i took a cross country ski lesson yesterday at snow mountain ranch. the instructors were the cross country coaches from the University of Wyoming. In splitting the group up, the coach asked for those of us that "identified" as beginners to stand here, and those of us that "identified" as an intermediate to stand there.

That's college-speak for you. There's no shame involved in calling yourself a beginning cross country skier. or, that you have skied and wanted some more advanced tips. either you're a beginner, or you're not. There's no "identification" of this fact. what's next, if you're a beginner, but "identify" as a world class skier, they'll tailor a lesson to you?