Author Simran Jeet Singh will come to Cowan Hall on Oct. 22 to speak about this year's Common Book, "The Light We Give." In the book, Singh reflects on his story of growing up as a Sikh in San Antonio, Texas, particularly in the aftermath of 9/11.
First-year students were required to read the book and write an essay demonstrating their understanding of the book before the semester started, and they are required to attend the convocation as part of their First Year Seminar (FYS).
First-year exercise science major Nolan Thomas said he was excited for the opportunity to hear from Singh after reading his book.
“He has a cool story and I think it’s going to be beneficial to hear it,” Thomas said. “I liked how he went into detail about the experiences he had as a Sikh in America, especially after 9/11, and how it affected his life.”
Though Thomas acknowledged that he was being required to go, he said that he would go regardless. First-year sports management major Trae McAninch did not share the same opinion
“I don’t think teachers should be able to make us attend things like this,” McAninch said. “People have other things to do like sports and jobs that they are trying to schedule around classes, so I don’t think adding more things to our plate is fair.”
The Common Book program began in 1995 and, according to the university website, it seeks to “stimulate a year-long discussion of an academic theme derived from common book issues.”
The Common Book is selected by a committee of faculty, staff and students, and begins two years in advance. Over the two years, the committee narrows the field from over 50 books to one.
Otterbein has canceled afternoon classes between 2:40 - 4:00 p.m. the day of the convocation to allow students the opportunity to attend without missing class.
