Life beyond studying? What's that?

I just returned from the library with a frustrating realization about the students here at the school. They study from when they wake up to when they go to sleep, or are expected to be in a study-like environment other than meal times essentially. And the kicker? Some students only sleep 3 HOURS TOTAL a night. That is ridiculous! So, the leadership of my school has shown responsiveness to scientific documentation and I think identifying the perils of such little sleep is a problem. Unfortunately, my NetID does not work for the Cornell library anymore. I’m not sure if that’s because I need to pay for it or just because I’m in Africa but oh well. What I would love, is a few articles sent that give a suggestion on how much sleep a high school student needs to effectively absorb information. Also, I think it would be great if there was some sort of study on the effects of continual studying without a break. The Tanzanian thought process is that if I study more that will directly translate to better scores, which causes them to study for an unnatural amount of the day. They do not understand that taking time off is a valuable part of the learning process, be it for sleep or just a mental break. I need to prove that point that was made at every state orchestra concert; that students who do a variety of other activities do really well in school. I know I’m not here to tell people how to do things but I feel obligated to at least present the information. So, if you know of a good article or have access to a college library search tool and can offer me a study or two, I would greatly appreciate it.

I decided the other day, when I was organizing my shelf full of books to take stock of the books I’ve read since arriving in Tanzania. It has undoubtedly been the most literature intensive 6 months of my life since the days of my monthly Animorph books (which I still semi-proudly own every single one of!) But anyway, here’s the list (and I may have forgotten a book or two):
Oracle Night, Paul Auster
The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis
Moon Palace, Paul Auster
Halo: The Fall of Reach, Eric Nylund
Halo: The Flood, William Dietz
Halo: First Strike, Eric Nylund
The Secret History, Donna Tartt
The New Great Game, Lutz Kleveman
Contact Zero, David Wolstencroft
Twilight, Stephenie Meyer
New Moon, Stephenie Meyer
Eclipse, Stephenie Meyer
Breaking Dawn, Stephenie Meyer
I know. I know. The Twilight books? Well, on the one hand they’re a fast read and semi entertaining, but unnecessarily long. But really, my best excuse is that Hannah spent the money to send them here which means I needed to read them. Since I started them, however, I have received a mountain of books from a collection at Ascension (which I still need to write a thank you message for, so if you were involved, THANK YOU!). So I have read probably a little over ¾ of a shelf so far and have about 3 ¼ more shelves to go. Some titles coming soon are Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, a historical account of the battle for Stalingrad, perhaps The Working Poor, and any of the thriller or science fiction books that I acquired in the mail. I’m excited about my shelf and I’m realizing just how much I do still enjoy reading, both novels and things more academic. So, onward!

While we’re on the topic of extracurriculars, be they athletic or reading or otherwise, I’m realizing their role in my life. Being someone who identified with the hard science most in school it seemed like those outlets were more of a secondary tier of time usage and while that to some degree is quite true, I’m seeing that the top tier wouldn’t have functioned without them. Here I’m struggling to do any of the activities I most enjoyed in the states. My athletic outlets are very limited as the school does not have adequate space due to its urban setting and my musical outlets here are limited to the singing of religious songs since I didn’t even bring my viola overseas. It’s a struggle to balance the situation and I miss them a lot, but as time goes on and I continue to make an effort, I’m sure I’ll find a way to satisfy those wishes. I do recognize though, that I don’t have a great track record. At Cornell I found myself needing an extra push to go to a theatre production (be it a friend in the show or…..*coughfeelingsfortheproducercough* :P) but once I went, I always asked myself why I didn’t go all the time. I can see that potentially occurring here so I need to be proactive to fix it. We’ll see what I can do and if I can create an environment where athletics and fine arts are viewed as a catalyst to effective learning and being good citizens. Maybe that’s what I can offer this community above and beyond teaching. I’ve been looking for something. Maybe this could be it!