Thursday nights in Tuttle Lounge, you are likely to witness anything from rolling laughter to intense discussion in the candid vibe session that has come to be known as the "LJB Show." What started as a small group of friends gathering Thursdays to talk about the issues affecting their lives, has since grown into a fun and stimulating forum of self-expression and warm-hearted fellowship for 40 to 50 people a week.
One typical evening in March, as students from all classes and majors gather in an oblong circle, the topic that grips the mood is as routine as it is provocative - "Spring Break Flings: Just that or something more?"
Before the floor can open for discussion, though, first-year College student, host and show namesake Libby Jefferson sets a few ground rules. Anyone who talks must use a nickname, which they are addressed by throughout the night, and then, in order of hands raised, governed by a speakers list. The conversation moves with each comment spurring on the next, building a warm edifice of commonality. Both the discussion and the sentiment pulse with the motion of the crowd's laughter.
The easy-going atmosphere exactly is why Jefferson thinks people are attracted to the group and so willing to share of themselves.
"It's a choice for people to come out here," Jefferson said. "We are definitely trying to keep it away from anything set in stone."
That choice is one that more and more people are making from week to week. From the "Welcome" to the "Wrap-Up" segments, participants flow through a wide range of topics, such as friendship or how to deal with loss. Each new comment challenges perceptions of concepts like "selfhood" and "value," all through the medium of that lost art called conversation.
Jefferson demonstrates what a valuable tool this can be as she guides the Thursday sessions into another subject. Standing with her back to Tuttle's main doors, she looks out over the small audience. Microphone in hand, she poses the next topic: Why guys and girls get so dressed up for class. She prompts the group into discussion, wondering aloud about what motivates students to dress straight out of the latest J. Crew catalogue, or as if heading to a party right after lecture.
She calls on one audience member, affectionately addressing him as "B-more," his chosen nickname.
"Yeah, I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that we live in a commercialized culture," says "B-more," a.k.a fourth-year Engineering student Brian Edmonds. He continues on about the pressure of having to buy brand name clothes instead of shopping at K-Mart.
"Yeah, and getting back to the comment that was made earlier about relationships and the dressing to impress," he says, recalling an earlier vein of conversation, "I feel like as you get older, a lot of times, your priorities begin to change. Like me, I'm sold out for Jesus Christ. But when I see a girl walk by, it's still hard not to look. However, I feel like as we grow, different things become important to us in looking for that person who we want to be with."
The fresh dialogue sounds as if it normally would be reserved for a group of a few close friends. But when people speak here, they do so with a frankness that rarely is found among near strangers, which the audience considers the most fulfilling part of the show. Another encouraging aspect is that it is run completely by first-year students.
"I think what these guys are doing is really very positive," said Emilio Alonso, third-year Commerce student and LJB participant. "With first years, there is normally a period of transition where people develop a more mature line of thinking. The fact that these first years come together and talk about issues that affect the entire University community, such as dating or sexuality, in a constructive manner, speaks to their maturity."
Edmonds agrees with that sentiment.
"This program is an amazing example of the talent that is in U.Va.'s first-year class," he said.
He added that the show is important in affirming these young leaders, helping them grow better prepared to lead in the greater University community.
"The young African-American leaders that are rising up are more than outstanding, and it's inherent upon those who experience U.Va. life to shed light on the culture and learn from their younger peers," Edmonds said.
There also is potential for people from all walks of the University just to enjoy each other's company. No strings attached.
"As [controversial] issues have arisen throughout the University community, it is good to have an informal setting where students can express their views," first-year college student Jason Bailey said. "If not, such issues would probably go un-discussed."
Without a doubt, one strength the show bears is the ability for peers to affirm each other on a real level. The warmth that comes through this scene nearly is overwhelming, and demonstrates a rare expression of concern for others at the University.
The show's intimate atmosphere combined with the range of topics act as huge draws for students every week. Not only can people expect to be able to speak their minds, but they also may look forward to having a good time sharing with people from different class years and backgrounds
"It's not just a first-year thing," first-year College student Spencer Pilgrim said. "Not just a minority thing. But it's about a sense of community. As we progress, we want to include issues outside of ourselves." First-year Architecture student Tyler Scriven agreed that the atmosphere of the show frees students to drop pretenses and share what they really are thinking.
"The LJB Show is real," Scriven said. "Students come and are able to free themselves of their worries and social restraints. There is no underlying agenda. No pressure to conform. The only requirement is that you speak your mind."
This openness is one of the most attractive aspects of the show. The atmosphere is one where students feel comfortable enough to speak honestly, providing the tools for its participants to grow together.
"The LJB Show is more about interacting," first-year College student Vincent Pickney said. "It's coming in with an open mind and then leaving with understanding."
As students tackle difficult issues, they do so knowing that every tough comment is made out of a spirit of love.
"It's like a support group," third-year Commerce student Jahan Hardy said. "Hearing people relate different experiences may actually help someone who's going through the same thing"
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