At a welcome event for incoming students:
STUDENT:
Oh, you're the one teaching the class on worship of trees!
ME:
It's not worship of trees. It's "religion of trees."
STUDENT:
But that's what it means, right?
I think trees are totally worthy of worship!
ME:
All trees?
STUDENT:
I like the idea of a giant tree that connects everything. That's a thing, isn't it? And old trees are so amazing. I saw some redwoods once...
ME (gesturing to the trees in the courtyard)
Do you feel that connection in those trees?
STUDENT (not looking at them):
I guess. Have you heard how trees communicate
with each other through fungi?
ME:
I have.
STUDENT:
Your class was my second choice, but sadly I didn't get in.
ME:
Sorry to hear that.
