Things I did today instead of Doom Scrolling
Peter presenting at a humanities conference.
Meanwhile, this past week, our brilliant scholar Peter presented a paper at a humanities conference at his university. His paper was about a recent novella called The Ballad of Black Tom (inspired by HP Lovecraft‘s story “The Horror at Red Hook”).
He was informed about this conference in December less than a week before the deadline to submit a paper, so he wrote it on a tight deadline (which honestly sometimes is easier). All three of his literature professors last semester praised him and built his confidence. One of them encouraged Peter to submit something. Then one of the other professors turned out to be the moderator — she said she volunteered for this panel BECAUSE Peter was a presenter. Also, *whew*, it helped his nerves that he knew the moderator. Also, he glowed at her praise.
Peter’s ability to analyze and then explain his analysis of literature is astounding. (His professors keep telling him that he’s coming up with perspectives they hadn’t thought of.) After the three person presentation, two people asked Peter questions and he answered clearly and thoughtfully. He got great response. Sean and I were too nervous to ask any questions, plus didn’t want to embarrass him!
This return to college has been so good for Peter.
Sean and I are beyond proud of him. He’s overcome so much to get back to college. And now. this pushing his comfort zone boundaries is so new, we’re in awe.
Anyway, my boy. And yes, he read his presentation off of his phone. He does not like printing things.
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