Reading Meeting #1: The start of it all
3 hours ago
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Relay for Life!
Washington and Lee University's first Relay for Life event was uncommonly successful for a first relay. We raised almost $15,000! In addition, the ceremony for the survivors and their speeches were beautiful displays of support, strength and hope. It was also a lot of fun staying up all night and seeing how long everyone could relay. For such a small university, W&L really made a huge impact, and that is a wonderful achievement. We hope to have another Relay for Life next year!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Spring Term
is AWESOME. I love taking just one course (plus an online information technology course). I am in stellar evolution and cosmology, which is a physics course in which we investigate the universe! Professor Sukow is a really cool professor and is energetic about the material. It's not really hard to be interested when you are pondering life on other planets!
Last week, my class went out to the area around Liberty Hall ruins to observe the stars. Professor Boller had this really powerful laser pointer that he used to indicate stars and constellations. It was awesome, and I felt like I had the curiousity of a little kid.
There is a lot going on outside of class too, such as Holocaust Rememberance Week and Relay for Life; I am on the committee for both events, which has been fun and rewarding. I will update both of these great events soon, since they are taking place this week!
Josh
Last week, my class went out to the area around Liberty Hall ruins to observe the stars. Professor Boller had this really powerful laser pointer that he used to indicate stars and constellations. It was awesome, and I felt like I had the curiousity of a little kid.
There is a lot going on outside of class too, such as Holocaust Rememberance Week and Relay for Life; I am on the committee for both events, which has been fun and rewarding. I will update both of these great events soon, since they are taking place this week!
Josh
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Now THIS is college!
Well, I guess you could say 5 weeks is "soon." It's all relative?
Anyways, here goes my update. I have really been enjoying the last few weeks here, for a variety of reasons. First of all, there is nothing better than walking around campus on a beautiful, almost spring day. Everyone seems to feed off a positive energy that generates from the natural, historic, and traditional feel of the white columns along the colonnade, the welcoming grass in front of the ivy-covered Lee Chapel, the color of the sky as it blends with the surrounding mountains, and the groups of students playing frisbee, soccer or football, or tanning, or studying, or studying a lot, or just relaxing. I'm not making this up: there is a palpable feeling of community and respect, mixed with optimism and pride.
But enough with the fancy schmancy rhetoric. I have been keeping quite busy with a smooth mix of activities. I finished my skiing course a few weeks ago, and I absolutely loved learning how to ski on the beautiful slopes at The Homestead. My friend and I had our own instructor each time we went, and learned a very fun sport. I definitely couldn't have taken a skiing course in Florida...
A group of friends and I decided to go to George Washington University in DC for a parliamentary debate tournament. Being just a few hours from the nation's capital is really nice, because we just went in a friend's car and drove there. It was my first debate tournament, which made for an interesting first round. It was a lot of fun, but we need to practice our organization and case arguments.
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas spoke in Lee Chapel on Monday, giving a speech about his duties and his style of interpretation. It was cool to be close to a man who is one of the most important people in the world of law. Secret Service made the event even more exciting!
Finally, the Great Latke-Hamantashen debate, sponsored by Hillel, was a hilariously entertaining event. The Latke team, represented by Profs. Delaney and France put up a delicious fight against the Hamantashens, represented by Profs. Goldsmith and Keen. Their was SOME logic used, but mostly good old Jewish humor...not to mention a nice helping of, well, latkes and hamantashens afterwards. It was awesome to see professors make such funny arguments, based on "research" related to their fields.
I've noticed lately how incredible it is to have really small, intimate classes. My multivariable calculus class has 7 students, which makes it so easy to just ask about a problem or theorem. In other words, it's not hard to learn. In my sociology class, we have class discussions about the weekly topics, such as race, family, or education. Dr. Cintron is a wonderful professor who really makes clear connections to real life issues. We have to write a research paper for the course, and Dr. Cintron helps each students form their own topics. It is so helpful to be able to meet with your professor, one-on-one, and discuss an area that you wish to study. I was reading an article about the economy today, and had a question about the Fed, and issues about credit. So I emailed my economics professor, Michael Smitka, and he responded less than 15 minutes later with a thorough explanation.
At W&L, the professors care. It makes it a lot more likely for the students to care, which completes the cycle.
I am really looking forward to spring term, during which we take one or two courses and focus on just that for six weeks. It should be a blast.
I hope the whole college choosing process is going well. Again, let me know if you have any questions!
Josh Posner'12
posnerj@wlu.edu
Anyways, here goes my update. I have really been enjoying the last few weeks here, for a variety of reasons. First of all, there is nothing better than walking around campus on a beautiful, almost spring day. Everyone seems to feed off a positive energy that generates from the natural, historic, and traditional feel of the white columns along the colonnade, the welcoming grass in front of the ivy-covered Lee Chapel, the color of the sky as it blends with the surrounding mountains, and the groups of students playing frisbee, soccer or football, or tanning, or studying, or studying a lot, or just relaxing. I'm not making this up: there is a palpable feeling of community and respect, mixed with optimism and pride.
But enough with the fancy schmancy rhetoric. I have been keeping quite busy with a smooth mix of activities. I finished my skiing course a few weeks ago, and I absolutely loved learning how to ski on the beautiful slopes at The Homestead. My friend and I had our own instructor each time we went, and learned a very fun sport. I definitely couldn't have taken a skiing course in Florida...
A group of friends and I decided to go to George Washington University in DC for a parliamentary debate tournament. Being just a few hours from the nation's capital is really nice, because we just went in a friend's car and drove there. It was my first debate tournament, which made for an interesting first round. It was a lot of fun, but we need to practice our organization and case arguments.
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas spoke in Lee Chapel on Monday, giving a speech about his duties and his style of interpretation. It was cool to be close to a man who is one of the most important people in the world of law. Secret Service made the event even more exciting!
Finally, the Great Latke-Hamantashen debate, sponsored by Hillel, was a hilariously entertaining event. The Latke team, represented by Profs. Delaney and France put up a delicious fight against the Hamantashens, represented by Profs. Goldsmith and Keen. Their was SOME logic used, but mostly good old Jewish humor...not to mention a nice helping of, well, latkes and hamantashens afterwards. It was awesome to see professors make such funny arguments, based on "research" related to their fields.
I've noticed lately how incredible it is to have really small, intimate classes. My multivariable calculus class has 7 students, which makes it so easy to just ask about a problem or theorem. In other words, it's not hard to learn. In my sociology class, we have class discussions about the weekly topics, such as race, family, or education. Dr. Cintron is a wonderful professor who really makes clear connections to real life issues. We have to write a research paper for the course, and Dr. Cintron helps each students form their own topics. It is so helpful to be able to meet with your professor, one-on-one, and discuss an area that you wish to study. I was reading an article about the economy today, and had a question about the Fed, and issues about credit. So I emailed my economics professor, Michael Smitka, and he responded less than 15 minutes later with a thorough explanation.
At W&L, the professors care. It makes it a lot more likely for the students to care, which completes the cycle.
I am really looking forward to spring term, during which we take one or two courses and focus on just that for six weeks. It should be a blast.
I hope the whole college choosing process is going well. Again, let me know if you have any questions!
Josh Posner'12
posnerj@wlu.edu
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Winter (Cold) Term
Hey everyone,
Winter term has been pretty interesting so far. I feel like it's going much faster than last term, which is a good thing considering we all are pumped for spring term to arrive. I'm surviving my first Lexington winter well, but its definitely not South Florida here. But guess what, I am in a skiing class! I get to take skiing lessons with a private instructor and get credit for it. You can't do that just anywhere.
My classes are cool, too. My political philosophy class is, to say the least, intellectually stimulating. Professor Velasquez helps us understand philosophers' points and question their intentions or thoughts. We have read Shakespeare and analyzed it through the eyes of Machiavelli, and have wondered what in the world Rousseau was talking about.
In my sociology class, we have weekly class discussions about topics such as inequality, gender, and education. It's fun for me to always try to apply our talks to real life. Macroeconomics and multivariable calculus have also been good. I'm enjoying my classes. W&L boasts a great student to faculty ratio, and its awesome when that actually does help you when you have a question for one of your professors. They really are always right there for you.
I'll be back shortly. Please let me know if I can answer any questions you might have. This time last year for me was definitely not so simple, so I would be happy to help out.
Josh
posnerj@wlu.edu
Winter term has been pretty interesting so far. I feel like it's going much faster than last term, which is a good thing considering we all are pumped for spring term to arrive. I'm surviving my first Lexington winter well, but its definitely not South Florida here. But guess what, I am in a skiing class! I get to take skiing lessons with a private instructor and get credit for it. You can't do that just anywhere.
My classes are cool, too. My political philosophy class is, to say the least, intellectually stimulating. Professor Velasquez helps us understand philosophers' points and question their intentions or thoughts. We have read Shakespeare and analyzed it through the eyes of Machiavelli, and have wondered what in the world Rousseau was talking about.
In my sociology class, we have weekly class discussions about topics such as inequality, gender, and education. It's fun for me to always try to apply our talks to real life. Macroeconomics and multivariable calculus have also been good. I'm enjoying my classes. W&L boasts a great student to faculty ratio, and its awesome when that actually does help you when you have a question for one of your professors. They really are always right there for you.
I'll be back shortly. Please let me know if I can answer any questions you might have. This time last year for me was definitely not so simple, so I would be happy to help out.
Josh
posnerj@wlu.edu
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Final Week of Classes Already?
So it's Tuesday, December 2, and I have three days left of my first term of college.
WHAT?
It absolutely flew by! I feel like I'm just now finally getting settled, and used to the college life. It has been a very interesting term. I really liked going back to Florida for Thanksgiving Break. You couldn't ask for nicer weather! With my friend, I drove for about 15 hours to my home in Boca Raton, and was able to celebrate the holiday with my family and hang out with my friends. It was such a cool feeling to be back home and know that I still live there, but I go to college in a totally different place, let alone part of the country. I am really proud when I tell my friends about my experiences so far at Washington and Lee, and I am ready and excited for the terms and years to come.
But for now, I have to focus on finals!!! True to the W&L Tradition, tests can be taken when YOU want to take them, within a pretty easy timeframe. I think I will take my exams one a day starting next Monday, to spread them out. It's pretty liberating to choose when you take your finals. I can't believe I'm just about finished with my first term, but I am really looking forward to (winter break) and winter term!
Please email me if you have any questions, because I know I had a few back in December of 2007. Applying to college is not always so simple! My email address is posnerj@wlu.edu
WHAT?
It absolutely flew by! I feel like I'm just now finally getting settled, and used to the college life. It has been a very interesting term. I really liked going back to Florida for Thanksgiving Break. You couldn't ask for nicer weather! With my friend, I drove for about 15 hours to my home in Boca Raton, and was able to celebrate the holiday with my family and hang out with my friends. It was such a cool feeling to be back home and know that I still live there, but I go to college in a totally different place, let alone part of the country. I am really proud when I tell my friends about my experiences so far at Washington and Lee, and I am ready and excited for the terms and years to come.
But for now, I have to focus on finals!!! True to the W&L Tradition, tests can be taken when YOU want to take them, within a pretty easy timeframe. I think I will take my exams one a day starting next Monday, to spread them out. It's pretty liberating to choose when you take your finals. I can't believe I'm just about finished with my first term, but I am really looking forward to (winter break) and winter term!
Please email me if you have any questions, because I know I had a few back in December of 2007. Applying to college is not always so simple! My email address is posnerj@wlu.edu
Friday, November 14, 2008
Shabbat Dinner with President and Mrs. Ruscio at Lee House
Shabbat with the Ruscios!
For Shabbat tonight, President Ruscio and his wife invited several students from the Hillel to join them in a delicious dinner in their home, the Lee House, which was the home of Robert E. Lee in the final year of his presidency at the school, before he passed away. There were 9 or 10 students who attended the intimate occasion. Our wonderful director of Hillel, Mrs. Joan Robins, helped coordinate the dinner.
From the moment I walked in, I felt truly welcomed by President and Mrs. Ruscio. The Lee house is full of history, from the priceless portraits on the wall to the furniture that the Lee family once used everyday. Mrs. Ruscio kindly gave us a tour of their home, which is probably almost too close to the boisterous freshman dorms. There's a piano in the living room that was personally made for Robert E. Lee. You could feel the history and see the progression of time in the house as it has been maintained to its modern condition. It was an honor to explore the Lee house, and even more special that our current President showed us around.
For Shabbat tonight, President Ruscio and his wife invited several students from the Hillel to join them in a delicious dinner in their home, the Lee House, which was the home of Robert E. Lee in the final year of his presidency at the school, before he passed away. There were 9 or 10 students who attended the intimate occasion. Our wonderful director of Hillel, Mrs. Joan Robins, helped coordinate the dinner.
From the moment I walked in, I felt truly welcomed by President and Mrs. Ruscio. The Lee house is full of history, from the priceless portraits on the wall to the furniture that the Lee family once used everyday. Mrs. Ruscio kindly gave us a tour of their home, which is probably almost too close to the boisterous freshman dorms. There's a piano in the living room that was personally made for Robert E. Lee. You could feel the history and see the progression of time in the house as it has been maintained to its modern condition. It was an honor to explore the Lee house, and even more special that our current President showed us around.
Then came the dinner. Of course, we needed to say the prayers for Shabbat, the prayer for the candles, the kiddush and the Ha-motzi. Traditionally, the woman of the household says the prayer for the candles, and then the man of the household blesses the bread. We do attend Washington and Lee University, so we respect our traditions. Mrs. Ruscio confidently lit the candles and President Ruscio helped us bless the Challah. I have to say, seeing the Ruscios participate in our Shabbat dinner with such respect and interest for Judaism really made me feel that my religion was fully supported by the university. We might not have the numbers like some schools have, but I bet I would not be celebrating Shabbat in the President's home anywhere else. Dennis Cross, the Vice President for University Advancement, whom I sat next to and had a very interesting conversation about the population in South Florida, later gave a great speech about the Hillel's progress in terms of its fundraising for the Center for Jewish Life, and its dedication to the cause.
We are getting very close to reaching the $4 million goal, and are on track to begin construction sometime around the summer of 2009. It's really a very exciting time to be a Jewish student at W&L. The university, true to its motto-Non Incautus Futuri (Not Unmindful of the Future)-, is trying to embrace different cultures and lifestyles. I am really excited to see a physical presence of Jewish life, and with pride and dedication, we will have a center in just a couple of years. The passion for progress and diversity here makes me proud to be a student at such a historic liberal arts university.
On behalf of the students of Hillel, I want to thank President and Mrs. Ruscio for opening up their home to us for this special Shabbat. It was truly an honor to dine (the chicken was delish!) with them. Our Jewish family is small here in Lexington, but our support is strong, and that is what makes a this university a great one.
Shabbat Shalom!
Josh Posner'12
We are getting very close to reaching the $4 million goal, and are on track to begin construction sometime around the summer of 2009. It's really a very exciting time to be a Jewish student at W&L. The university, true to its motto-Non Incautus Futuri (Not Unmindful of the Future)-, is trying to embrace different cultures and lifestyles. I am really excited to see a physical presence of Jewish life, and with pride and dedication, we will have a center in just a couple of years. The passion for progress and diversity here makes me proud to be a student at such a historic liberal arts university.
On behalf of the students of Hillel, I want to thank President and Mrs. Ruscio for opening up their home to us for this special Shabbat. It was truly an honor to dine (the chicken was delish!) with them. Our Jewish family is small here in Lexington, but our support is strong, and that is what makes a this university a great one.
Shabbat Shalom!
Josh Posner'12
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Sukkot, Parent's Weekend and other cool stuff
Hey everyone,
W&L has been very exciting the last couple weeks. I am really getting into my classes as the semester unfolds, and there has been a lot going on on campus. For Sukkot, a group of students in Hillel got together to build an absolutely perfect (if I do say so myself) sukkah. We successfully built the sukkah right next to the University Commons, and it was a very interesting attraction for students who don't exactly know why a wooden hut with fruit on it is suddenly built. It was really nice to get to explain the holiday, and the sukkah, to curious students. We had "Pizza in the Hut" also, which was open to everyone and was a big hit on campus. The sukkah was definitely a "sukkess."
This past weekend was parent and family weekend. It was cool to show my family around campus, meet my friends, and experience some of the W&L "culture." I enjoyed eating at the delicious little restaurants in town, and getting a break from D-Hall (although I really have no complaints about D-Hall food :), honestly!). I recommend the Bistro on Main and the Southern Inn, they are definitely a couple of the best in the area. For Shabbat, my family and I went to the Hillel's Shabbat service and dinner. It was heartwarming to get to sing prayers with my family and friends. And of course, the home-cooked dinner hit the spot. A few professors attended, and it was a really nice experience for me to get to know them on a more personal level. Dr. Novack and Dr. Goldsmith are brilliant professors, and they both are really kind and helpful people. It was a really nice Shabbat.
I went with my mom to see the A Capella concert in Lee Chapel on Saturday. All the groups were really talented and it was nice to see how many different soloists we have on campus. W&L really has a wide range of talented students, and it showed on stage. I really enjoyed just driving around Lexington and Buena Vista with my family, seeing the gorgeous mountains that are in full fall fashion of leaves. W&L is really a sight you have to see during the fall, as the surrounding trees and mountains are just bucolic. Remember, I'm coming from South Florida, where its 50 weeks of summer and 2 weeks of "I guess I'll wear a jacket" weather, so it's definitely a different setting for me here in Lexington, but I am loving it.
Well, I have to finish a math test, which I am free to take whenever/wherever I want, because of the honor system, and I will be playing in a raquetball tournament later for class, at my own scheduled time, so I am off to do, well, college!
W&L has been very exciting the last couple weeks. I am really getting into my classes as the semester unfolds, and there has been a lot going on on campus. For Sukkot, a group of students in Hillel got together to build an absolutely perfect (if I do say so myself) sukkah. We successfully built the sukkah right next to the University Commons, and it was a very interesting attraction for students who don't exactly know why a wooden hut with fruit on it is suddenly built. It was really nice to get to explain the holiday, and the sukkah, to curious students. We had "Pizza in the Hut" also, which was open to everyone and was a big hit on campus. The sukkah was definitely a "sukkess."
This past weekend was parent and family weekend. It was cool to show my family around campus, meet my friends, and experience some of the W&L "culture." I enjoyed eating at the delicious little restaurants in town, and getting a break from D-Hall (although I really have no complaints about D-Hall food :), honestly!). I recommend the Bistro on Main and the Southern Inn, they are definitely a couple of the best in the area. For Shabbat, my family and I went to the Hillel's Shabbat service and dinner. It was heartwarming to get to sing prayers with my family and friends. And of course, the home-cooked dinner hit the spot. A few professors attended, and it was a really nice experience for me to get to know them on a more personal level. Dr. Novack and Dr. Goldsmith are brilliant professors, and they both are really kind and helpful people. It was a really nice Shabbat.
I went with my mom to see the A Capella concert in Lee Chapel on Saturday. All the groups were really talented and it was nice to see how many different soloists we have on campus. W&L really has a wide range of talented students, and it showed on stage. I really enjoyed just driving around Lexington and Buena Vista with my family, seeing the gorgeous mountains that are in full fall fashion of leaves. W&L is really a sight you have to see during the fall, as the surrounding trees and mountains are just bucolic. Remember, I'm coming from South Florida, where its 50 weeks of summer and 2 weeks of "I guess I'll wear a jacket" weather, so it's definitely a different setting for me here in Lexington, but I am loving it.
Well, I have to finish a math test, which I am free to take whenever/wherever I want, because of the honor system, and I will be playing in a raquetball tournament later for class, at my own scheduled time, so I am off to do, well, college!
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