A plea for harmony and understanding
December 5th, 2016“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
– Written by: Martin Niemöller (1892–1984)
The recent turmoil on college campuses has been splashed all over news headlines since the presidential election in November. Episodes of hatred toward minorities, protests and rallies have been spreading like wildfire. One story we want to share that hits close to home is about two Jewish professors who were recently targeted by this hatred. The article to which we link below, written by Colleen Flaherty for Inside Higher Ed, reminds us that it is never too soon to begin working together in harmony. We each have a responsibility to speak up in the face of bigotry and hatred in our schools, our colleges, our workplaces, our communities. Let’s do all that we can to improve the world around us and speak up on behalf of those who need our help.
Article published on Inside Higher Ed November 28, 2016
Written by: Colleen Flaherty
Jewish faculty members on two campuses were the targets of anti-Semitic language and threats in the last few weeks. Two doesn’t make a trend, but the incidents do echo other instances of hate seen on college campuses in the days since the presidential election — and they come amid reports since the election of swastikas drawn in various locations on a number of campuses.
Benjamin Kuperman, associate professor and chair of computer science at Oberlin College, and his wife reportedly heard tapping sounds outside their home early in the morning on Nov. 17. They opened the front door to discover smashed seashells and a note behind their mezuzah, a small case that contains parchment with verses from the Torah, which many Jews place on their door frames. The note read, in glued letters, “Gas Jews Die,” according to the local Chronicle-Telegram.
Read more at Inside Higher Ed >>Tagged: Choices, Personal characteristics
How can I stay motivated?
October 18th, 2016October seems to be the month for fall slump, doesn’t it? The school year that seemed so shiny and new in August and September has somehow become routine and maybe even overwhelming at times. Some students are showing signs of motivation flagging, so we thought the suggestions in today’s article link might be helpful and timely. Onward and upward!
Article below published August 30, 2013
Written by: Thorin Klosowski
Dear Lifehacker,
Recently, I’ve been too bored or unmotivated to do my school assignments. No matter how hard I try to actually focus on it, after a half hour, my mind tells me, “No more! Let’s take a break!” I’m not sure why these productivity techniques aren’t working for me. Is there a way to actually get past this “not wanting to work” mentality?
Sincerely,
Fun Motivated
Dear FM,
A lack of motivation to finish school work (or just work in general) is a tough nut to crack, and there are all kinds of possible reasons why you might struggle with staying motivated after you start. A lot of different things can kill your motivation, so let’s take a look at a few possible ways to diagnose and fix the problem.
Tagged: Choices, High school, Personal characteristics
Beyond BookSmart: setting priorities
September 6th, 2016We came across a Priority Matrix Guide developed by Beyond BookSmart recently, and thought it would be so valuable to our students that we asked if we could share a link. Jackie Stachel’s enthusiastic response included an offer to be a guest blogger, and we’re delighted to feature her in our blog today.
Please note that when you click on the link to the Priority Matrix Guide on Beyond BookSmart’s website, you will be asked for your email address.
Guest blogger:
Jackie Stachel, MS CCC-SLP (based on text written by Laura Moy)
Senior Coach & Director of Communications, Beyond BookSmart
For many parents and kids, making the choice to cut certain activities from an overwhelmed student’s schedule can be challenging. It’s likely that you both have strong beliefs about what activities are most important and you simply cannot come to an agreement on priorities. The best way to win that battle is with empirical data, as opposed to opinions. Beyond BookSmart, an Executive Function coaching company, has created a tool to help students evaluate their activities. Their Priority Matrix Guide provides a step-by-step process to help students select meaningful priorities and achieve a better work-life balance.
Please let us know if you find the guide useful!
Tagged: Choices, Opportunity, Personal characteristics
Students, do not doubt that you are worthy!
August 29th, 2016We are in back to school mode here at Shrop Ed, and want to share yet another relevant article that touches on the feelings of many students as they enter new settings.
Freshman year of college, exciting as it is, can leave many feeling overwhelmed both academically and socially and therefore the fear of failure may begin to creep in. This lack of confidence occurs for many, many students, and can be especially deeply felt for those who come from a disadvantaged background.
Professor David L. Kirp, of the University of California-Berkeley, shared information about research that is helping students, especially underprivileged youth, succeed in school. The interventions Kirp describes are designed to assure students that they are worthy of admission and encourage a proactive approach to performance improvement.
We see important parallels for students just starting out at a new boarding school, and hope that all of our families will consider this article link relevant.
Many thanks to the Shrop Ed parent who brought this article to our attention.
Article below published by The New York Times, August 20, 2016
Written by: David L. Kirp
Although it’s been a long time, I vividly recall my reaction when I learned that I had been admitted to Amherst College: The admissions office must have made a terrible mistake.
I had graduated from a Long Island high school where most students didn’t go to college, so I was convinced that at Amherst I would be overmatched by my better-educated, more sophisticated classmates and sliced to ribbons by my brilliant professors. To my surprise, I fared well academically, but I never entirely got over the feeling of being an impostor. Only decades later, at a class reunion, did I discover that many of my peers had felt exactly the same way.
Read more at NY Times >>Tagged: Choices, Opportunity, Personal characteristics