Thus begins my graduate program. Residency at Bennington College was enjoyable, exhausting, and humbling. I am so happy to have met so many people that share the same passion for writing. It was a fantastic break from life-as-I-know-it to drive to the campus, set up camp (it did feel like camp), meet a variety of people with a variety of interests and goals and styles and lifestyles, listen to published authors and faculty, and eat very well. Some highlights:
- Having just moved from the Marshall Islands, it was a shock to see all that salad and have a variety of healthy choices—that I didn't have to cook. It was so delicious. The graduation dinner was spectacular. I know it's weird to mention this first, but really, you'd feel the same way if you'd just come from a developing country. Potable tap water is a miracle. I think I'm just about over the initial shock now.
- The first or second night we were there the fire alarm went off in our building (Leigh) . . . twice. Janeil and I stood blinking at each other in the hallway, not sure what was happening. But misfortune can strengthen character and friendships.
- I enjoyed the company of my term-mates (a term that is a little too close to termites, but I'm not quite sure what else to call them). We went out to dinner on Dark Knight (which is a really dumb name that means that nothing is planned but hanging out with those in your term). We also read snippets of our work to each other—great practice for those who are not accustomed to reading for others. I had great conversations with them throughout.
- The weather was wonderful (except for the first night, which was bitterly cold with no heating, because the heaters had been turned off already for the summer) and the campus was all Walden-y. I went exploring with Laura and found some neat nooks. I also taught a few folks some things about the universe—you can see the stars very well at night in certain places. I like pointing out where the center of our galaxy is. Mostly because it blows my mind. I met Hugh, the resident physics/astronomy professor at Bennington, and we had a good chat about his work studying the movement of galaxies (very cool!). We also had a blazing bonfire and s'mores—I don't think I could have asked for more.
- I enjoyed participating in the student readings and getting snapshots of what others are currently working on. People enjoyed the bit that I read from Beyond Funny: Jokes That Break the Rules, and I enjoyed their work as well. Jim's readings made me laugh, and Erin Kate's surrealist short story about a boy in a coffee can made me swoon.
- I liked listening to faculty in the Carriage Barn. I'd sit up on the far side, dangle my legs down, and just enjoy it. Brian Morton's reading made me guffaw.
- This term I have the chance to work with Alice Mattison, who was helpful in shaping my projects for this term. We had a very good meeting about what to work on and what books to read. She likes realism more than do, but she is very attentive to our work, which I appreciate.
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