On a crisp Saturday morning, March 1st, a diverse group of individuals—students, professionals, lifelong learners—gathered in downtown Chicago for the first Reliance Day seminar. Designed as an immersive intellectual experience, Reliance Day offers a taste of the unique educational model of Reliance College, where critical thinking, active discussion, and deep engagement with ideas take center stage.
From ages 17 to over 70, attendees came together with one shared goal: to learn and explore in an environment that champions autonomy and inquiry. The day featured a dynamic blend of seminar discussions, hands-on engagement with art, and a meaningful look at how education shapes our ability to navigate life.
Morning Session: The Power of Inquiry
The day opened with a talk by Reliance College founder, Marsha Familaro Enright, who introduced the key principles of the college’s philosophy. Unlike traditional education models that prioritize passive learning, Reliance fosters active, student-driven exploration. By embracing the Socratic method and a marketplace of ideas, students become participants rather than spectators in their education.
This foundational talk led directly into the morning’s first seminar sessions, where attendees tackled a selection of readings, including the Pledge of Allegiance, as well as Plato’s Meno. The discussion was lively, with participants from all walks of life contributing perspectives shaped by their unique experiences.
Understanding Art Firsthand: A Moment of Insight
After a lunch filled with animated conversation, the afternoon shifted to an interactive session on art and perception. Titled Understanding Art Firsthand, the session was based on the premise that engaging directly with a piece of art—before reading external interpretations—allows for deeper, more personal insights.
A highlight of the session came when the group examined The Deluge, a dramatic painting that captures the chaotic and desperate struggle of human survival. As participants studied the piece in silence before offering their interpretations, a remarkable moment unfolded: one of the youngest attendees, just 17 years old, offered an insight that reframed the entire discussion.
This moment exemplified what makes Reliance Day special: a space where all voices are heard, where learning is not hierarchical but collaborative. It is only in such an open environment that people of all ages feel comfortable enough to share their deepest thoughts and challenge prevailing assumptions.
Closing Reflections and the Future of Reliance
As the afternoon came to a close, the final session focused on connecting the day’s discussions to the broader vision of Reliance College. Attendees reflected on the importance of educational settings that cultivate autonomy, curiosity, and independent reasoning—values sorely lacking in conventional classroom settings. The concept of education as an experience rather than a checklist resonated deeply with the participants.
Several attendees expressed their excitement about bringing what they learned into their own communities, whether in their workplaces, personal studies, or future educational paths. Others voiced interest in attending the upcoming Great Connections Seminar, a weeklong immersive experience that builds on the same principles as Reliance Day.
The Impact of Reliance Day
Chicago Reliance Day was more than just a seminar—it was a demonstration of how education can be transformed when the right principles are put into practice. It showed that when people of all ages engage in honest discussion, free from fear of judgment, profound insights emerge. The fact that a 17-year-old could reframe an entire discussion for a group spanning five decades in age speaks to the effectiveness of an educational approach built on mutual respect and intellectual courage.
For those who attended, the experience reaffirmed that learning is not just about absorbing facts—it’s about making meaningful connections between ideas, people, and life itself. As Reliance College continues to grow, events like this will play a crucial role in spreading its vision of education: one that fosters independence, curiosity, and the confidence to think for oneself.
With more Reliance Days planned in cities across the country, Chicago was just the beginning. If this first event was any indication, the demand for a more thoughtful, engaging, and liberating educational experience is stronger than ever.
Join Us for the Next Reliance Day in Dallas!
Inspired by what you’ve read? Be part of the next Reliance Day seminar in Dallas! Engage in thought-provoking discussions, experience firsthand the power of interactive learning, and connect with a community that values intellectual autonomy. Spaces are limited—apply now to secure your spot!
