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Roots

roots lab

Two co-curricular labs are available for Roots - "Where I'm From" Poem and "This Is Me" Art Tile.

Roots Co-curricular Lab | "Where I’m From" Poem

“Today I have learned to be free. Today I have learned to be spiritual because I have reconnected with my roots, with the source of my life.” - Alvaro Dávila, “Re-Discovering My Spiritual History” (1994)

This week, our readings and refraction video suggest that being aware of one’s roots is a crucial aspect of living well. Inspired by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz’s claim that “family matters,” Alvaro Dávila’s autobiographical reflection denying one’s roots, and Coach Rockwell’s story about surprising changes in how her roots encouraged her, this co-curricular lab invites you to specify and contemplate your own roots through poetry.

Click here for a PDF version of the "Where I'm From" Poem co-curricular lab

Guidelines

  1. Prepare an original “Where I’m From” poem. The composition of a “Where I’m From” poem, made famous by poet George Ella Lyon, encourages you to consider those people, places, ideas, and experiences that have influenced you. Click here to listen to George Ella Lyon recite her “Where I’m From poem.” This poem is all about you and your relationship with your roots. There is no standard formula, structure, or type of poem that you must achieve or create. Your skills as a poet are not important. Rather, your ability to reflect on the integration or tension of the stories of your life is the focus. Write honestly in a manner that helps you reflect on who, what, and where has helped form you. You may wish to consider George Ella Lyon’s recommendations for writing before you begin. You may choose to write your poem within your commonplace book or elsewhere. You do not need to share your poem with anyone, but are encouraged to do so.
  2. In your commonplace book, beginning on page 232 (or later), summarize the experience of writing the poem, connect it to the text from the roots session, and apply it to your practice of living well.
  3. Consider reciting your poem at the First-Year Poetry Cafe co-curricular event on September 23. By compositing your poem, reciting your poem, and reflecting upon both experiences in your commonplace book, you may complete both a co-curricular lab and a co-curricular event requirement.

Roots Co-curricular Lab | "This Is Me" Art Tile

“... every member of the family has their own store of buried treasure, unique things that only they can provide to the family...” - Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz, “The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness” (2023)

Alvaro Dávila shares how he learned to be free by “reconnecting with my roots.” and Coach Rockwell reflects on how her roots have inspired her to influence others. This co-curricular lab embraces these ideals and invites you to reflect on your own roots through visual art.

Click here for a PDF version of the "This Is Me" Art Tile co-curricular lab

Guidelines

  1. From September 22-24, you are invited to the  Sister Thea Bowman Center (2nd floor of LaFortune Student Center) or Fieldhouse Mall (outside of LaFortune) any time between 12 pm and 8 pm to paint a tile that reflects you and your roots. This exercise will take as little as 15 minutes, but you are welcome to stay as long as you wish. Your tile will be included in a mural that will be unveiled and housed in the Center on October 17 at 2 pm. The "This is Us" Art Mural Unveiling co-curricular event on October 17 will display the art mural, constructed from each individual tile from this co-curricular lab.
  2. In your commonplace book, beginning on page 232 (or later), summarize your experience, connect it to the text from the roots session, and apply it to your practice of living well.
  3. Consider attending the "This Is Us" Art Mural Unveiling co-curricular event on October 17 at 2 pm in the West Lounge of the Sister Thea Bowman Center to see how your tile becomes part of the community mural. By painting your individual tile between September 22-24, attending the unveiling event on October 17, and reflecting upon both experiences in your commonplace book, you may complete both a co-curricular lab and a co-curricular event requirement.