st Tuesday afternoon, a large event room at my university was packed with students and faculty alike, all eager and ready to learn something new. Actually, quite a few things new. Everyone was so enthusiastic to be there, some had even brought lunches with them so as to not miss the event in the midst of their busy days. And it was only the second time that this had ever been done.
It was the second time that Ohio Wesleyan University had presented the I-Cubed Lectures, I-Cubed standing for Ideas, Insight, and Imagination. Students last spring had voted on which 10 professors would get the chance and the challenge to deliver three-minute lectures to the university about topics concerning their fields. The event last year was a huge success, and this year's was as well. Seeing it in person for the first time--the energy, the passion, the inspiration--reminded me once again why I love my university.
This kind of event gets people excited to learn, encourages creativity, and fosters enthusiasm. From every side--professors delivering their lectures, students watching the lectures, professors waiting in anticipation for their turn--energy was present. It is not so often that an event can engage so many people so genuinely. Props to you, OWU.
The idea of the challenge of a three-minute lecture is intriguing on its own. But the quality of the lectures was what is truly astounding. I was blown away by how much I learned in that hour, and how much of it has stayed with me. Most of all, I was astonished at the creativity in subject, delivery, and overall presentation the professors gave to their lectures.
I am proud to attend a university that supports this kind of entertaining, intellectual, uplifting event. Every single lecture was thought-provoking, and many also contained laughter-provoking material. The students announcers also made jokes between presentations and gave background on each upcoming professor, which kept things moving and the audience smiling. This was also helpful for me, being a first semester freshman, not yet knowing most of the professors. The only one I had actually met was my academic advisor, Dr. Nancy Comorau (who gave a phenomenal lecture on the importance of reading Black authors, by the way, brilliantly entitled "Black Texts Matter: Decolonize Your Reading List"). Her lecture noted how much we miss learning when Black authors aren't included, and how important their works and their voices are.
Another favorite lecture of mine was by Dr. Amy Butcher. She spoke on the lack of female representation when it comes to emojis, but more importantly, the new female emojis scheduled for release--with her essay on the problem cited as the inspiration for change.
What gets you more excited for being a student than things like that? Things like learning more about history and society because you're reading more diverse authors. Things like opening your mind to stories you haven't yet heard. Things like knowing you can change something for everyone by speaking out about a problem. Things like knowing your university's professors are passionate people who will guide you in changing the world too.
So yes, the I-Cubed Lectures are just another reason why I love OWU. See them for yourself here (the actual intro begins at about 12:50 into the video). Enjoy!
