Why we should go to Honors Presentations...

I was quite disappointed the other day when I was the only Honors student at one of my friend's presentations. When I was a freshman, I made a promise to my friends to go to as many of their presentations as I could. And, if I couldn't make it, I'd at least talk to them afterward and watch the tape. It's something we all have to go through. And, as freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, there is nothing more important than knowing what to expect during one's freshman year. I think it's a horrible thing to forget the other students in this program.
The Honors Program offers us so much in terms of the college experience. We don't have to worry about work like other students (at least in the same depth). We can focus on homework and using our time academically -- that's the reason the scholarship is in place. If we don't do so, we spit in what has been laid out before us. The next thing the Honors affords us is a close-net base of friends with whom we can converse and develop ideas. And, that's where the Program is the best. Freshmen come in knowing their classmates, whereas others may not. I made that promise to my classmates for one reason; I want them to know they're not alone in this endeavor.
The best way we can grow academically is through understanding our friends. A person is set in a directive where that person knows his or her field of study like the back of his or her hand. That person naturally will love to talk about it. And, why not? Other people should appreciate it. It's the first-hand primary source for learned intellegence. Forming bonds early in this program is one of the greatest things I have ever felt. I appreciate it when my friends listen to my crazy rants on communication models and it felt good to have my friends in my presentation. I'm sure others feel the same way. It builds confidence and keeps things comfortable. The atmosphere is light and it's more like having a conversation than giving a speech.
The next time any of us has a presentation, we should try to go. Excuses aside, it's a great experience and we all need it. Don't go through your years not seeing an Honors Thesis... It'll just hurt you in the end. Go to your friends'. Go to those in areas you don't understand. Go to those you're familiar with. Go. Go. Go.
You may be surprised too.
In the years I've been here, I've seen, read, or heard of:
Jane Austen: Views on Marriage.
What does toothpaste flavoring do?
Comics as literature
Nursing errors
Measuring oxygen levels in the blood (what does that clip thing on your finger do?)
Childhood superhero play
Perceptions of non-verbals
And the list goes on... and on...

This has probably turned into a rant now, but that's okay. I frankly wish all persons the same treatment I received. Dr. Kluthe said I had one of the larger audiences, but I thought it was fairly small. However, I did one thing others didn't-- I invited a lot of people. This is something everyone should do... The e-mails don't just get the job done. You have to advertise and get out there in the community. Your friends, family members, and mentors want to come. Just ask. It doesn't hurt.
Though the attendance doesn't hurt the grade on this issue, it's an important topic to understand. We're more than a group of high-falutin' students; we're a family. Despite how much some people try to avoid the other Honors brats, they too are reliant on them. We came in together, we go out together, but we should also live this friggin' college experience together as well. We're all the better for it... Dang straight we are.