Being an online student these past few weeks has been undeniably challenging. I have greatly missed interacting with everyone in person, but seeing everyone on screen was really delightful. I couldn’t help but giggle. Perhaps they were giggles bubbling up from feeling awkward after seeing myself, a digital image on my screen attending class. Surely they came from seeing some of my classmates giggling too. I greatly enjoyed seeing the seniors join our Zoom meeting too and was curious to know how they felt about participating in an online meeting. I would have really liked to hear more about how they’re doing, or any words they wanted to share in general. Even in an online meeting though, I could feel a sparkling energy exuberating between all of us as we gathered virtually to discuss “The Balm Yard” by Patricia Powell. To my surprise, Patricia is a professor at Mills! I only wish I had gotten acquainted with her sooner, because I very much enjoyed the chapter that she shared with us and I bet I would have really fancied taking a class of hers.
I was particularly drawn in by the characters of this story, as well as their history and future. I really appreciated the attention to detail that Patricia brought to this chapter regarding spirituality and all of the many ways in which it manifests for everyone, even Dorothea who wanted no part in it whatsoever. As someone mentioned in the discussion, I was struck by how Dorothea’s reactions and defiance against her mother rendered like that of a teenager going against the advice or guidance of a parent. I wonder if this is because Dorothea left home many decades prior and is in some way unpausing the relationship that she had been establishing with her mother.
Additionally, I love the messages woven through this piece including the very true sentiment that it is never too late to learn about and get spiritually in touch with yourself. Another message being that as much as we try to run away from our roots and the core of who we are, it is always with us in one way or another. It brings to mind this quote that I learned in meditation which I have recently been ruminating on which says, “Wherever you go, there you are”. I am greatly interested in reading the remainder of the story to continue along with Patricia’s beautiful creation.
Even though I sometimes feel strange being in these online settings, I am truly looking forward to our next, and sadly final meeting with the seniors. This class has opened my eyes in more ways than one and I hope that I will be able to express my gratitude in my final project.
Coming to Age 