Thursday, July 29, 2021 (Day 210)
Relaxing Music for the week: Hands of Love: Deuter (9:09) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Gf0SCQoyBk
Question: Write an unsent letter to someone with whom you want to make amends.
Answer: I’m not sure I’m going to respond to this prompt…I’m going to think about this prompt for a little while, then decide. When I really think about the prompt, I don’t think there’s anyone I’d like to make amends with. I believe everything happens for a reason, both good and bad. Things that have happened with people that didn’t turn out so well had to happen in order for me to be at this place in my life today. Any change would most likely have me moving in a different direction. To be honest, I have no ill will towards anyone in my life right now, even though I know there have been certain people that I believe have done things to me that have been harmful in one way or another. But I’ve also made sure that the toxic people that have been in my life are either: (1) not in my life at all, or (2) have a very minimal impact on my life. What’s the point of having them around if they want to be a jerk? It’s like those people who troll your work and have something bad to say. Block them, delete them, and be done with them.
So, I won’t be writing a letter today. To be honest, I would much rather write a letter of gratitude for those that have helped me on my journey; that seems to be a more productive use of my time.
Other Stuff
I read a good article this morning titled, “On Risk and Grades.” Regardless of whether you’ve been to college or not, it’s a rather interesting perspective on how grades reduces a students’ incentive to take risks. Students who are focused on getting good grades, getting scholarships, and getting into graduate school are more likely to take classes that are focused on the GPA and not take classes that may challenge them to stretch their comfort zone – and possibly hurt their GPA. If you think about it further in terms of mindset, the college experience, for the most part, promotes the fixed mindset vs the growth mindset (for those that are familiar with Carol Dweck’s work). It makes me think a lot about my Side Hustle course, where I have students take an idea and try to generate income within 7 weeks (or less). Every semester, I have a few students drop, sharing that they think it might be too much work, which might hurt their GPA. And to me, that’s sad, especially when creating your own gig might become the way of the world by 2030.
Anyway, check out the article here:
- On Risk and Grades – https://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/confessions-community-college-dean/risk-and-grades
Hope you find it as fascinating at I did!
The Dream Dean 