Of Presentations, Theatres and Visionaries (Part 2)

I slept tranquilly, at least until 4:00 am, where a fitful sleep of anxiety began until 6:00. At 5:45, my friend Anne, as is her custom, texted me, wishing me good luck on my up coming paper presentation, and waking me from my troubled slumber. This paper presentation was indeed the primary reason for my trip down south. I am a student of the Great Books Tutorial (here after GBT). In the 5th year of this great course of philosophy, cognition and learning, one must not only write 2 Essays of epic proportions, but must also present them. Finding my self for the first time in nearly half a decade back in my native Southern California, I decided to capitalize upon the opportunity to present my paper locally.
    After a brief shower, during which I boosted my morale and confidence by listening to a selection of my favorite Irish Rebel fight songs, I suited up and sauntered out into the kitchen. There I found  my hosts and a generous breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausages, berries and potatoes. Furthermore, was a tall glass of orange juice, which was much appreciated and caused me to relax, if only for a little while.  I went over a few of the difficult passages in my paper and shortly there after we made our way from Murrieta to Escondido. We arrived shortly after 8:00, just in time for the beginning of the first paper presentation. This presentation was by Jessie, who did a wonderful job in explaining her findings about the nature of Evil in the world. She also did well in the defense of her paper by a bombardment of questions not only by our teacher, bu by the audience as well. All too quickly though, the bells of the clock chimed 9:00. As they did so, I knew that these bells tolled for me.

Presenting the paper

    I took the stage and stood behind the podium. Fritz, our glorious teacher, then introduced me and my paper topic. I began, and after the first paragraph, fell into that oh so important rhythm of reading, and in doing so my anxiety subsided. As I finished, I looked up to behold all of my fellow classmates and friends, this vista was quite a heart warming sight and yet further reassurance. I was asked many a question ranging from the Health care debate, to Abortion to Hitlers Germany and its influence on decision making today. As the bells tolled 10:00 I returned to my seat in the front row, relieved.

Answering Questions