Category: writing

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still unpacking from visit to Cuba

lighthouse

I’m still unpacking from my recent trip to Cuba. Tight schedules had me returning to work immediately, so it has been a challenge to put things away, sort through the very few souvenirs that I brought back, and return to the swing of things both at home and work. Routines are underrated. Just saying.

journalI also have emotional unpacking I’ll be doing for months to come. I wrote every day, partly to document the events, and partly to reflect on them. It was hyperspeed the whole way, and were it not for the daily opportunities to sit in a chapel and slow my mind down, and my heart, I think I would have just been a pinball, bouncing from place to place in a blur. The journal kept me focused on the moments, and it was easier that way — to enjoy each day and recap it at night.

It made for little sleep, though. I filled up this puppy. That’s a lot of journaling.

I’ve been writing in a few places, sharing some of my experiences and insights, and a little fun, too. I hope you check out my posts and interviews:

A series at Aliteia.org:

Return to Cuba: Carrying Heavy Baggage

I took a Selfie with Pope Francis

Pope Francis Fuels Hopes of Young Cubans

A fun guest post at CatholicDrinkie.com: Sampling Local Drinks in Cuba

The usual antics at Catholic Weekend: CW 290 Maria’s Cuban Pilgrimage

Too much fun with Hello Kitty and Pope selfies at The Catholic Hipster Podcast: Episoed 7

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for my love of stories

I love stories, whether they are fantastical fictional adventures or true life confessions. Sometimes, the stories are something in between.

I was looking around for a video to share with my literature students this term, and found this gem.

 

Chimamanda Adichie, a Nigerian writer, discusses a deep subject — how knowing only one story about anything limits our ability to understand each other. While the TED Talk shares her personal experiences in the one-story pitfall, its universality makes it a must-see for all students.

The human condition is as varied and unique as the persons who comprise it. I love her perspective. I especially love that it is based on the dignity of the human person. Enjoy.

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shifting my focus to the pen

One of the great things about working in an academic setting is the opportunity for intellectual engagement with colleagues across the various disciplines. This opportunity came up earlier this week at our faculty forum. A colleague presented a project on which we’ve collaborated, and we’re excited to implement during the fall semester.

The basic premise was developed in my composition class, where I’ve worked with students to develop a process essay based upon their dreams and turning those dreams into achievable goals. The students write their academic goals, including the steps they need to complete, in order to accomplish their goals. The handwritten part is essential — a process I insist upon based on research. A quick search will lead you here…here…here…and here.

The project requires students to carry a small print book with their handwritten notes and analysis of their academic progress.

A question about developing an online version led to a spirited discussion that started in the business division and ended in the early childhood education division. The consensus: handwritten analysis has a place in the modern college classroom as a complement to the technology we are all so inclined to prefer.

This TED Talk by Jake Weidmann addresses the issue beautifully and eloquently. Just like his lovely penmanship.

 

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