Part 4

I was able to escape from high school (and summer school) with a desire to go to university.  When I was rejected from York U my father wanted to try and change its position.  He contacted the Dean and was able to get us an interview.

I had been exempt in all courses except math and with the summer school mark I actually had a decent average over 70%.  I took my transcript with me to the interview.  The Dean had my application and wanted to discuss grades.  He asked me how I did in History  --  I told him I didn't take History.  He asked how I did in French - I told him I didn't take French.   I told him my marks in chemistry, physics, english, geography and math.  He made no attempt to hide his confusion.  He looked at my transcript and indicated that he had the grades of another applicant by the same name.  Another example of my travelling through the "twilight zone".

He asked me the question that - if I was admitted to first year at York would I be a student who would make York proud.  What a stupid question.  I lied and said yes.  I was admitted to first year, one day after the commencement of the academic year.

It took about 6 weeks before my true nature showed its face.  The entire first year class was required to take "Modes of Reasoning", being a course in logic, as in "if a equals b and b equals c then a equals c."  Very logical.

Students were present in Stedman Hall for the lecture in person and many more students had to view the lecture by tv in other rooms.  The professor was British and not very dynamic.  No one asked any questions, and he merely read for the 50 minute lecture period.

No questions, that is, until I decided to ask a question which took everyone including the professor by surprise.  The question was "why do we have to take this class".  His answer was a curt "because it is a required course".  My not being satisfied to then just sit back and take it - I put my hand up for a second question.  When asked what my question was, I brazenly asked:  "then why does it have to be so boring".   All hell broke loose with students yelling at each -- the professor trying to get control and finally the class being dismissed.

I had to walk from the Stedman Hall to Vanier College for my philosophy class in the Don's room with ten or so other students.  When we all got there the only topic of discussion was what had happened in the previous class, and even the Don enquired as to what was being referred to as a riot by the first year class.  I did not offer any opinion and kept my identity a secret.

After everyone else left, I confessed that I had been the perpetrator of the discourse and I actually felt bad about how I had acted.  It was suggested that I apologize to the Professor which I did almost immediately.

It was ironic that of all the courses that I took in my undergraduate studies, the only course that had any relevance to my law studies was "Modes of Reasoning".  If I had only known, maybe I would have done better than a C in the course.