a valuable lesson

Cohort 2010 is the name of our group as we study, research, and discuss together at Enterprise Square in downtown Edmonton. We are a mixed lot yet there is a collective energy among us all including the professors, that I have not experienced in a very long time. We all have lots to contribute, yet everyone respects the other’s “place in line.” No free-for-all and everyone can speak freely. No one is “lording it over” the other. Refreshing. We are a diverse group, yet there is an unspoken professionalism that we truly care about one another’s thoughts and opinions. Twice refreshing. They’re even open to a Gabriola hug. The content and context of what we study together and on own are mind-boggling, often confusing and intimidating, but then there’s that epiphany when the lights go on and you understand. You can disagree with conventional thought or challenge every author’s contribution in the course reading material. So, what’s the valuable lesson? If the heart’s in it, then the rest will fall into place. I see a lot of heart in Cohort 2010.

How to escape noise?

A restless Sunday morning while northbound on highway 2. Going for a long drive – anywhere. They were noisy at TH. Just a few pages of coffee shop people this time. My head is swimming in metatheory. Through Westmount towards Slave Lake. Noise following me in the shadows. Then there were the voices of my loved ones. I miss them very much. Back on campus in my cell, I have company all afternoon. Gordon Lightfoot, The Doors, Iona, Toby Emerson, Ennio Morricone, and Dire Straits. Life without television. And they can only connect me to wireless on Monday, when the office is open and I’m downtown attending classes. Even knowledge has bureaucracy. Those who stroll on campus look down at the pavement. I checked. It wasn’t my cologne. Nobody smiles. But it’s the noise of loneliness that drives my thoughts. But, there was an escape. I fell asleep while praying. I woke and the noise was gone. But, what’s with the rabbits? UofA, like UBC, VIU, and UVIC, all have resident rabbits. Lots of them. They stare at me. Is it a new campus security initiative? I was sure I saw a couple of them with bunnycams.

Our "head office" downtown Edmonton

Excellent location. Scholarly pursuits surrounded by coffee shops. Inside view is the Atrium. Now if only our classrooms looked like that....

Week 1. Phew! What a ride!

I’m not one for mountain climbing. Like to watch it on National Geographic, but personally, I prefer a paved highway. Mount Washington, about 1 ½ hrs. north from where I live, is a spectacular snow-covered mountain, one of the best for skiing in BC. Don’t do that either, but loved the Winter Olympic’s giant downhill events, on TV of course. There’s a paved highway to the top. I don’t do rides at theme parks either. Not so this past week. Had to climb a pretty tall mountain called “sociopsychological theory,” and race down its rollercoaster slope, otherwise known as “stand-up presentation time with back-up Powerpoint.” But, I had a tremendous partner for the event. I think we aced it. Oh yes, forgot to mention. We had a blizzard this week. Got blown off my feet ( almost ) in a cool way. Haven’t had to “bend into the wind” for a long time. But there’s always week 2.

Day 1: thump, thump!

At first I thought it was the sound of steel wheels pounding down a track as two freight trains, No.’s 502 and 503 came barreling towards me. Somebody! Help! But then I realized the thump thump was my own heart beating with anticipation at the prospect of having to answer the question, “so Gerrit, can you tell us something about yourself?” A dangerous question to ask me, so say my friends, unless you have at least an hour to spare.
But then, isn’t that the grand design of communication, to say much with little? Dare I say, perhaps Twitter is a better deal than Wikipedia? But how to define “much” and “little?” Well, tomorrow is another day.

Meet‘n Greet Jitters

There we were - a cohort of some 30 people, dressed business casual, our only communications tool a name tag on a string. Easy for short people, but when you’re tall like me it means a lot of bending. What a thrill to meet so many interesting people, from literally all over the country and overseas, and faculty members too. Within minutes, conversations sprang up as if we were at a family reunion waiting with anticipation to tell our stories since last we met. Wonderfully catered, a quick tour of classrooms, introductions, and whatever jitters I had accumulated over the long drive from Gabriola Island to Edmonton, soon dissipated in the anticipation of friendships to be born during our Spring Institute. Tomorrow it’s “show time” at 8:30 am, unless I count coffee and muffins at 7:30 as the real curtain’s-up at centre stage. But, I confess, I missed my afternoon NAP ( Not Actively Participating). I must not underestimate the degree to which I will be engaged in a scholarly pursuit of something as enigmatic as theory. Intimidating sometimes. Tiring for sure. One fellow cohort member said “I’m good till midnight.” Me? I’m done for the day and it’s 5:30 pm. Tbc.

happy trails

The ferry leaving our small island on early Thursday evening was nice, and so was the Friday 5:45 am view of a full moon setting over Vancouver Island, but when I got to Rogers Pass, brrrr. It was the 1st of May. Banff was better.