This year, the Human Ecology, Histories, and Literature Departments have collaborated on a series ongoing assignments. Each week students are asked to write a reflective essay that demonstrates their understanding of the themes from their coursework and effectively links these themes to their unique thoughts and experiences.  Enjoy reading how our students have deeply and personally engage with essential questions, important to their course of study at The Island School…

This Weeks Prompt:  Within the context of your experience at The Island School so far, especially in Literature, Histories and Human Ecology how have you begun to see your own paradigm and worldview challenged or changed?

“Gingersnap” by Grace Fowler

Gingersnap is the perfect example of a paradigm. Orange and very temperamental, Gingersnap fits the common stereotype of a “sassy ging.” He bites, claws, mauls and sneaks. He terrorizes lizards and tries to steal food from people’s plates. I’ve heard some students say he is the most hated cat at The Island School, and have even seen him be hurled off the dining hall deck by the scruff of his neck. However, spend enough time with him or pick him up when he’s not busy hunting lizards, and he’s the sweetest cat. Countless times he’s crawled onto my stomach and began purring loudly. He’s curious and smart. Once you get past the incessant biting, he’s a gem.

A paradigm is a system of understanding. Often in this world, people are defined by their paradigms. Their judgments, beliefs and biases determine who their friends are, what they like, and what they do. To see the big picture, you must understand it. You must talk to people and experience what they experience to understand their culture and beliefs. Continue reading →

Show don’t tell. Three words simple words that make the world of difference in writing, three words that have been branded into my writing by my teachers atExeter. I didn’t like it at first, it took longer, and at times would go horribly wrong but they have made a huge difference in my abilities as a writer. As the new cacique blog editor, I would like to help incorporate that simple phrase into the upcoming blog posts. My name is Tyler Courville. I grew up in a small town in St. Ignatius, MT until my freshman year when I was accepted into Phillips Exeter Academy. One year after my first departure from home I got a plane again only this time I was headed in a completely different direction, The Bahamas. The Island School has changed my perception on sustainability and my outlook on culture and life. I am excited to work with the Caciques this fall.