#The Redlands | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

venusdian · 3 days ago

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II. The Pressure.

“Critical Thinking versus Logical Thinking, can they work together or be it biggest enemy? The definition of Critical Thinking by the Oxford Dictionary is the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment. In contrast, the definition of Logical Thinking is the act of analyzing a situation and coming up with a sensible solution. They both sound the same. So, that means they do the same thing, but what if I told you there was a difference between the two? Could you guess what it is?” Dr. John Lambert starts his lecture, staring at the classroom of thirty students, focused on the lecture.

Junis sat in the middle row with her refurbished rose gold Mac book, which had a blank Microsoft Word document on the screen. She had the voice recorder app opened in the background. So she could air-drop the lesson to Vemini when she saw her again. A student raised their hand.

“yes?”

“Well, critical thinking involves emotional intelligence. Not only you’re using logic, but you’re also using emotions. While logical focus on facts and truths.” The student explains. Dr. Lambert hums, nodding.

“Somebody has been reading ahead in their textbook.” Dr. Lambert notes,

“That’s correct. Now that we know the difference. The big question is, when do we use Critical Thinking, and When do we use logical? Any suggestions?”

“Well, we use Critical when it comes to everyday conversations.” A male student suggests. Junis hums as she looks back, seeing where the voice came from as it was unfamiliar.

Sitting in the back of the class was a pale, beige man. He looked homely and had dreadlocks that stopped below his chest and a green Crochet Beanie Skull Cap on his head. He wore a beige hoodie with a chest emblem saying “So Flyyy”. He had bright gray eyes, plump pink lips, and a wooden necklace around his neck. He looked familiar. She was stuck on where.

“Well, that’s actually a good suggestion.” Junis silently hummed, disagreeing with the male student. Junis turned around and began typing away on her laptop. Dr. Lambert noticed that Junis seemed very focused on her computer. He silently pauses as he leans back and turns around to see the seating chart.

That was Vemini’s Cousin, Junis Waterson. Vemini is always active in his class. While Junis always silently typed away on her computer. He didn’t even know the sound of her voice. A small smile forms on his face. This is a good time to find out.

“Ms. Waterson.” He calls out. Junis looks up, confused.

“Uhm yes, Dr. Lambert.”

“Do you have a suggestion?” Junis nervously chuckles,

“U-uh no sir.” Dr. Lambert hums.

“Well, what are you typing?” Junis sheepishly looked down at her laptop as she could feel the attention was on her. She wasn’t typically a fan of the attention. She just likes to type her thoughts out on her Macbook and then ask the professor questions afterward.

“Ms. Waterson, it’s your chance to shine.” Dr. Lambert hums. Junis sighs softly.

“Well, ok. I have to disagree with the previous student. We often don’t use critical thinking while having conversations with other peers.” Dr. Lambert hums.

“Why do you say that?”

“Well, what about having a debate with someone? We’re often using logical thinking rather than critical thinking.”

“What’s the difference between debating and having a conversation?” The male student asks. Junis looks back at the student, humming.

“Well, when you’re debating about something, uhh— let’s say about sports. You don’t factor in the person’s emotions. You go off logic and facts. When you’re having a debate, you’re just having a conversation that happens to be an argument.”

“Hmmm, well according to the Oxford dictionary, a debate is a formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward. That doesn’t sound like a conversation to me.” The male student argues. Junis turns around and googles the definition of conversation, A small smirk forms on her face as she begins to read the definition of conversation.

“Conversation, a talk, especially an informal one, between two or more people, in which news and ideas are exchanged. Debate falls under the discussion bubble.”

“But a debate is a formal conversation.” Junis turned back around to see the male student was grinning. She smiles back, feeling the thrill of the discussion at hand.

“You stated, everyday conversation. You didn’t specify if it was formal or informal.”

“Well, I would assume if I say every day, you would understand I mean informal.”

“Well, that’s still not clear, because we do have debates and if a person loves to argue that can be an everyday thing, am I right?” The Male student looks at her, impressed.

“Yeah, that’s true but wouldn’t that fall into critical thinking if somebody argues every day? They use the fact that whatever they say will anger the other person while giving themselves a sense of satisfaction because they got a rise out of the other party.”

“I mean, yeah you have a point. But critical thinking doesn’t just base its decision on emotions. We also analyze, interpret, as well as evaluate the situation before we make a clear judgment on how to handle the next steps. Kind of like—”

“Debating?” Dr. Lambert, amusingly looks at Junis, excited to hear her rebuttal.

“With debating, the arguments are already predetermined. Oftentimes, we know what we’ll say to rebut the previous point. Whereas, in personal or informal conversations, we study the person’s emotions and words before we speak. But also, what about mindless conversations? The ones where thinking isn’t exactly needed, are everyday conversations a good suggestion, or should we be precise in our example?” Junis asks, looking at Dr. Lambert.

Dr. Lambert’s tongue hits the roof of his mouth, making a clicking sound, impressed by Junis’ argument.

“I think you have a point, Ms. Waterson. Good work.” He says, giving her a proud wink. Junis’ face flushed, embarrassed by the compliment. The male student leaned back in his chair as he watched Junis. He was impressed. He’s never met a girl that could keep up with him. He had to introduce himself…

Meanwhile, Zy’onna was holding practice outside at the track with her dance team. The big homecoming game was this Saturday. All of Washington was coming out. It was Washington State University versus Redland University for the state championship. Because this game was a huge event, Zy’onna has been working her dance team hard because she will not let her team mess up on their big night.

Zy’onna angrily paced back and forth as she looked at her Apple watch. Vemini was late.

“Has anybody seen Vemini?! I know she read my text in the group chat!” Zy’onna angrily shouts at her team. Tamia gets up and places her hand on her shoulder.

“Chill, she’s coming. Let’s just start practice.” Tamia helpfully advises. Zy’onna pinches the bridge of her nose.“If Vemini wasn’t so good with flips and had the best rhythm on the dance team, I would’ve replaced her!” Zy’onna angrily exasperates.

“Ok, girls get in formation. Síauna gets in Vemini’s place. We’re gunna start with “UP” by Cardi B Dance mix for our halftime.” The team gets in formation. Zy’onna walks over to the chair, where her phone and Bluetooth speaker are. She picked up her phone and saw Cassius stretching on the other side of the track. Zy’onna smiles to herself.

“T.” Zy’onna calls. Tamia rushes over to Zy’onna.

“Watch them practice. I’m going to say hi to my sexy hunk of meat.” Zy’onna happily sings as she hands Tamia the phone, rushing to Cassius. Síauna shamefully watched the captain of the dance team run over to Cassius. Síauna looks over at her dance teammate, Kenomi Sato, feeling like she is about to burst. The music starts, and they begin their routine, but Síauna isn’t focused on the beat and the eight counts that went with them. Her eyes were on Zy’onna and Cassius’ interaction.

She watched as Zy’onna wrapped her arms around his neck, her eyes lovingly looking up at him while Cassius sported a fake smile, just going through the motions as Zy’onna was blinded by her own fantasy. The guilt of her knowing that Cassius was just kissing Junis, just loving on Junis, just fucking on Junis just killed her.

It killed her so much that she messed up the routine, causing Tamia to stop.

“Síauna, what the fuck was that?” Síauna looks up at Tamia and scratches the back of her neck.

“Uhhhh, I can—”

“Do you want to embarrass us at the State championship?” She continues to scold now, getting up in Síauna’s face. Kenomi places a firm grip on Tamia’s shoulder.

“Chill out, T. She just made a small mistake. The State championship ain’t till Saturday.” Tamia glares at Kenomi, moving her frustrations onto Kenomi from Síauna. Síauna gives Kenomi a thankful look. She nods as she takes the thrashing of Tamia. Zy’onna returns to the dance team and sees Tamia going off on Kenomi, irritating her. She can’t leave for less than five minutes, and her teammates act right?!

“Tamia, get back in formation. We do not have time to scold our teammates. If they mess up, quickly call them out and start over! Got it?!” Zy’onna scolds Tamia. Kenomi grins at Tamia, who rolls her eyes and goes to her spot. Kenomi returns to her spot beside Síauna, who graciously looks over at her.

“Thank you.” Síauna whispers to Kenomi. Kenomi nods.

“I gotchu.” Síauna took a deep breath and shook her whole body, trying to shake off the nerves, but guilt still weighed heavily on her. The music starts again, and without missing a beat, Síauna messes up again. Zy’onna stops the music, letting out a flustered groan.

“Si Si! What in the hell?!” Zy’onna exclaims. Síauna lets out a remorseful sigh.

“Sorry, Zy.”

“You’re not gunna be as sorry as me when I have to sit you out for this game!” Zy’onna threatens. Síauna, at that moment, should’ve lost all sympathy for Zy’onna. Zy’onna just carelessly threatened her spot in front of everyone, but she felt she deserved that. Síauna gets out of her spot.

“Síauna, what’s going on?” Zy’onna asked, confused.

“I need to talk to you.” Zy’onna lets out an annoyed sigh.

“Fine, Tamia watch the team, and don’t go on a power trip again.” Some of the teammates snicker as Tamia rolls her eyes, slightly embarrassed. Zy’onna and Síauna walk away from the earshot of the team. Zy’onna folds her arms together.

“What is it?” Zy’onna agitatedly asks. Síauna opens her mouth, but Zy’onna interrupts her.

“And if it’s about some personal shit? Wait till Vemini comes, ‘cause frankly, I don’t give a damn about your personal life. You knew what you were signing up for when you joined the dance team.” Síauna pauses. Síauna reminded herself how much of a bitch, Zy’onna is. The sympathy that she had for Zy’onna, slowly dissipated. She mentally shakes her head.

Although Zy’onna was a bitch, she still didn’t deserve to be cheated on.

“Zy’onna… You promise you won’t get mad. Well, at me, at least.” Zy’onna loudly lets out the sound of exasperation.

“Síauna, hurry the fuck up.” Síauna took a deep breath, letting out a slightly annoyed chuckle. Zy’onna was making it hard for her to tell her the truth.

“Look—” before Síauna could start, Vemini interrupts them.

“Aye, I’m here. Sorry, got caught up with some shit.” Vemini explains. Zy’onna looks over at Vemini, annoyed.

“Bitch, You knew what time you had to be here.” Vemini gives her a warning glare. Zy’onna wasn’t scared of anybody. Well, except for Vemini. Vemini did scare her just a bit. That’s why Vemini is the Co-Captain of the dance team. She didn’t need a kiss ass. She needed a leader.

“Well, since you decided to choose the team over dick this time, you can go over the routine again.” Vemini rolls her eyes. Zy’onna walks away, and Síauna follows, but Vemini grabs her wrist. Síauna turns around.

“Yes?”

“What were you and Zy talking about?” Vemini asks, her arms crossed. Vemini’s serious eyes were very intimidating. Síauna stammers, but Vemini knew what was going on.

“You were about to tell her that Junis is fucking her man, right?” Síauna sighs.

“Vee—”

“No. Two things I don’t play about are my money and my family. If you ever think to tell Zy’onna what’s going on with Junis and Cassius, I will, personally, make sure your life is a living hell. Keep your mouth shut and mind your damn business, got it?” Vemini sternly demands. Síauna nervously nods. Vemini changes her intimidating demeanor to a much kinder one.

“Great! I’m glad we have an understanding. Now, get back to your spot. We don’t wanna hear Zy’onna bitching,”

“WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON OVER THERE?!” Zy’onna angrily exclaims.

“Too late,” Vemini mutters, rolling her eyes. Síauna walks with Vemini back over to the team. Síauna had to talk to Junis about this, and she needed to convince Junis to let Cassius go, or else she’s gonna get her ass beat by Vemini because her moral compass is going haywire.

Junis walks out of Dr. Lambert’s classroom, feeling a sense of confidence. Something she hasn’t felt since her brother’s passing. She doesn’t typically like interacting in class, but she enjoyed the thrill of debating and could see why Vemini wanted her to join the class.

Junis was heading towards the stairs when somebody called her name. She turns around and sees it’s the guy that she was debating earlier. She walks towards him, a small, welcoming smile on her face, matching his smile.

“Aye, I wanted to introduce myself.” He hums. Junis nods.

“My name is Xydia.” Junis smiles.

“That’s a pretty name. What does it mean?” He hums.

“I was named after the king of Egypt. King Xydia Adu.” Junis impressed hums.

“Cool.” She slightly furrows her eyebrows.

“Uhh, how do you know my name?”

“Oh! Uhhh, you cousin with Vemini, right?” Junis chuckles.

“Yeah, I am. How you know Vee— besides from class.” They share a small laugh.

“Well—uh, she hooks me up with Crystals at the Spiritual shop downtown.” Junis hums and nods.

“Sounds about right.”

“Well, I was feeling your vibe. You definitely, kept me on my toes with the debate earlier. I was wondering if maybe we could hang out sometime?” Junis shakes her head, remorseful.

“O-oohh, I’m not looking for a man.” Xydia looks at her confused, then grins.

“I ain’t trying to be your man.” Junis gasps, stunned by the response, causing Xydia to chuckle.

“Look, I ain’t mean it like that. I just wanted to vibe out with you. Maybe pick your brain a little bit?” Junis smiles softly.

“Yeah, I would like that.” Xydia smiles.

“Cool, uhhh— my phone is dead. Maybe you could write down your number, and we can make some plans?” Junis hums, nodding. Xydia rips a corner of a piece of paper off of Junis’ binder as he pulls a pen out of his pants pocket. Junis writes down her number and hands it to him,

“Aight, bet! You have pretty handwriting.” Junis blushes.

“Uh, thanks.”

“I’ll text you soon.” He says, shoving the paper in his pocket and walking away. Junis rolled her eyes to herself as her face felt the heat.

“Xydia… you’re one charismatic man…” Junis mutters to herself, heading towards the stairs.

Síauna sits at her desk, working on the rough draft of her English paper as Junis enters the dorm, cheesing. Síauna looks over and sees a happy Junis, which worries her.

“What has you smiling, Ju?”

“Well, for the first time in, like four years, I participated in class, and it felt nice,” Junis confesses. Síauna gets up and excitingly smiles.

“That’s fucking great!”

“Yeah, I know right?! And… I might’ve given my number to a guy too…” Síauna gasps, covering her mouth.

“NO! Really?!” She asks.

“Yeah, I did… But it’s nothing like a date or anything. It’s just on some friendly shit, but he’s mad cute!” Junis confesses. Síauna walks over to Junis and hugs her.

“I’m so proud of you!!!” Síauna squeals as Junis chuckles. Once Síauna pulls away, she looks at Junis, slightly confused.

“So, what about Cassius?” Junis shrugs.

“It’s time for me to let him go… I need to focus on myself. It’ll be hard for a while, but like you said, I have Vee, my mom, and you! I think I’ll make it through.” Síauna squeals again and pulls Junis in for another hug, proud of Junis for this huge step.

“I’m so proud of you, mami!” Síauna gushes. Junis pulls away from Síauna’s tight grasp.

“I’m glad, but I’ma head to the bathroom. I need to take a nice, hot shower! I have been running around all day!” Junis exclaims. Síauna nods. Junis goes into the bathroom, closing the door behind her. Síauna wiped the fake sweat off her face. She no longer felt the pressure of knowing Cassius was cheating. But she knew that she wasn’t in the clear… Junis had to stick to word this time, and that was the part that scared her the most.

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