The End

Today's class was one of the most touching classes that I have ever had the privilege to attend in my five long years at MSU. After taking a look back over all that we have accomplished as a class this semester, it is amazing that the bonds, as close as we have created, can be developed in the classroom.

I know that I have already posted my summation about the class but I don't think that it truly reflects how I feel or what I said in class this morning. This class was not just about recursive structures and their role in literature. This class was about the role of recursive structures in our lives. It was a class about understanding the possibilities that surround us all. It was a class about realizing the limitations of the human mind and soul. It was a class that gave hope, knowledge, and inspiration to everyone who was blessed enough to be a part of it.

I will not claim to have read everyone's blog throughout the semester but from just the class conversations, I know that every single one of us was touched by the stories of Sherazad, Alfonso, Smokey, & Alice. But even more importantly, we were all touched by the stories, dreams, hopes, and fears of each other.

One of the most inspiring aspects of this class, at least to me, was the bond that we all created with each other. I cannot tell you intimate details about anyone in the class but I can say that I do know each and every person on a deeper level. I now know everyone's recursive story. Whenever I hear about Russian novels, I will think of Ashely. When I finally watch Syndeche New York, I will hear Hunter and Matt being so excited to talk about it. Now as I listen to Bach as I study, I imagine Logan's uncontrollable enthusiasm about the true influence music has. The idea of the trickster will make Abbie's presentation  forever pop into my mind. Just as a side note, I have found the newest contemporary trickster.....Sheldon Cooper! The next time that I read A Manuscript Found in Saragossa, Lana's opinion of the Geometer will be narrating in my mind. When I come to the Chautauqua this weekend, I will be looking at it through Charlie and Professor Sexson's eyes and hopefully come to their height on the mountain of understanding. Hannah's idea of mirrors permeates my mind when trying to put my makeup on in the mornings. Derek, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to eavesdrop on your interview with Dr. Sexson. That stolen forty minutes is one of the highlights of my life. It felt like I was living out a real life frame tale. Another big thank you must be sent towards Sydney. She reminded me about the majesty and magnificence of memory palaces.

In twenty years from now, I will not remember the statistical formulas of my business class but I will remember this class. I may not remember all of your names (please don't be offended) but I will remember the impact that you had on my life. Hearing and reading about all of your ideas, opinions, and dreams has made just as much of an impact on my life as did Little, Big and all of the other books we have read this semester.

This is what I wanted to say this morning but couldn't find the words. My summation of our class is "Thank you for allowing me to become a part of your story and for becoming a part of mine." And now when we think of this time spent together it will begin "Once upon a time...."