Earth: Beyond the Spare Oom
By Michael Astle
These be the chronicles of the Signum graduates. Their ongoing struggle, to traverse a strange blue world, to eke out new lives with new manifestations, to brightly know what no mage has known before!
(Dramatic music)
Earth date: Summer ’26 Very, very late summer ’26. We do not acknowledge the end of summer.
Michael: Today, we embark upon our second quest to rediscover the ancient philosophers and wizards who long ago passed beyond the high walls of Signum University, we find ourselves in the company of the most admirable Christoph.
Christoph: Good evening.
Michael: Do tell fine Christoph, how long has it been since you flew forth from beneath Thorondor’s wings?
Christoph: Let me think. I graduated in 2023. So, it has been two years.
Michael: A long time in a human life. How then did you first discover Signum?
Christoph: Well, like a lot of people, I looked for broadcasts about The Lord of the Rings and found Corey. From there, I discovered Mythgard and Signum. I decided to take a course. Beyond Middle-Earth was my first one.
Michael: Marvellous! So was your learning adventure concentrated upon Tolkien Studies?
Christoph: No. My next course was Introduction to Germanic Philology I and I went on to pursue that concentration. My thesis was on creating digital edition of an Old Icelandic manuscript.
Michael: That’s interesting! I’ve an interest in runes myself so I’m planning to take the Germanic Philology concentration too. May I ask, where have you voyaged since graduation?
Christoph: I’ve flown into SPACE. Signum gave me a pretty good appreciation of languages. Now I’m taking the Latin module.
Michael: How exhilarating! Are you using your degree for work as well?
Christoph: Unfortunately not. My background is in computer science and I stayed working in the field. Occasionally I still help out with things on the backend of Signum’s website.
Michael: You say “still”. This implies you have tinkered with the cogs running the great machine before.
Christoph: Indeed I have. I took part in the Work Study Program for one semester towards the end of my degree. It’s a great way to progress if you’re struggling financially and there’s an opening available.
Michael: Wise advice from a great sage. Have you any other guidance to share with wanderers in the darkness of this world who may be contemplating becoming students?
Christoph: Just do it. Try it for one semester. If it’s not for you then you’ll have learnt it’s not your thing. But it probably will be if you’ve already looked into it.
Michael: And what would you say to new students?
Christoph: Talk about your issues. For example, if English isn’t your native language, the preceptors are always happy to help.
Michael: Most true. Aren’t they wonderful? So, on a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your experience at Signum?
Christoph: Hmm, I’d give it an 8 or a 9. Signum is such an open community with everyone being so welcoming. At other universities, the administrative process is such a pain it ends up annoying people and making both staff and students cranky. At Signum, the professors really enjoy teaching and it’s a lot of fun.
Michael: Did you have any negative experiences at Signum?
Christoph: Not really, though there are some things I’d like to see improved.
Michael: Such as…?
Christoph: I think there need to be better ways for students to interact outside of class. In my experience, the forums were pretty quiet and the Discord server didn’t exist when I started. But I still think there needs to be more.
Michael: Well, if any of you intrepid adventurers out there have any ideas in this regard, you know where to send them. On the flip side, what did you enjoy most while studying at Signum?
Christoph: Learning is fun. To be able to learn every week for years on end with people who also genuinely enjoy learning the same thing is a rare experience.
Michael: Are you still involved with the Signum community now that you’ve graduated?
Christoph: As I said before, I’m taking Latin in the SPACE programme with Dr Faith Acker. I also “advertise” Signum to friends and family when I can.
Michael: The more the merrier! It’s been fabulous speaking with you, Christoph. Thank you. Yet seeing it’s well nigh midnight in midwinter, I best be going before I turn into a pumpkin.
Christoph: Thank you for the opportunity to share my experience. Goodbye.