Adventures Among Ants at Emma

From the top of the world’s tallest tree to deep in unexplored caves, Mark Moffett has discovered new species and behavior while risking life and limb to find stories that make people fall in love with the unexpected in nature. Mark is a real-life adventurer with awards for writing and photography, including the 2006 Lowell Thomas Medal and the sixth Roy Chapman Andrews Society Distinguished Explorer Award (2008). As part of the Serving & Shaping Her World Speakers Series, Mark spoke with students at an assembly today. Hear part of his presentation here with an introduction from science instructor Linda Maier.

Trouble in paradise

Math instructor Carmel Schettino bemoans the stereotypes, behaviors, and images associated with the MTV show Jersey Shore. Ms. Schettino spent summers with her family at the New Jersey seashore, and it is a special place to her. Hear her here.

All that’s certain is surprise!

Director of Facilities Ian Smith spoke with students this morning about U.S. president Theodore Roosevelt. “How he chose to live his life created surprising contrast along the way to a life well lived.” Learn more here.

Hiccup and move on

Liana often gets the hiccups. She tries to suppress them and cure them, to no avail. Whether your hiccups are real or metaphorical (a difficult test or some other life challenge), she suggests you just deal with it and move on. Hear her here.

A Valentine to Words

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English department chair Meg McClellan spoke to students this morning about the power of words and shared her love of language. “Language, in any form,” she says, “comes alive when it tells us the truth in unexpected ways.” Hear her here.

It’s okay to be a dork

Taz, a junior, admits that she is a dork. But she’s okay with that.”The facts that define you today could be different from the ones that define you tomorrow. You’re always gathering more information about yourself.” Hear her here.

A Gracious Loser

Sarah tells the story of her brother’s experience on a poker TV show. Serving as a “loose cannon,” David behaved unexpectedly when he lost the big prize. Hear Sarah here.

Overcoming shortcomings

At only five feet tall, Aileen has had her challenges—getting on rides at amusement parks, taking her driver’s test, being mistaken for someone much younger. To avoid being overlooked, she has had to compensate with personality, confidence, and even stubbornness. Hear her here.

If You Choose

Joe Hefta, a member of the Emma Willard development team who interacts with many alumnae, shares with students his experiences with two alumnae in particular who chose to continue their special relationship with the school. Hear him here.

Step Outside of “You”

English instructor Todd Matthew’s latest passion is the graphic novel, commonly called comics but which focus on far more serious subjects rather than colorful superheroes. Todd talks about Joe Sacco, whose book Safe Area Gorazde takes the reader on an illustrated adventure into the Bosnian war. Todd suggests we explore passions that are outside of how people see us or how we see ourselves. Hear him here.