Quality

What I love about this class is that the discussions and concepts operate on so many levels, are filled with such chaos, such unsurety that the realms of possibilities are endless. The thought that there is no right way to read a book, only countless versions of less wrong was initially daunting but has become a firmly established presence in my mind thanks to this class. Environments like this inspire creativity, yes, but they also allow for passion. Pirsig states in his philosophy that in order to truly experience quality one must both embrace and apply it to the situation - to see as both a rationalist and romantic. I'd like to say that I can see how either extreme would wear at a person. Being a science major I'm constantly entrenched in lectures filled with logic and scientific reasoning and the rational mind.Which is why, every semester, I make sure to have at least one class that acts as a contrast. Literature, acting, foreign language - I can take a step back from thoughts as neurons and signalling and chemical reactions and instead begin to think in a different way, in which thoughts remain as mystical, skittish creatures that must be coaxed out of hiding. And when they do, they become so much more, so much bigger than ourselves and fill our world with new color and awe for the (possibly) unattainable.

It's an interesting question - can we measure quality in higher education? I think, as much as it is the responsibility of the institution to provide the opportunity, it ultimately rests with the individual to take their future in their hands and find passion in their surroundings. There is quality, but it is hidden. The system as it is now almost waits for you to stumble your way blindly upon it. The way to quality is wrought with chance; the teacher makes the class, and a bad experience could throw you off the initially promising subject forever. Yes, we have core classes that force us to explore different pursuits, but the key word is force. In order for there to be quality and in order for the students to truly gain an appreciation for what they are studying, they must want to find it. But in order to create that mindset, that desire to learn and grow, they need the right environment. Something besides scripted power point lectures. Something that causes us to question all we believe in, tear us down and build us back up anew, that can assure us that 'yes, this is why we are here'.