In the middle of the night, they left with their five children who were all under the age of seven. They made their way through the darkness, along with two other families to a small, thin boat meant for only four to six people to cross the Mekong River into Thailand.
Parents are the most amazing people. They do whatever it takes to find safety for their family.
We humans collectively build and rebuild our cultures to achieve particular purposes
things are always changing and reshaping to fit current trends and today's needs
I want people to share their knowledge with one another, and make things accessible, because, why not?
I relate to this deeply. If you have knowledge that can further someone, share it. Help others, love all.
My dad, as a former teacher, used to push back against those who would repeat the mantra, “I treat all students the same.” He would respond, “Nonsense! If one of your students went into cardiac arrest, would you stop giving them CPR because the other students did not receive the same treatment?” Students need different support and resources based on their particular needs — this is an equity approach.
THIS. IS. POWERFUL.
“Diversity & Inclusion”
Diversity & Inclusion are so big. Everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and valued. My current workplace has a DE&I team and we have meetings to make sure everyone is getting the support they need.
to the system, not turned in an assignment, or read instructor feedback. I use quantitative reasoning skills when looking at the numbers for overall class progress as well as individual data on students who might be struggling to keep up with the workload.
Not only is this professor using skills from classes they took, but they also care about their students and how they are performing. I love that they have such a kind heart, and you can really tell by reading this.
It is less about how to calculate the right answer and more about understanding the meaning of the calculation results.
Digging into the meaning of things and seeing past the outer layer is what really makes a difference. Find the true meaning and put it to use.
has created consistent opportunities for me to be a changemaker. I must let you in on a secret, though: I don’t enjoy the process of writing at all.
In life there are unenjoyable things we have to do, but at the end of the day it has such an amazing benefit. Pushing through the hard times is a necessity.
Writing became meaningful and connected to a real-world situation. I began to see how writing was a tool to accomplish goals.
The moment of realization where you see life skills and finally understand the purpose of something is the best feeling.
left that course with a better understanding of myself, how individuals weigh impossible choices
If someone is a good speaker and very persuasive it is crazy how your opinions on a subject can change. It's still very important to do full research and ensure your thinking is how you feel and not someone else's opinion.
Each of these courses was essentially a distinct “ingredient” in my general education learning salad.
Always see the big picture. See the full salad and understand there is a lot to go in it. There is so much going on and spending time to understand each component is needed.
It felt like a dream. I was sitting in meeting rooms with the very individuals I had researched and written about in graduate school.
Stay passionate. Set high goals and reach for the stars. You can do anything you put your mind to.
Storytelling continued to be an effective tool some of the best authors used to convey ideas.
For me, the story telling is what makes something stick. Being able to visually picture what is happening helps me remember. I feel like these are the best types of authors/speakers.
I was lucky to have great science teachers in high school who encouraged my explorations.
It is so amazing to have people around you that support you and want to see you succeed. Having caring teachers makes such an impact as they develop who you become.
Most of the “nuts and bolts” — the content I learned in those humanities classes — has settled into the recesses of my mind, but the ways of thinking and knowing remain.
The things we learn aren't always the most important. It's about the skills you retain and use forever.
did you know that Rosa Gumataotao Rios, the 43rd Treasurer of the US, majored in romance languages & literatures?
This is so important because college to me is about what you learn and how you think. The degree title doesn't always match up with what you would expect to take away, but its all worth it.
In that course, Kelly (as an artist) and I (as a lawyer) have worked with art students to transform justice concepts and processes using art and design
Bringing two together for the benefit of one or many is very powerful. Sharing skills and creating idea to remap the layout of such hard times is an amazing idea.
Learning to draw provided me with the ability to communicate beyond the limits of words.
This is so powerful. I've always tried to draw but I am lacking the creativity and skill. I love to view art and really visualize and find the impact it has on me.
Both perspectives are true and accurate. Combine them and you’ll know more about the car than someone who’s only looked at it from a single angle.
Both perspectives are accurate. This is so big as often times if you don't have the same opinion as someone they want to move on. Each person is entitled to their perspective and combining them only make you more knowledgeable.
What I gained in the course that remains relevant, applicable, and transferrable was not a computer programming language, but that I was able to develop an understanding of how a computer programmer thinks, approaches problems, and develops solutions.
This sticks out to me. I often find myself wondering why am I required to take certain classes, or how will they benefit me? At the end of the day there is always a lesson that sticks with me and makes it worth it.
I also became aware that there are many ways to reflect. I didn’t always want to spend hours doing it but sometimes I could dedicate little pockets of time throughout the day.
I like this. When I hear reflection, I think of taking a chunk of time to reflect on everything, and then I try and don't know where to start. Reflecting as thoughts come about in small increments of time will be very beneficial to me.
What an irresistible story that was — one that I could barely understand, but for some reason I wanted to.
Sometimes our focus changes. It doesn't always make sense to us, like how the author is now interested in something they never expected to be interested in, but it's good for the brain to explore and deepen the knowledge.
It turns out that, while quite different, wonder and curiosity often intertwine and animate each other
This is such a strong point that is often overlooked. We don't always realize how things are connected but when taking the time to sit back and think about it, it's been in our face this whole time.
Part of setting and pursuing goals is monitoring them and adjusting them as we need to in order to achieve them in the long run (pun intended, sorry).
I love this sentence. Being able to reroute goals in a healthy way and understand not everything goes to plan is such an incredible skill. Kudos to the author for not giving up, but creating a new plan to achieve the goal.
Consequently, many tend to stay quiet so as to not make a mistake or are quick to reject an idea or fact that does not conform to their views on an issue
I believe everyone has a right to ask their questions and share their views. I disagree with people who verbally attack those who are trying to share their ideas. Everyone deserves a chance to speak as they see fit.
the UA is concerned for students’ well-being and keeping the campus community safe.
I love that UA values each student as a human and that the higher ups at the university care for the student and want to help them make the right choices.
the UA Gen Ed program allows you to choose courses you find meaningful that also align with your personal and professional interests, with opportunities to develop the skills needed to tackle important issues facing our communities.
I love this. I find it hard to be passionate about something that I am not interested in. Being able to sort through many classes that will develop the skills needed while enjoying the work is such a positive thing.
Despite the challenges, I became the first in my family to graduate from college.
This story speaks levels. So many challenges and even facing being uncomfortable. Graduating is such a huge accomplishment, and the author is now able to share that and inspire others.
While I loved learning (I still do) and took my coursework seriously, I didn’t see the connections between what I was learning and what I wanted to do for a career,
I feel this on a personal level. Some required courses I will catch myself feeling as if they have no benefit. Looking at the big picture, everything comes with a lesson, and some of those lessons will forever impact.
My main goal was to do better and feel better. I know this is vague and not a SMART goal, but I was desperate to feel something
It's ok to go "off track" and not always follow what the "plan" says. Mental health and well-being are so important. Not everyone learns the same or has the same motivation tactics. Going off the "path" to find you and what works best for you is the best thing you can do for yourself.
He taught me that when you are in motion — your goals, thoughts, actions — you are positively affecting someone.
This is so true. Everything we do effects someone in some way. Striving for my goals and seeing my accomplishments not only gives me motivation but positively affects others to be their best selves and complete their goals.
And you know what? We’re using Mr. G’s six-degrees technique to build connections
It's incredible the impact one person can have on you. Life skills and lessons that you will never forget. My previous boss taught me so many things, but the main one that I am always brining with me is "see the big picture".
For example, when I journal about a conflict with a family member, I begin by reflecting on what occurred and then naturally transition into analyzing why the conflict happened and why it matters to my understanding of myself and my family member.
Although I don't take the time to write down my thoughts I do take a lot of reflection time. As Sovay describes the questions they ask themselves, it reminds me a lot of how I do my personal reflections. Analyze the situation, who all is involved, and how they are impacted.
However, all of these jobs were in fact relevant work experiences because I was able to learn from each of them.
This rings so true to myself. Although my previous jobs are not " in line" with my career path, they have developed me immensely and the personal development shines through.
When you don’t understand the “why” of something, it can be difficult to maintain the motivation to get it done. Often, we are met with some variation of “Because I said so” as the answer to the “why?” question, an answer that is about as motivating as no answer at all.
This is so very true for me. Being able to learn and understand the purpose of my assignments motivates me to want to learn and complete all work.