Introductory Essay: Exploration of Second Life

The first time that I teleported I was reminded of the famous quote, “Beam me up Scotty” from William Shatner’s character, Captain James Kirk of the Star Trek Enterprise. This system of transportation is very common within the world of Second Life. Throughout Second Life there are different Islands in which an individual’s character called an avatar can navigate. As a student of the University of Central Missouri in English Composition II two of the most notable places within Second Life that I have become accustomed with are Virtual Harlem and Selmo Park. Virtual Harlem is where the classroom that English Compostion II classes meet in Second Life. It is a recreation of Harlem, NY in the 1930’s and 40’s. It has a cozy atmosphere almost as though you are sitting at club late at night in a cozy chair listening to the man on the piano as you have another round of “soda.” The rich red carpet and stained glass window almost have a cool art-deco feel. The big black chairs seem to envelope even the largest avatars as they sit and listen to Dr. Carter. This relaxed environment makes one feel quite comfortable, which is important especially if one is new to the world of Second Life. The other environment that most UCM students become acquainted with in Second Life is Selmo Park. Selmo Park is an actual location in real life where the President of the University of Central Missouri currently lives. In Second Life Selmo Park is the home of the library where our virtual librarians can be found for assistance. This place is truly what its name states a park. It has a light and open feel where one can stroll through the open pavilions, or take a walk down by the dock and view the sea. Selmo Park may seem very simple and scenic but its ability to access the resources of the library at the University of Central Missouri makes it remarkably valuable to students in need of research assistance. The green grass, trees and blue water make Selmo Park easy on the eyes and the friendliness of the virtual librarians make it a useful tool not only for students at the University of Central Missouri, but any and all students within the Second Life world. As vast as Second Life seems to be there is a real treasure right in our backyard.