From the Vice President for Student Life: The Taste of College Life
Food is an essential part of the holidays. As I remember the decades of Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings with my family and friends, food — wonderful food — played a key role. Food also provides an apt way to illustrate your student's first quarter at Seattle Pacific University.
There are five typical senses that we distinguish when eating: bitter, sour, salty, sweet, and savory. These are very different taste sensations, and they can also represent many of your student’s life experiences.
Perhaps there has been the bitter experience of a broken friendship or an unexpected grade, or the sour taste of confusion surrounding majors or after-graduation plans. Salt — a common, everyday flavor enhancer — can be under-utilized or overwhelming. Keeping a balance is important. Your student’s highlights from the quarter are the sweet experiences — the success of finishing a big project or the joy of experiencing something new in Seattle. I can assure you that your student has had a full array of savory experiences that enrich life with complexity, fullness, and depth in learning, both in and out of the classroom.
As your student returns home this Christmas season, take the opportunity to hear about his or her experiences. Some of these experiences may be unpleasant or difficult to describe. Other experiences will be sweet, rich, and complex.
Below are some suggestions for understanding your student’s taste of SPU this quarter:
- Ask questions about these different experiences. Remember to listen well. Some “flavors” and experiences are more difficult to describe than others.
- You may need to come back to a conversation. Your student may not want to dwell on any one flavor for an extended period. Remember, when experiencing any food, moderation is important.
- Let the “food” settle. Often, it takes some time to “digest” or process something in order to get a better understanding. Your student may still be digesting his or her experiences. And, as a parent, you may need to digest what you’re hearing as well.
As you and your family gather, take time to chew on the savory, complex experiences. Don’t be afraid to explore the bitter and sour. Sprinkle with salt to flavor the routine. And, always enjoy the sweetness. A double portion of dessert could be on the menu!
Merry Christmas,
Jeffrey C. Jordan
Vice President for Student Life