The Good Life Gap Semester in Maine

The Good Life Course was one of the most profound experiences I have had in my life. I come from a very technical and science based background, but I throughly enjoyed our philosophical discussions on what constitutes a good life. The readings were also incredibly enlightening and there was no shortage of fun activities and great food! Georgetown is downright gorgeous and is the perfect place to be discussing and cultivating the philosophy of the good life. Leaving the course, you will no doubt feel refreshed, prepared, and invigorated to live your wild and precious life.

The first year I had attended one of the Good Life programs, my experience with a variety of professionals, notably Zen-practitioner Justin Park, led me to discoveries regarding the relation of my body and mind. For example, rounded-breathing + relaxation in the eyes & shoulders has been massive in dissolving anxiety and instilling clarity. Another nice thing about this course is that there's not so much focus on degrees of excellence, or even the pass / fail dichotomy. Expectation is a present factor as with any earnestly-aspiring program, but the focus seems to lie more so on Self-Orientation than with seemingly external "what-factors". In other words, enjoy your learning... and never stop. A professor that is not only willing, but excited to learn with and from their students, is my kind of dude / gal . Philip, Meg, Justin, Marsha, Loren, and company are some cool cats / "pretty neat" , and I definitely found Nature more neat in working with them ;D

" Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. " - Seneca

One of the things I really appreciated the first time around going on the trip is the amount of diversity the trip has to offer for everybody. There are a number of people living on the peninsula who have different expertise in so many different fields, which makes it good because there's something for everybody to fall in love with and someone to look up to. Francis has literature, religion and philosophy; Lawrence has poetry; Ruth has farming; his dad has construction; then there's Justin with mindful meditation; and Meg with writing and Yoga. Along the way he also brings in some very interesting special guest, different for everybody. Even if you talk to professor's kids you can learn a thing or two about wonder and awe!

This is class wonderfully integrates the outdoor experience of the coast of Maine with intellectually stimulating academic content. In the course, students learn of the importance of maintaining a relationship with nature, the Self, and other life-long learners. Intermingling with students from Manhattan College (I am from UMF) was a wonderful opportunity to speak with students with different life experiences than the majority of us, finding comfort in our commonalities and new interests in our differences. The course material has a focus on the natural environment that is rooted in Transcendentalist and Taoist philosophy which allows one to take a much-needed break from modern living.

I grew up in Maine so I am pretty used to being outdoors but the sites and adventures I got to experience here were once in a lifetime. The sites that we visited were all amazing. The little islands we went to were amazing. I have always been nervous of deep water but the people there made me feel safe and comfortable. For one of the first times in my life I was alright on the water. The morning yoga was very relaxing and much more enjoyable than I previously expected it to be. Overall I would say that this is an excellent opportunity for anyone.

Before going on this trip I only knew one other person, and I had extreme social anxiety at the time. You could imagine how I felt going into a two week stay in a place I had never been living with people I really did not know. Once I got there my anxieties went away. Professor Francis, the other students on the trip, and his family/friends we worked and learned beside were some of the best people I have ever meet. Through this experience I was able to reflect on my life and open my eyes to change. This two weeks really allowed me to start making plan and executing about how I want to live a “good life.” For me it started by becoming more sustainable and now as I have just graduated moving away to start my good life. I honestly do not know if I would be where I am today if it was not for this class. I’m so grateful Professor Francis and the class he provided!

As a student in the first year this course, I wasn't sure what to expect, but was eager to learn how to live simply a good life and embark on a 2 week journey in Maine. Since taking Professor Francis for another religion course, I only knew the class was going to be great. Everyday was carefully designed and planned out with new adventures, challenges, and experiences. From reading, kyaking, learning new trades, enjoying time with new friends, and studying the works of many authors and philosophers, every moment was enjoyable. I developed and grew as a person throughout this course from the diversity of the group, the teachings, experiences, and being in a new environment. The hospitality of the Francis family is something I will never forget. The family is so creative, welcoming, and admirable. I can't wait for the day I get to enjoy the beauty of Georgetown Maine again.

I like to consider myself an outdoorsy person but since I had started college I felt like I had lost track of that part in myself. Taking this course open my eyes to the side of myself I lost and reconnected me with the beauty and light that nature holds. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming; you will never feel judged or like you don’t belong; truly the best experience in my life that I will never forget. You could barely know the people you were with and by the end they’re family and it will be a memory that you will cherish forever!