Each August a small college in Wisconsin releases its look at the cultural touchstones that have shaped the lives of students about to enter college. Here's what I've learned from the list. This is an important week. Beloit College, a small college in Wisconsin, releases its annual Mindset List, a compilation of the events, values, and pop... Continue Reading →
Yikes, I messed up: The power of failure
I failed. Failed. Failed with a capital F. I looked the woman in the eye. I knew I her from high school, but I still asked her to spell out her name. She said it fast, but I got what I needed. I meticulously wrote down her comment and raced back to the newsroom. When... Continue Reading →
Five old school things that still rule
My sons finish-up school this week. They’ll hand in their books, clean out their lockers, and get ready for the summer. It will be a fun week for them. We live now in a society controlled by the web and social media. For all the change this has meant, one big end-of-the-year school activity has stayed the same.... Continue Reading →
Your feel-good story of the day
There’s no way around it: People can be downright horrible. I feel like all that I've heard lately are stories about the terrible things that we do to each other supposedly in the name of love and friendship. I’m not talking about war or terrorism. I’m referring to the run of the mill things that... Continue Reading →
A father and son: Two different morning routines
My son went about his normal routine. He got a quick shower and got dressed without a care in the world, like it was just a regular school day. I stubbed my toe and felt on edge. My son made himself some coffee and grabbed a bagel for breakfast. When he had eaten the bagel... Continue Reading →
Walking on campus: A few thoughts
You pick up your child after she’s completed her first year of college and a million miscellaneous thoughts race through your head. I don’t claim that any of them make sense, but here’s a few that jumped to my mind: --When we dropped off my daughter at her college, we were able to fit everything... Continue Reading →
Special needs camp counselor: In over my head
I’ve always been awestruck by the challenge special education teachers face on a daily basis. I became even more impressed a number of years ago when I served as a weekend camp counselor for a mentally and physically disabled boy. I found the experience eye-opening. . . . . . . Joey, a 12-year-old boy with... Continue Reading →

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