I loved Dr. Dawson’s visit and hearing about her experience with human anatomy and cadavers. My initial feelings about the Bodyworlds exhibit changed after her visit and our class discussion. Initially, I was adamantly against the display of the bodies carrying out everyday activities, like playing chess or kicking a soccer ball. However, after discussing with the class and Dr. Dawson, I realized that that kind of display could make anatomy and learning about the body more appealing to someone who otherwise wouldn’t go to such an exhibit. Dr. Dawson challenged us and questioned whether or not everyone should be allowed to learn about and see all aspects of human anatomy and bodily functions. The class agreed that everyone, despite their economic status or education level, should have the opportunity to learn about their body and its functions. Bodyworlds is an exhibit that engages the audience to at least look at human anatomy and its functions through its displays. I have to admit, going to see a row of bodies lying flat on a display would not be the most exciting exhibit to go to. Dr. Dawson’s engagement and enthusiasm about what she does is inspiring. It was her enthusiasm that inspired me to hold the human heart that she brought to class– something I never thought I’d do!

Engaging a modern audience in an antiquated practice and classical art style?

Her visit helped me realize that on a larger level, we as students and as citizens in a country that offers so many opportunities to learn and educate ourselves, have a right to always gain knowledge. If we have the opportunity to learn or try something new, why shouldn’t we? Nobody can be harmed by having too much knowledge. Dr. Dawson inspired in me a desire to learn even beyond whatever I’m learning in the classroom. Yes, grades are important. However, we are at an institution of higher learning, a place where we are encouraged to constantly learn more. As students at the University of Oregon, we have access to so much knowledge. We can take classes taught by published and renowned experts. We have laboratories that contain the most state-of-the-art technology. We have studies being conducted that are revealing the most groundbreaking information. Having the opportunity to study at a university is an opportunity so many people around the world are denied. Even if I think my classes aren’t the most interesting at times, there is still something I can learn everyday. At the end of the day, whether its a controversial exhibit like Bodyworlds or a seemingly boring lecture, isn’t it more important that we are learning and discovering something we otherwise wouldn’t have, had we not visited that exhibit or attended that lecture? If just one piece of information from that exhibit or lecture sparks an interest in a person, hasn’t the end goal of education in both those environments been met?