19Jun 2013 by CJ

Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love

Love & Relationships, Youth
On June 18, 2013 my beloved grandmother, Madeline Ruvere, peacefully passed away at the age of 92. [caption id="attachment_75" align="alignright" width="296"] A beautiful picture of grams with my great-grandfather.[/caption] Though her health was in continual decline over the last few months, it might sound strange but her passing was still a surprise. I realize it was probably expected given her age, but when you lose someone who once occupied a huge part of your living, laughing and loving, I assure you the loss is still profound regardless of how old you are. Over the last few days my memories of her have been very strong. Beyond the love and support she always provided me, I think the greatest gift she left me was a treasure chest of memories I can…
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06Jun 2013 by CJ

Learning the importance of education from our first teachers

Information & Education, Life & Living, Youth
I’ve always believed that a successful education, regardless of geography, is contingent upon the commitment of three groups: teachers, students and perhaps most importantly, parents. Now I’m sure you’re all scratching your heads as to why I’d say “parents” might just be the most important part of the educational equation, but think about this. Our parents or guardians are our first “teachers”. They provide us with a logical, behavioral and moral foundation we then apply to every facet of our lives. They guide us in making decisions, ground us to what’s truly important in life and support us in following our dreams. If you’ve taken the time to truly “parent” your child, rather than be their “friend”, they will undoubtedly learn the importance of equality, compassion, charity and education. If…
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05Jun 2013 by CJ

Teacher evaluations are still a matter of opinion

Information & Education, Youth
Chances are if I mentioned the name Charlotte Danielson in passing, you wouldn’t know who I was talking about. While she’s not the kind of popular celebrity you’ll find gracing the cover of People magazine, in the educational community she has certainly made a name for herself of late. Danielson is the internationally recognized “expert” in teacher effectiveness – creating an evaluation system that dozens of states have instituted throughout their school districts. I have a great deal of admiration and respect for the teaching profession, and truly applaud a system that will help weed out individuals who only choose this career for the summers off. My association with many fine educators has allowed this outsider a rare glimpse into Danielson’s evaluation system. And while I commend her on the…
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03Jun 2013 by CJ

A message for this year’s graduates

Information & Education, Life & Living, Youth
Isn’t it funny how time always seems to escape us? Case in point – this June marks 20 years since my high school graduation. Two decades have passed by – and while filled with memorable highlights, it still surprises me that so much time has elapsed. I’ve come to understand that in our youth we’re determined to prove to everyone that we’re independent and wiser than our years might suggest. But as I sit here today at the age of 38, I can tell you that there is no greater value in life than learning from the experiences of those who’ve come before us. I’ve told this story before, but it begs repeating during this graduation season. While watching a documentary focusing on the familial bond some animals have in…
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02Jun 2013 by CJ

What is the true measure of a man?

Life & Living, Youth
What is the true measure of a man? I myself have pondered this question for years and years now, and I’m still trying to determine the real qualities and attributes that comprise the male species. Like so many, my research often turns to societal stereotypes, which somehow have become the deciding factor – the judge and jury for the true measure of a man. Entertainment platforms also add their own spin on the subject – though it often strays little from the stereotypes so many of us are all too familiar with. What I’ve come to discover from being a “man” myself and living in a world filled with them is that men feel as though they always need to defend and even prove their masculinity to everyone around them.…
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