Students at Georgia Perimeter College Newton will soon spend four days taking an intense look in the mirror - not to comb their hair or put on makeup, but to reflect on their lives. All events are free and open to the public.

GPC Newton's Fall 2012 Symposium, Oct. 29 through Nov. 1, will explore the theme "My Generation." In a school week of academic and festive events, the campus' mostly "millennial" students will compare themselves with their elders and ancestors regarding their world and their outlook on life.

"It's important for students to study the generations so that they can understand how their culture, concerns and values are similar and different to those of past generations," said symposium chair Jane Hercules, a communications instructor at GPC Newton.

Faculty members and students will discuss various topics including popular music, generational literacy, energy, sustainability, history, African-American poetry, science fiction, genetics and food. There will be a film screening of "Social Network," student music and poetry performances and a student art show.

"We're excited to host the fall symposium here at the Newton Campus, and it's a great opportunity for our students to be a part of this fantastic learning experience," said Newton student government association president Mela Kisson-Persaud. "The theme "My Generation" is a perfect choice for the Newton Campus, as it allows the nontraditional and traditional student to briefly experience each other's genre."