Something wonderful happened this Friday afternoon. We and a dozen or more curious souls came together in Cloyne’s deco room to imagine education beyond the university. We questioned: what would we create, learn and explore if there were no grades or majors? How would we share those experiences with the people in our communities?

We (Zach and Rodrigo) affirmed that all knowledges are situated. By that, we mean they come from a particular body within a particular location. Further, we rejected the academic style of the God’s point of view, or, the objective/universal/unbiased lens.

Sophia remembered how people in her art class put more of themselves into their work after she dared to be vulnerable in her performance.

James expressed the alienation of being told there was only one kind of Portuguese when selecting languages on a website although there were many options for English.

Together, we discussed whether objectivity is even worth pursuing. A few folks from both STEM and the Humanities gave examples of how embracing subjectivity enriched their work, from revealing the emotional weight in taking military grants to making ethnographic work accessible to its “subjects.”

More people came and shared their experiences. And Collin brought cheese and crackers.

We were very happy to have been part of this conversation and we look forward to being part of the Cloyne community as it grows. See you next Friday from 3-6pm in the deco room (across from the front door).

With you,
Z & R