Monday started bright and early with a Student Life Orientation led by Dr. Caleb Karges. This primarily served as an opportunity to review the student handbook. “Our job is to care about you,” said Dr. Karges, “and to teach you to be more than your future occupation.” Afterwards, we gathered in Wilhelm Löhe Chapel for LCC’s inaugural morning matins. Mrs. Megan Mullet, the LCC registrar, then walked us through Populi, the online student dashboard.
Next came the much-anticipated (at least by me) Socratic seminar on Artificial Intelligence with Dr. Ryan MacPherson. To summarize briefly: AI resembles humanity insofar as humanity has lowered itself to AI’s level. Dr. MacPherson urged us not to lower ourselves to the “subhuman” but to be vigilant and conscientious in our use of technology. Often, a Socratic seminar is an occasion for lowered eyes and awkward silences. Not this one. Students were not only immediately engaged but were so invested in the discussion that we were late to lunch, a sight unseen among college students.
Over lunch students were split up to meet with their program coordinators. Afterwards came Spiritual Life Orientation with Rev. Joshua Hayes, who spoke about LCC’s expectations and the benefits of daily devotions and urged students to “participate in the life of [their] local congregation[s].”
Tuesday morning marked the beginning of what I assume will (and should) become an LCC tradition: the North Platte River Float. Our day began with an itinerarium in the Löhe Chapel. For those not “in the know,” an itinerarium is a brief prayer service for those about to travel. From there, we packed ourselves into as few cars as possible and set sail for our launch point.
Innertubes, inflatable rafts, and eager freshmen abounded at Robertson Road. After donning life vests, applying a generous helping of sunscreen, and attending a safety demonstration, we were off! My vessel of choice was a raft. Our crew, captained by Logan, RA of Otto House, made good speed. I—the resident spy and stowaway—sat towards the front. Our ship weathered many a naval battle. She was even boarded by a rapscallion intent on throwing our captain overboard. On one notable occasion, we rammed another ship while belting the theme of Pirates of the Caribbean. Yet our ventures were not all violent. We sang many a sea shanty, namely, “Wellerman” and “God’s Own Child,” rescued a waylaid innertuber, and adopted Keve, a respectable piece of river weed named after his river weed parents, Steve and Kelly. Overall, it was a gripping journey.
After disembarking and returning Keve to its riverly rest, we made our way to Fort Casper for a picnic lunch. Once finished, we toured the museum, and those in the choir then went on to practice. We closed the day with Vespers and returned to our homes.
