TURNING POINTS focuses on connections that matter in life, and I want to offer thanks to and for all the people who have make life better for others. Good on ya, mates! Like Paul McCartney of the Beatles, who played such a role in the transformation of popular music in the early Sixties. Many of … Continue reading TURNING POINTS—Giving Thanks And Finding the Linkages
TURNING POINTS—Fostering Persistence
Last year, I was fortunate to speak with faculty at Maryland’s Howard Community College about OPEN ADMISSIONS and the mission of teaching nontraditional students. HCC President Kate Hetherington’s praise for the book meant a lot to me, as did her invitation to address the faculty then to work with a small faculty group. I was … Continue reading TURNING POINTS—Fostering Persistence
TURNING POINTS—Thanks Should Be Given Daily, But Posts Can Be Shared Less Frequently
Stigmas can change, as last week’s post suggested. I’ve seen that happen since I walked in the doors of a community college as a freshman, since I walked out of the same college’s doors after 38 years of counseling and teaching, and since the publication of a book that sings the praises of nontraditional students … Continue reading TURNING POINTS—Thanks Should Be Given Daily, But Posts Can Be Shared Less Frequently
TURNING POINTS—Smart First Steps in Higher Education
Slowly but surely, stigmas about community college are being replaced by accurate (and positive) perspectives. Just ask admissions staff at Ivy League and other top tier schools about community colleges. In a recent New York Times article, Laura Pappano cites Williams College, Brown University, and Muhlenberg College as selective schools that are finding community college … Continue reading TURNING POINTS—Smart First Steps in Higher Education
TURNING POINTS—When Gratitude Is Hard To Come By
People in recovery have seen some things. They can make great workers in the field of recovery because they have made the journey through addiction to something beyond sobriety. Understand: maintaining sobriety after years of addiction is no small accomplishment, but people in recovery want to become more than “a sober drunk,” to use an … Continue reading TURNING POINTS—When Gratitude Is Hard To Come By
TURNING POINTS—The Ripple Effects of Kindness
Speak with someone who is recovering from illness or injury, and there’s a good chance that you’ll hear about the role that other people have played in their story. Others can make a difference for the better when we’re battling sickness. They can provide turning points in our lives. Just knowing that we have people … Continue reading TURNING POINTS—The Ripple Effects of Kindness
TURNING POINTS—From Rucks And Scrums To Ballads And Two-Steps
About 9:30 on Friday evening, drummer/friend Jerry Howard and my other band-mates will start banging out the intro to “Do That Thing,” and I’ll jump in with the vocal to kick off another night of dance music at Philadelphia’s Mermaid Inn. It’ll be the most fun we’ve had in months. And it’s something I wouldn’t … Continue reading TURNING POINTS—From Rucks And Scrums To Ballads And Two-Steps
