Search Our Writing:
I first saw it in the gnats.
Oct 21, 2012 | By April Koh TD '14
Freshman year -- I stared at the first one with an offended grimace. Where was that thing from? Was there a pile of dung festering somewhere in my room?
Upon following it with my eyes, I soon discovered its source -- a half-finished cup of coffee left unattended for a mere few hours.
I soon learned that Yale gnats detected even the smallest hint of food and attacked every perishable drop in these dorms. This did not happen in my room back at home. I could leave dirty dishes from midnight snacks piling in my bedroom -- yes, guilty, I'm sorry -- and I would never encounter a fly, at least for a few weeks. A fly at home meant serious business and usually prompted a frantic search for its cause--which was usually something big, like a gallon of sour milk left in the sun in the living room. Something wild like that.
Agape: The Call to True, Radical Love
Feb 14, 2014 | By Tori Campbell, MC ‘16
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it
does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not
self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record
of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices
with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always
hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…” (I Corinthians
13:4-8)
Lay My Head Down
From Taylor Leonhardt's album River House, the understated song "Lay My Head Down" struck me for the simplicity and honesty of its lyrics, along with its soothing chord movements. "Lay My Head Down" speaks to the overworked, anxious Yale student (me), who is constantly being badgered by internal voices questioning self-worth, meaning and ultimate purpose. The unusually direct and honest opening lines of the song that call out this voice of pride catches the listener somewhat off-guard, and opens us up to the realization that the "climb to progress", a truly tautological wordplay, is a road to nowhere.
Father or Friend: Take Your Pick
Oct 17, 2012 | April Koh TD ‘14
One of my favorite parts of Mass is the "Our Father" prayer.
I love reciting a common, divine prayer, once uttered word for word by Jesus himself, with a large congregation. I love the communal pauses and the unified beats in the rhythm of the words. I also love the content of the prayer. I love the prayer's simplicity and humility beginning with: "Our Father, who art in Heaven..."
This phrase brings to mind families and in particular, fathers, especially with the social issues in politics these days. You hear "the institution of marriage" or "institution of family" a lot.
Learning to Dance
March 11, 2017 | By Constance Thurmond ’19
As a dancer, I am constantly aware of how I look. Every movement, muscle, breath, and articulation consists of a fine balance between precise anatomical awareness and artistry. As challenging as this is, I take pleasure in attempting to find the equidistant point that lies between these two facets of dance.
For thousands of years, choreographers, influenced by their cultures and contexts, have had different ideas of where this equidistant point lies. Some believe dancers should be muscular and powerful, while others lean towards graceful and elegant. Some think that dance should tell a story, yet others, believe that there is no story to be told. In this area, I am not an expert, as it is my job to serve as the paint that is guided by their brush. As paint, I seek to master each variance and discrepancy present within a respective choreographer's work, and then perform this yin and yang of style to those who are willing and able to engage with it.
Imago Dei
Sept. 2, 2016 | By Grace Niewijk GH ‘18
When Jesus was on earth, he spent time with those whom society ignored and considered worthless. Prostitutes, lepers, widows and orphans; sinners, the sick, and the small from every walk of life. He looked at the least of these, called them worthy, and told them that he had come for their sakes.
Upcoming Events:
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Writing Voice Workshop
THURSDAY, JAN 22ND, 6:15-7:50 PM,
Elm Institute
This week, we will hone our writing voice in different styles.
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Editing for Writing with Voice Workshop
THURSDAY, JAN 29TH, 6:15-7:15 PM, Location TBD
Based on the previous week’s workshop, we will edit our pieces to hone our writing voice.
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Veritas Weekend
FEB 6-8TH, Boston
Save the date for Veritas Weekend in Boston! More information below!
Signup Date Passed
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Theme Introduction Meeting
THURSDAY, FEB 12ND, 6:15-7:15 PM,
Location TBD
Our theme this semester is… mirrors! We will be exploring the literary tradition and potential topics for mirrors.
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Theme Introduction at Elm
THURSDAY, FEB 19ND, 6:15-7:50 PM,
Elm Institute
We will be continuing our exploration of the theme of mirrors at the Elm Institute, with a session led by Peter Wicks.
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Writing Retreat
SATURDAY, MARCH 28TH
We will be adjourning to the countryside to spend a day dedicated to making progress on our drafts.