Lise's Lens: May 16, 2023
WHAT I’M READING
- This Baltimore Sun piece exploring the delicate balance between working hard and burning oneself out really struck a chord with me. The author cites an episode of the “ReThinking” podcast, in which host Adam Grant discusses hustle culture with Peloton instructor Robin Arzon. In it, he says, “Something that I think so many people get wrong is when they contrast hustle culture with self-care… There’s a difference between intensity and volume.” And by the way, this is still a work in progress for me…
WHAT I’M THINKING/TALKING ABOUT
- There are some people who live very close to me who sometimes wonder about my wondering aloud or my clear “lost in my thoughts” look. Well, I have some validation now that I’m not alone and it’s not all bad. My “inner talk” gives me much needed processing time and a way to literally “sound things out.” It’s also like scratch paper for me where I can put down ideas, edit, scratch off items and work through drafts of ideas and presentations. I do wonder if any of you reading this also talk to yourselves… Someone? Anyone? Tell me I’m not alone in this!
WHAT I'M WATCHING/LISTENING TO
- CSW has entered into election season. What does this mean? It means that for the past few weeks, students interested in holding elected leadership positions on important student groups and committees like Advisory Board, Curriculum Committee, and Sustainability Committee have been getting up in front of the entire school at assembly to announce their candidacies and advocate for themselves. Public speaking in this way is not an easy thing for anyone to do, and I know it's a big deal for our teenage students. That’s why I always feel so proud of those who are willing to take on the challenge, especially when I know it’s a student who typically shies from the spotlight. The practice teaches critical skills in confidence, communication, and preparation — all skills our students will need as they go out into the world beyond CSW. It is a joy to watch and listen.
WHAT CAUGHT MY EYE
I am SO upset that I did not get the memo to head outside and observe the Northern Lights during the solar storm last Friday night. Luckily, my colleagues were more in the know. Check out this incredible shot admissions counselor and dorm parent Melisa was able to capture from the lowers. I can’t believe I missed it.
Campus News
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Photography Teacher Anne Rearick Releases New Book
Photography Teacher Anne Rearick has release a new book of photograpy, Gure Bazterrrak (Our Land). Published by the Deadbeat Club Press, the book will begin shipping this winter and will be available during Paris Photo at Polycopies, Porte de Solférino.Read More -
Anny '28 Wins International Film Awards
Read MoreThis past summer, Anny ’28, worked as executive director and cinematographer for two documentary films titled Shaolin Youth and Confined, earning multiple international awards for her efforts.Anny, a boarding student from China, spent her summer filming Shaolin Youth in the Shaolin Temple, a thousand-year-old temple, where she focused on different groups of Chinese teenagers, showcasing China's special martial arts program and the impact it can have on the growth of teenagers from low-income families. The film focuses on the stories of underserved families and troubled teenagers in rural China who are hoping to change their fate by learning martial arts, showing the dedication and love these teenagers have toward martial arts, and the influence martial arts can have on a person's growth. -
CSW Welcomes Students from Panama
Read MoreLast week CSW welcomed 12 students from C.A.D.I. Bilingual Academy in Panama, where our students spent some time during the mod abroad trip to Panama in mod 5 last school year! They were joined by C.A.D.I.'s Director and administrators. During their visit from October 17-21, 2024, they stayed with CSW host families and attended classes with student ambassadors. -
Mod Break Wilderness Trips are Back!
Read MoreMod break Wilderness Trips are back in action with the first one taking students to the White Mountains! During the 3-day trip, students were split up into two groups based on student preference. The introductory group made its foray into the Kinsman Mountains with History and English teacher/Wilderness Trip Guide Aidan Wang, while the advanced group tackled Mt. Garfield with Science teacher and longtime Wilderness Trip Guide Kevin Smith.
Meet CSW Students
CSW—a gender-inclusive day and boarding school for grades 9-12—is a national leader in progressive education. We live out our values of inquiry-based learning, student agency, and embracing diverse perspectives in every aspect of our student experience. Young people come to CSW to learn how to learn and then put what they learn into action—essential skills they carry into their futures as doers, makers, innovators, leaders, and exceptional humans who do meaningful work in the world.