By Kira Cluff
I have to admit, I miss Europe.
I miss the paintings. I miss the metro systems.
More, I miss sitting down across the table from someone I may or may not know just to talk. Looking back, it wasn''t what we talked about that sticks with me. Although I remember several topics that crossed corner bistro caf? tables in Berlin, Hamburg, Paris, and London, the memory of fierce discussion easily outshines the conclusions of those rapid-fire exchanges.
Today I know a little more about Rastafarians, North Dakota, modern art and the effect, or non-effect, of practiced American syllogisms on European students than I did at the beginning of the summer.
I also know that there is much to life that I''ve taken for granted, or have overlooked, in my quest for knowledge that matters right now. While my parents and my professors have often encouraged an avid exploration and understanding of the world I live in, this summer I finally understood the scope of knowledge available to students of the world.
Here at BYU, that opportunity to share a bistro caf? table with a mind different from your own is limited to some extent.
The students and professors who come to Provo to study and to learn share much in common, both intellectually and spiritually. Commonalities provide an excellent foundation for friendships. They foster good will and create a comfortable community feel. In fact, members of the BYU community get along so well, it''s amazing we have anything to talk about.
But you do.
Each professor brings to the table a passion for the subjects that he or she teaches.
Students from several countries come to Provo from cultures and environments dissimilar from those of the students with whom they share classroom space.
Believe it or not, this BYU bubble that we thrive in is made up of a variegated cornucopia of ideas, dreams and objections.
As the opinion editor up here at The Daily Universe I invite you to our caf? table.
Join our discussion about life, about art, about religion, about the world that we live in.
Three days a week we will open the floor to the voices of our readers, people who have something to contribute to our dialogue.
It may be a while before I return to Europe. But I don''t have to wait to find my jolt of excitement - my much needed caf? break.
I look to find it right here, on the editorial page of The Daily Universe.