In a flash, we are approaching the end of Reach Program 2. Students have started to reflect on their last days of classes, and what it will feel like to go home again after two weeks in England.
Today was a huge day for the P2 cohort. It started early after breakfast in the Cambridge Union, both a historic and still culturally iconic aspect of the university. The morning began with a presentation about debating. Students were reminded that by partaking, they are building the skills of politicians, lawyers, and public speakers. The content of the lecture was full of depth: the rules and structure of debates in the chamber, how to research accurate information and integrate it into their arguments, and how to respond to their opposition.
Groups were then formed as students worked to research and formulate perspectives with other students they may not yet have interacted with much in the program. Then, the debating began. One particularly interesting topic was whether university should be a right or a privilege. Many students had to argue for points they may not personally believe in, having been reminded by the lecturer earlier in the morning that they must be “thinking with open minds”. For each proposition, covering different topics, one team each won the most points.
For lunch, Nanna Mexico and a falafel van were on offer, perfect to get the energy back after a couple hours of researching, debating, and listening to other debates.
The evening activities tonight were Nintendo Switch or Karaoke. The latter activity in particular is hopefully practice for some of the students for the upcoming Reach Talent Show…. lots of students came together to find common ground in their singing voices and music tastes.
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