Quaestiones ex Discipulis

You might recall that in the Participant Survey, we asked if you had any questions for staff. Many of you did not, but some brave souls ventured forth. I am answering them here for everyone's benefit:

• What's your favorite Musical? Do you have a favorite Enlightenment philosopher?
  • ​My favorite musicals at the moment are Hamilton (though I have issues with some items left out or glossed over) and Hadestown (I will also never not love Moulin Rouge). My favorite Enlightenment Philosophers are Mary Wollstonecraft, Emilie du Chatelet, and Laura Bassi. I also adore how popular Hypatia's story becomes during this time. 
• Can I bring a GPS running watch? It can't communicate, it's not an Apple Watch. It just records the distance when I run, and I need to track my mileage for a summer mileage competition on my cross country team.
  • ​Yes, you can bring any music or mileage tracker that is not internet-enabled. If you have questions about a specific device, feel free to comment or email me.
• How is the experience (both academically and socially) designed to encourage diverse and interdisciplinary thinking?
  • ​This is one of my favorite topics to discuss and am happy to do so at length during our free time. The easiest ways to answer in this format is to say that academy language classes, culture classes, and immersion activities are designed thematically so that the language skills and cultural content are leading to something.  
• How are you doing today? :)
  • ​Ago optime! Et Tu?  Academy is the highlight of my year and I love preparing for it and experiencing it with different staff and students.  I am trying to be careful of screen time today, as I have chronic migraines that are exacerbated by it.
• I am curious how much free time we might have each day, as I like to have a while to go on a run, preferably at least a few times a week.
  • ​There is not a lot of free time, I will be honest. However, there are several opportunities most days for you to run and/or relax. There is running time available every morning before breakfast and we have an hour of scheduled gym time/swim time/free time almost daily.
• How's the food?
  • ​Okay, I'm going to be real. The food is...campus cafeteria food. There is a lot of repetition, sometimes a lack of non-meat protein options, and a whole lot of potatoes. The cafeteria staff line workers, however, are amazing and will usually help in any way they can for dietary restrictions and needs. My advice is to bring non-perishable snacks (and containers to store them in so you don't get ants), your own spices (I carry mine in a baggie), and to enjoy every non-Estes meal we have to the fullest.  
• Is it ok if I bring my chainmail and Lorica Segmentata? It has a slight smell of oil if you sit within too close proximity of it, ( you can’t really smell it unless you’re right next to it). I wonder if I might also bring a shield. It would be based upon an early imperial cavalry shield.
  • ​ABSOLUTELY!!!!! Bring any non-sharp Roman replicas you have.  We do have to limit actual weapons in the dorms (obviously), but love seeing armor and shields. Also, if you have replica jewelry or daily life items, feel free to bring them. If you are unsure about any item, just send me an email or comment below.
• What might be some extra things I could bring that aren't on the packing list that may be helpful? Also, are there any opportunities that can help use prepare for the NJCL Convention this summer as well?
  • ​We try to be very thorough in the packing lists, but definitely bring any art or music supplies you can't live without. BRING A SWEATER or JACKET. It's going to be very hot in Ashland, but the rooms we use get very cold. There are refillable water bottle stations, so a water bottle is a good idea. You might want a lamp for your bed area. Finally, bring things to help make your dorm room feel cozy.
  • Yes, we have several activities that are applicable to NJCL Convention.
• How much freedom do students get over which classes they take?
  • ​Everyone is taking the same set of classes throughout academy. However, we will have two elective opportunities where you can select between the offered options. Also, you have a lot of say over your final project, how you interact in province activities, and immersion activities. You will find a lot more control and responsibility for your learning at Academy.
• I am a cellist, and I was wondering if I should bring my cello.
  • ​SINE DUBIO!!! Please bring any musical instrument that is portable.  We love for students to bring their talents to projects and learning activities.
• How will the leadership be selected? Do I need to prepare some Ancient Greek before the start of the program?
  • ​We are going to hold Roman style elections (voting in centuries and tribes) on the second full day of academy. 
  • You don't need to put a lot of effort or stress on preparing Ancient Greek prior to academy. We start with the alphabet. So, reviewing the alphabet would be the most I would do.
• How often will we be in Roman dress versus regular class clothes? And how often will we get to do laundry?
  • ​We wear Roman dress at around twice a week and not for huge amounts of time. I bring 2 or 3 options and plan to wash them at least once. 

If you have any more questions, feel free to put them in the comments or email me. I'm so excited to meet you all on Sunday!!
ex animo,
​Princeps