<p>Inside info. Here's your required reading this summer</p>
<p>"Mountains Beyond Mountains : The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World"</p>
<p>thanks for the tip RLT :) is this required for all first years? do you happen to know what class this is for?</p>
<p>Fantastic, fantastic book, about a great man, written by the "biographer of Northampton".</p>
<p>First years are assigned a book to read over the summer. It is not for a class per se, but is discussed during orientation.</p>
<p>First years are assigned a book to read over the summer. It is not for a class per se, but is discussed during orientation.}}}</p>
<p>Fwiw- reading the book, and I dont mean cliff notes, is a very wise idea if you want to start off your 1st year on the right foot. Smith professors will be very cognizant of who read the book and who didnt. The assignment is not something to ignore simply b/c it's not a class requirement. If mini likes the book a great deal, I haven't read it, however, b/c of mini's endorsement, I would hazard a guess the book is well worth your time and Im sure it would behoove you to read it as it will be more enjoyable and educational than you might imagine. Otoh-a few books from years past were less than ideal choices. Thankfully the required summer reading has improved greatly this year...</p>
<p>OMG!! That is so awesome! Our school had some requirement that all of the teachers and administrators read that book. I read it too, and then our english department suprised us with Tracy Kidder (the author) actually coming to discuss the book. Great book. I'm so excited to read it again, it really sparks up feelings of getting started on something that can change the world.</p>
<p>Thanks RLT, I will pass the info along. Now, just how do you get this info, hmmm??????</p>
<p>Do you know if incoming Adas have a required book to read?</p>
<p>It's MR. Kidder. </p>
<p>{{ Now, just how do you get this info,}}</p>
<p>Take your pick</p>
<p>a) I know people in high places</p>
<p>b) I know people who know people in high places</p>
<p>c) I hacked into the Smith internal sever and email system so I can read my daughter emails and make sure she isnt doing any no nos,--</p>
<p>With that comes the added benefit of being able to read <em>all</em> internal correspondence. Sort of like the bozos who place a hidden spy program on their spouses puters to track their browsing and emails</p>
<p>d) I know the author </p>
<p>e) none of the above</p>
<p>Anyone who knows me well would choose C without a second thought.</p>
<p>I forgot to add, Smith almost always has the author at Smith during orientation to do a reading etc. It isnt confirmed yet but lets hope Mr. Kidder will be at Smith for orientation.</p>
<p>Tx mini...</p>
<p>I know high people in places but they don't inhale.</p>
<p>Otherwise, I agree with RLT about reading the book. And some selections being better than others. And Mini having had a good post.</p>
<p>I know high people in places but they don't inhale}}</p>
<p>You knew Clinton?</p>
<p>I got it for a birthday present this year. Interestingly, it was from the family friends who've been pushing hardest for Smith. Hmmm... anyway, soooo good and inspiring, another plus for Smith in the decision making process. can't wait to read it again.
Didn't he also write one about an inner-city school/classroom in Holyoke? I've been looking for it but I don't know the name.</p>
<p>Didn't he also write one about an inner-city school/classroom in Holyoke}}</p>
<p>"Among Schoolchildren"</p>
<p>Have you decided where youre going to attend yet? Swath, Holyoke, Smith?</p>
<p>I'm waiting for Open Campus to make up my mind so that I can get a really good idea of the engineering department etc., but I've pretty much narrowed it down to Smith if I like the engineering program, Swarthmore if I don't. I'm still going to MHC's weekend, but I doubt I'll end up there. I can't wait for Thursday!</p>
<p>{{Smith if I like the engineering program}}</p>
<p>You'll like it :)</p>
<p>Did you call Dawn Scaparotti?</p>
<p>RSquared...How did Thursday go????</p>
<p>Dawn Scaparotti is amazing! She spent like two hours with me trying to figure out how to make Smith work for me. She's already decided who my adviser should be (Donna Riley) and introduced us, even though Prof. Riley is on leave, and lobbied the fin. aid office. I also met Prof. Mikic and took a class with Dr. Jones. It was also cool because the "Changing the Face of Science and Engineering" alumnae conference was going on, and Dawn and Michelle (the secretary) invited us to hear the engineering students talk. </p>
<p>Even with the above though, I haven't made up my mind. Swarthmore would let me do what I wanted with fewer requirements. The joy of fewer requirements hit home when I left the Smith engineering building after 2 am with my host, leaving behind at least 5 students (and 1 prof!) who were nowhere near done. I don't mind hard work, but I would mind people thinking I slept in the engineering building, which my host has done. Also, I'm not really sure, after all that, that engineering is the way i want to go. Tonight is going to be the big sit down with the family and decide time. Right now, I have to get back to HW.</p>
<p>P.S. Sorry I took so long. I went to MHC and Swat after Smith, so I just got back. Amtrak is great for college visits on the east coast FYI</p>
<p>Swat isn't going to be any less demanding. </p>
<p>And if you're <em>not</em> in Engineering, I'd still pick Smith. You experienced a taste of Smith's "What can we do to make this work for you?" ethos. It can be phenomenal.</p>