Conceivable Dreams: Part One

Conceivable Dreams: Part One

Eugene was born in 1931 to immigrants. His mother arrived through Ellis Island from Poland in 1918 at 18 years old. His father arrived earlier in 1912 from Russia (although also Polish), trained as a pharmacist. He never applied his trade in his new country. Speaking...
Reading with Blinders on

Reading with Blinders on

You are someplace new, looking for an office in a 3-story building. You walk in and find there is no directory or any kind of information to help you find what you are looking for. Your only choice is to now walk the halls of every floor until you find where you need...
Into the Fire!

Into the Fire!

Two Years ago I was presented with a new opportunity or challenge, to maybe change lives and create something from nothing. I had never been a teacher at any level and I now accepted the position of adjunct instructor at a college level. There was a small base for the...
Teaching Narrative: Learning to Lead, Follow, Listen, & Reflect

Teaching Narrative: Learning to Lead, Follow, Listen, & Reflect

How do I teach (lead) and inspire the leadership potential and academic engagement in my students? How do I create an environment where my students can share their past and their stories?  How can I help them reflect on those experiences, putting them on paper?  ...
The New Instructor (A Halloween Story)

The New Instructor (A Halloween Story)

“The job’s yours if you…well, if want it. Do you want it?” James Keane asked. Keane was the head of Northwestern Michigan College’s Communications department. “Yes!” I said, not pausing to consider his odd tone as I accepted my first teaching job in higher ed....
You’re Invited! 4x4x16 Writing Challenge

You’re Invited! 4x4x16 Writing Challenge

This is year 7 of the Writing Challenge!  And in honor of the “Be What’s Possible” campaign, we would love for you to “Write What’s Possible!”  Each year the writing challenge has grown and this year we would love to have a...