Lise's Lens: November 7, 2024
Going into this week, no one could quite predict what was on the horizon with regards to the election here in the U.S. As I shared in last week’s post, my approach was to maintain a sense of hope and calm, but be prepared for anything. Now that the results are in, I am taking things minute by minute, day by day, and continuing to try to find joy and hold onto hope for the future. And, there is certainly much reflection for all of us to engage in. What do we hold on to? What might we be open to listen to? What might we be open to advocating for?
WHAT I’M READING
- On October 31 there was a great Opinion Guest Essay in the NYT by Ricky Martin, Lin Manuel Miranda and Rita Moreno. Apart from learning about Puerto Rico from their lenses — and certainly a bit more about their history on and off the island — it was a great statement about hope (and you know how I’m focused on hope!). And while I really think it is important to appreciate the Puerto Rican perspective, the final paragraph is for all of us:Our capacity to change is our American superpower — the core energy that drives our entrepreneurs, our artists, our visionaries. It’s a beautiful, creative force and it comes from a people who are young at heart, seeking new ideas and questioning old ways.Never mind the noise. Listen to the harmony. Because history has its eyes on us.
WHAT I’M THINKING/TALKING ABOUT
- I am thinking about the engaging and informative presentation our History Department led at yesterday morning’s assembly.Following the national election here in the U.S., we thought it would be helpful to provide context and insight around the American political system — how it was conceived, how it currently functions, and how it has evolved over time — so that community members might better understand the results they are seeing on television and online. Topics covered included the U.S. Constitution and the Electoral College, in addition to a summary of influential court decisions, and a review of how the electoral map has changed over time.It’s actually astounding just how complicated and nuanced the U.S. electoral process is, and I am really grateful to my colleagues — Ryan, Patrick, Rachel, Aidan, Anjali and Jee eun) for taking the time to synthesize information that typically takes a whole mod to cover (i.e. Rachel’s “US Voting and Elections” course), into a 30 minute presentation for us all. This was no easy feat, and they did it with conviction and poise. I learned a lot, and I know our students did too. Be sure to ask them about it!
WHAT I'M WATCHING/LISTENING TO
- To watch or not to watch? This has been a matter of great debate in my home this week as we process the results of the election. I wonder how you are dealing with this. Are you consuming all the analysis and reactions in the media? Or have you been making an effort to tune out? I personally have been trying not to spend too much time consuming media that is just going to dampen my mood. If you are like me, and trying to avoid the noise, for at least a little while, here is an alternative:I recently came across this Instagram reel from NPR with tips on how to “stress less,” as recommended by Judith Moskowitz, a psychologist at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. In the video, the host recommends people engage in three main practices: notice positive events, savor the moment, and practice gratitude. Now, I don’t know about you, but I’ve heard all of these things before. But apparently there’s a reason these ideas keep popping up; according to the research, they really do work! The issue, I think, is that we don’t actually practice them. So what do you think? Can we commit to really giving it a try?
WHAT CAUGHT MY EYE
The third annual library Read-a-Thon was on Saturday! From 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. students, faculty, staff, and family gathered in the library to read and relax. Here's a pic of some of the long-haulers!
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.