the shlas junal - st. thomas
TRANSCRIPT
THESCHOLAR’SJOURNAL
Photo courtesy of Natalie Stoner
2019 February EditionThe Aquinas Scholars Honors Program
Editor: Althea Larson
Scholars On Campus
Editor’s Note: On Feb. 11, honor students attended an on-campus event called “American Textures: In-Depth Look at Race & Difference in the U.S.” The movie was shown to inspire powerful conversations about how we interact with other cultures. As the St. Thomas Aquinas Scholars Honors Program, we feel it is important for us members to leave the university with the knowledge and capability to respectively interact with those who are different from us.Here are a few reflections from our peers at the event:
I, along with most of my floor from Dowling Hall, attended the film screening of “American Textures.” The screening, along with a discussion, was led by the char-ismatic Jonathan Santos. The film focused on six Americans of all different races, including Santos, travelling across the southern United States, learning about rac-ism in different communities. The documentary raised many important questions, such as how we can combat racism in our own communities, especially here at St. Thomas. We also watched important discussions between the young adults who were traveling together in which they discussed how their race affected them and their own personal communities. From the discussions in the film I was able to see that everyone has a different experience in life, and a lot of that can be determined by their race. However, I found the most powerful part of the program to be our dis-cussion after, in which I heard from my fellow St. Thomas students. This discussion opened my eyes to the reality that racism does occur at St. Thomas, regardless of if I recognize it or not. Some of my closest friends are affected by racism, but I still fail to acknowledge it, simply because it does not happen to me. If I gained anything from the film and discussion, I hope it was that my eyes have been opened about how subtle racism can be and how prevalent it still is in our society.- Bridget Ahern
The American Texture film was a visual look inside racism, as six people from dif-ferent ethnic backgrounds teamed-up and traveled throughout America to face the reality of racism. Before the film began, an introduction was given by Jonathon San-tos. He briefly described the film and followed that up with a poem and performing a song. The most memorable line from his poem was “Common unity, community”. I found this line particularly intriguing because it brings forth a type of truth that many people may overlook. The poem and the song that Jonathon performed was my favorite part of this event. After the film, we were able to discuss with others our opinions. It was a great opportunity to voice our own thoughts, listen to others, and engage in a healthy conversation about a sensitive topic in today’s society. In matters such as racism, I believe it is important to know how to discuss the topic with others because it brings awareness to the issue and it allows others to hear a different point of view that they may have never considered before. Even though having these dis-cussions may not solve racism, it is a huge step to overcome because then it allows people to come together and try and rectify the problem. Overall, I found this event eye-opening and the film sent a very powerful message.- Hailey Foss
Scholars AbroadAshley Burt
View of the Vatican and Rome at the top of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Statue of Saint Peter in St. Peter’s. View of the altar in St. Peter’s.
The Suffering of Maximilian KolbeNathan Kuhlman
Whenever we hear about suffering, pain, death, or any words associated with these con-cepts, our first reaction is to shrink away. The tone of a conversation involving these topics changes to serious, fragile or morose. A certain discom-fort, frequently accompanied by fear, arises in our minds. All these effects arise from the fact that our human nature is naturally opposed to suffering. Yet, in the case of St. Maximilian Kolbe, the op-posite seems to be the case. He seems to seek out suffering. This is against an inherent quality of our humanity – how can this be explained? In these selections from Juwentyn Maria Mlodozeniec’s “I Knew Blessed Maximilian Kolbe,” we find that Kolbe’s embracing of suffering is not understand-able within the realm of human traits, but instead must be considered relative to our true nature: that we are made to love God, and it is in Him that we find fullness of happiness. These selections describe several pivotal events that lead to Maximilian Kolbe’s arrest and martyrdom, outlining his character and explain-ing how he was not only able to make the greatest sacrifice, but “desired” it (Mlodozeniec, 90). Maxi-milian’s upbringing was grounded in love of God, others and service. His parents’ dedication to God played a major role in his decision to follow a reli-gious life. Kolbe exercised a great devotion to the Immaculate Mother Mary, founding the Militia Immaculate, to “fight with the weapons of the holy church,” (Mlodozeniec, 4). He also formed and led the religious community of Niepokalanów. When the outbreak of WWII arrived, affecting Niepo-kalanów’s development and missionary work, Maximilian was calm and often spoke about the nobility in accepting suffering to “hasten the day of gaining the whole world for the Immaculate Mother of God,” (Mlodozeniec, 4). Kolbe’s self-lessness and sacrificial love for others were his defining qualities. When he was first arrested, his example lifted the spirits of his fellow prisoners amidst an atmosphere of injustice and despair. He offered confessions and frequently led prayers and hymns. Upon his return to Niepokalanów, which
had been ravaged by the Germans, he preached for an increase in evangelization towards their transgressors. Niepokalanów welcomed thou-sands of deportees from around Poland and, even amid poverty, was a place of generosity and love towards all. When Father Kolbe was arrested in 1941, he had it set in his mind that such a path was the will of the Immaculate Mother, and welcomed it with enthusiasm, walking out to meet the Ger-mans coming to arrest him (Mlodozeniec, 79). At the concentration camp, his selflessness and love for others changed the atmosphere of those around him, both the prisoners and the German authorities. Father Maximilian never complained about his suffering, only seeking to console oth-ers in theirs. His greatest act was giving up his life for a father, completing his inspiring life of sacri-fice, a witness to a love incomprehensible to those around him. I found this quote particularly inspiring and reflective of the driving force behind Maximil-ian Kolbe’s appreciation of suffering: “It was an inspiration to hear that there was a freedom which no executioner can suppress, the freedom of love, which is stronger than death. Those who thank her at every moment, for uniting heaven and earth, ‘the cross becomes the gate.’” (Mlodozeniec, 86). Father Kolbe from an early age, and largely due to his pious parents, had deeply felt God’s love in his life. Having felt that love so greatly, he wanted to not only share it with others but reciprocate it to the best of his ability. Kolbe saw suffering as an opportunity to completely deny his human na-ture, accepting himself as made entirely for God and fulfilled in Him. He welcomed suffering as a selfless opportunity to unconditionally surrender his own nature out of love for God and others. The greatest love has been shown through sacrifice: Christ’s death on the cross for all humanity, and Mary’s giving of her life to God’s will. Through imitating Christ and the Immaculate Mother, St. Maximilian Kolbe’s cross was the gate to his true happiness: being in full communion with God.
Social Media Lydia Lockwood
Today we heard from Margarita Ducci, the Director of UN Red Pacto Global Chile and learned about sustainability initiatives in Chile. Chile signed an agreement that they would follow the 17 Objectivos de Desarrollo Sostenible and use these as their compass for sustainability. This pho-to, taken at the retail empire near our hotel, is an example of an initiative Chile is taking to be more sustainable and was.
Are retail shops that you buy from sustainable? #mystkates
“The most successful businesses in regards to sustain-ability are those that have sustainability in the heart of the business. Sustainability is not a way in which they-do something, it is what they do.” - Dr. Veronica De-venin Vera, assistant professor, business school/Center for Business Sustainability at the Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez.
Social Media Lydia Lockwood
Blog post
Today we were able to hear two insightful lectures regarding sustainability from two intelligent wom-en. The lectures were different, but connected directly to our course and had the same overarching idea that sustainability is necessary.
First, we heard from Dr. Veronica Devenin Vera. One of the topics she discussed was the mining in-dustry and the social and environmental impacts it has. The mining industry brings jobs, however the local jobs are for low-skilled workers and the companies fly people with higher skills in and out to do the work. People do not want to live in mining cities and it poses the question to the mining com-pany: what do we need to do for the city? Dr. Devenin talked about the importance of engaging the community to find out what the city needs in order to improve the city as a whole.
Our second speaker was Margarita Ducci, the director of UN Red Pacto Global Chile. In 2000, Kofi Annan, former president of the UN, posed the question of what can we do to contribute to a better world. In thinking of how to get organized and how to start an answer to this question, the Pacto Global was created. The value propositions of the Pacto Global are to publicly share commitments and progress, achieve business sustainability objectives and help shape future corporate sustainabil-ity initiatives. There are four pillars: human rights, labor relations, environment and anti-corruption. Companies that belong have to submit a yearly report of communication entailing their progress or a sustainability report. Today, more than 80 companies belong in Chile, including Walmart. Margarita ended stating that today there is a need for companies to be sustainable and companies who are not have a bad reputation.
Scholars AbroadNatalie Stoner
Scholars AbroadNatalie Stoner
Tiaki te whenua. Protect the land. These Maori words capture the respect New Zealanders hold for the environment. Throughout my time studying in the country this past January we saw a variety of en-vironments ranging from temperate rainforest, to estuary, to glacier and more. These photos capture a few of the sights from the trip. By doing their part to protect the land from factors like climate change, New Zealanders preserve landscapes like these.
Waterfalls in Franz Josef, New Zealand Park
Estuary at Abel Tasman National
Franz Josef Glacier
Abel Tasman National Park
English WritingJordan Ferrazzo
After reading Roald Dahl’s published version of Matilda and seeing the musical performance at Cambridge Theater, the addition of the Russian mafia into the final scene of the musical caught my attention. In the musical, the final scene includes a confrontation between the Russian mafia and the Woodworm family, which is used to provide closure in Matilda’s relationship with her father specifi-cally. By including this scene, opportunity for future character development is created, which is some-thing stifled by the extreme, static characters depicted in the novel written by Dahl.
In the published novel of Matilda, Roald Dahl does not spend much time on character develop-ment. His characters remain static throughout the plotline, leaving zero opportunities for Mr. Worm-wood’s redemption or even hope for such growth. Matilda’s character is created in a manner that is so extremely good that she can hardly even become any more just or caring if she tried. Dahl describes her as, “extra-ordinary and by that, I mean sensitive and brilliant” (Dahl, 10). Matilda’s actions throughout the novel are sparked by acts of injustice that she must rectify. According to the Roald Dahl museum and archives, this seemed to be the intention. In one of his writings, Dahl expressed his belief that children understand best in black and white, so he made the choice to make his protagonists entirely good and his antagonists entirely bad. With this notion in mind, it makes sense that Dahl neglects to provide Mr. Wormwood with any redeemable qualities at the end of the book. As her father abandons her, Matilda does not require reconciliation within that relationship since Mr. Wormwood has no hope of changing.
In contrast, the musical’s final scene allows for Matilda’s father to have a minor moment of redemption by referring to Matilda as his daughter for the first time. Both moments symbolize small acts of love and forgiveness, which contributes to subtle character development for both Matilda and Mr. Wormwood. Every conversation between Matilda and Mr. Wormwood incorporates Matilda being referred to as a boy. Mr. Wormwood first uses the insensitive comment when he asks to see his son and finds that his child is a girl. Their final interaction includes a line where he refers to her as his daughter for the first time. Acting as a minor redemptive moment for Mr. Wormwood, he finally conveys some sort of acceptance for Matilda. The final scene also gives Matilda the chance to rescue her father instead of pranking him in acts of revenge. Matilda is still depicted as a very moral, emotionally-aware, intel-ligent, and kind child as she is in the novel. There is a larger focus on the theme of revolting or acting naughty for a greater cause. Matilda acts as an advocate of this initiative within the school and her own home. When Mr. Sergei offers to teach Mr. Wormwood a lesson for Matilda’s sake, she responds, “Mr. Sergei, this is a very tempting offer. But he is my father, and I am his daughter. I think I’ve had enough of revenge” (Matilda: The Musical, 49). Including this moment for slight growth conveys that both Matilda and Mr. Wormwood are still capable of improving and becoming better people, which is not allowed in the novel version of the story.
Based on the differences of the final scenes between the novel and musical, it can be concluded that Roald Dahl relied on extreme characteristics for his static characters, whereas the musical incorpo-rated additional opportunities for character development.
English WritingJordan Ferrazzo
British and American Cultural Differences at Work Katie Neumeyer
Above is a picture from my study abroad experience in London last semester. Before trav-eling to England, I assumed that I would not experience any culture shocks in London. The United States and England speak the same language and I assumed their cultures would be the same. I was completely mistaken. I did not realize the full extent of the cultural differ-ences until I returned back to the United States in December.
The British life is as fast-paced as the American life, but the British people include leisure into their day-to-day work. The working styles of British people and Americans are very different; British people value paid time off. In the United Kingdom, full-time workers are legally entitled to 28 days of paid vacation per year. Americans do not value paid time off as much as the British. Most Americans have at most 10 days of paid time off per year. During a typical workday, the British may take two to three tea breaks compared to Americans who rarely even take a lunch break. The British also get more maternity leave compared to Americans. I believe the British lifestyle allows for a greater work-life balance compared to American companies.
Lessons I Learned From Living with HippiesEmilee Wondra
This past J-term, I had the unique opportunity through VISION to spend fifteen days living and work-ing at Quail Springs, a permaculture farm located in California. I lived among a community of what one would consider modern day “hippies” and learned the following valuable life lessons during my stay:
1. See the beauty in everything. Whether you are gazing at a clear sky filled with more stars than you have ever seen, doing Aikido in a dojo on a mountain above the clouds, or making adobe bricks by mashing clay and straw with your feet, strive to see just as much beauty in the small moments as in the big. 2. Practice gratitude. Notice life’s innumerable blessings: from a deep and unexpected conversation with a stranger, to the feeling of warmth from a fire after a day spent pulling weeds in the rain, to a good pair of shoes that allow you to go on a long and strenuous hike. Take time at the end of the day to reflect on the good, and you will begin to find joy even in the little things. 3. Be intentional with your relationships. Grow in community with the people you live with and love them through your actions. Whether you volunteer to wash dishes after sharing a meal to-gether or carry everyone’s PB&Js in your backpack up a mountain, love through service. Additionally, show intentionality through mindfulness; be genuine with your feelings and express them so others will trust you with theirs. 4. Live minimally. Learn what’s truly necessary in life and do away with the rest. Travel lightly, leave the phone at home and rise with the sun. Draw happiness from experiences, friendships and the serenity of nature rather than material things. The more you free your life of distractions, the more at peace you will become with your surroundings. 5. Take risks. Strive to place yourself in uncomfortable situations. Whether you are going on a trip with a group of strangers or living in a community of hippies, never forget personal growth only takes place outside of your comfort zone, and the best adventures often come from the greatest leaps of faith.
CarewornIzzy Iliff
A small village, careworn, worn by time and place and peopleSits on a hilltop over the sea. Its outer walls crumble
Melting slowly back into the earthAs its inhabitants march forward to their ends
Too.
A small girl, careworn, wears a patchy threadbare sweater Sits on a mossy stone wall and tries not to crumble
Stares at the pathway of trodden dirtThose she looks for won’t walk these roads again, but -
She waits.
An old man, careworn, wears his callouses like battle scarsHauls a briny rope up from the aging well and sighs
Murky, silted water - its useful life has fadedThese lands won’t take much more. They gave and gave and now they’ve said
Enough.
A small village, careworn, worn by the mist that creeps nearerNearer with each passing hour. “It is fate,” they say
To be taken by time. And it is their time nowThe price must be paid for their greed, but -
The girl waits.
Calendar Events
March6
Wed.
April9
Tue.
April4
Thu.
April3
Wed.
April2
Tue.
March16
Sat.
Board Game Night6:30 PM
Honors LLC Academic Event – Seminar Showcase3:00 PMASC: Hearth Room
Como Conservatory10:30 AM
Symposium Academic Event5:00 PMASC 378N – North Woulfe Alumni Hall
Symposium Social Event11:45 AMMCH 205
Symposium Volunteer Event11:45 AMASC 378S – South Woulfe Alumni Hall
Contacts
Paige Westra, [email protected]
Althea Larson, [email protected]
Brette Springob, Vice [email protected]
Dr. Eric Fort, Faculty [email protected]
Peter Wallace, [email protected]
Erica Berglund, Administrative [email protected]
Calendar Events