique way to examine the history of the last 60 years.
I am thankful for experiences like these that have been afforded to me by the enthusiasm and openness that can be found here. I am also thankful for the professors that have encouraged me to dive in headfirst and are happy to talk about their favorite bad kung-fu movies. Thank you all so much.
