Typically, incoming freshmen are surprised that the University assigns a summer reading book. Freshmen react to this “assignment” (while not required, the University strongly suggests freshmen read the book) with varying degrees of enthusiasm. They’re are asked to read the book and are invited to participate in discussions and attend lectures by guest speakers. But, how seriously do students actually take the summer reading assignment?.
I stood outside of Hinton James and asked freshmen if they had read this year’s summer reading book , “Picking Cotton,” a non-fiction account of a man’s false conviction of rape and his eventual exoneration though DNA testing.
Out of the dozen or so students I talked to, many had read the book and enjoyed it. Those who said they had not read the book declined to comment, perhaps fearing the repercussions of beginning their college careers with procrastination — a skill most college students spend their first few semesters perfecting.
Freshmen’s opinions of the book were mostly positive. Most said it was an easy read, and the discussions allowed them to connect with their peers and have insightful discussions with professors — the dream of all freshmen as they embark on the journey to shape their young minds.
“You’re harboring all these ideas in your head about the book and it’s good to get them out in the open,” said Bailey Davis.
Her friend, Alyssa Arena, said she had read the most of the book, but did not attend the Monday discussions. She said she regretted her decision.
Watch the attached video in the multimedia section to see freshmen explain the summer reading book.
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