Quote For the Week
“When one door of happiness closes another opens. But often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has opened for us.”
Helen Keller
Tip for Inclusion Online
Practice kindness. Kindness can be the thread that connects us as we work together at a distance. Offering to set up a time to ‘chat’ with someone outside of class, being flexible and calling people in when you disagree with someone (especially online) can go a long way in leveling the playing field when we are all working and learning in different settings and circumstances. Keep in mind that you have no way of knowing the additional responsibilities and demands people are juggling at a distance. To learn more about the science and impact of kindness follow this link.
With that in mind let’s send some love to our students, alumni and others who are in New York or have family there. It is currently being hit particularly hard by the pandemic.
Something that brings me joy…
Playing catch with my kitten, Snowflake, who technically was a gift to my husband, brings me joy. It all began one evening while I was watching television in bed. Snowflake picked up her favorite furry toy, jumped up on the bed and put it down next to me. When I finally noticed it I threw it off the bed. She brought it back to me. We repeated this a few times. Then she took it to my husband who was sitting in a chair across the room. She alternated fetching it between the two of us. We have been playing catch every day since. In the attached video I tried to demonstrate my cat playing catch, but true to her kitty nature she had something else in mind, but it was still fun.
I’d love to hear about some of the things that are bringing you joy while we are learning, working and living at a distance. Feel free to send me an email, kimberly.a.barrett@lawrence.edu, about what brings you comfort and some measure of happiness in these difficult times. Pictures are always appreciated.
With warm regards for your continued health and well being!
Kimberly Barrett, Ph.D.
Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion
and Associate Dean of the Faculty