Yeon suggests that there’s nothing new, that everything can just be reworked into something different. She has taken this idea further and has created her own business, “unique-ifying” ordinary objects, from iPods, to cameras, to switch plates. Listen to her here, and check out her YouTube video here and her blog here.
Every Monday’s Morning Reports begins with the singing of the alma mater, today by the a cappella Junior Singing Group. Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs John Ball explains the meaning of alma mater. Hear him here.
Emma Willard School houseparent Gemma Halfi uses hooping as a means to attain balance in her life. Hear her here.
Annika says we’re all weird in one way or another. She likes to study bones and hopes someday to be a forensic anthropologist. Some folks think that’s weird. But, Annika says, ”We don’t have to all be exactly the same to still exist in some kind of circling harmony…..We’re all weird together; let’s embrace it.” Hear more of what she says here and learn more about her work in this previous EmmaNow post.
Francesca ’13 tells the story of a family tragedy that turned into something that benefits many. After the death of a dear family friend, Francesca’s mom created a foundation for literacy that provides school supplies and books for children. This inspired Francesca to collect money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. “When you have that idea that pops into your head,…do it.” Hear her here.
At this morning’s reports, inspirational speaker Gabby told fellow students how getting lost in the forest turned into a learning experience. She says that life can be like a long, scary trek through the woods, but she suggests that if we follow through and keep walking, we’ll discover what we’re capable of. Hear her here.
On Tuesday evening, September 28, Professor Steven Fein from Williams College will speak to the whole school at 7:30 pm in Kiggins Hall. As part of the Serving and Shaping Her World Speakers Series, Professor Fein will speak about stereotypes and race-based discrimination issues, particularly in relation to the media. Following Tuesday evening’s required talk, the school community will participate in Diversity Day. No classes will meet from 8 am to 3:20 pm on Wednesday, September 29, so that students and adults can engage in schoolwide and small group discussions about diversity-related topics. The goals of Diversity Day are to learn about the diversity within Emma, to break down misconceptions, and to foster community. In addition to discussion-based activities led by peer educators, Diversity Day includes a student panel, opportunities to record experiences and reflections, a closing video presentation, and a performance by Twelve Tones, the senior a cappella group.
This year’s first inspirational speaker was Dean of Students Judy Bridges. On a recent road trip, Ms. Bridges listened to a radio interview with an expert on Judy Garland. The interviewee really loved his work, which prompted Ms. Bridges to ask students, “What do you love?” and she encourages students to find out what others love as a way to get to know them. Hear her here.
Emma Willard Head of School Trudy Hall spoke to students at opening convocation about the creativity crisis in this country. She encouraged students to explore their creative potential. Read or listen to her speech here.
At today’s Morning Reports, senior Sarah shared her Emma journey, from appearing before the Conduct Review Committee twice in her freshman year to learning to take responsibility for her mistakes and learning from them. “Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors,” she says. Hear her here.
