Belonging Does Not JUST Happen Change is constant, so why is it so difficult to absorb, and adjust to accept differences? It’s because we assume that other people see things the same way we do. And yet, perception is individualized. We each see the world differently; my sisters’ and my memories are dramatically different even…

The educational system in the United States barely evolved from the 1800s where teachers imparted knowledge to learners. Students of all ages gathered in a one-room schoolhouse where they were taught morality and how to read the bible. By the 1850s education had advanced to meet the needs of industry…

During times of uncertainty, when we are bombarded by information, facts, and fiction, it is important to create a culture of connection and their sense of belonging. Institutions of Higher Learning are positioned to create connections as they have for many years, even if now only virtually. …

While there are many endangered species, few are as closely aligned to humans as the bonobos, who share 98.7% of our DNA or are as cute, the embodiment of the toy store monkey. Bonobos are one of the few mammals who are matriarchal, led by the females, distinguished by their…

By Donna Hayes and Suzanne Weston In my lifetime alone technology has exploded. I used a slide ruler, learned computer programming with key-punch cards on a mainframe, used rotary phones, paid in cash, and mailed handwritten letters. Advances in technology have changed everything; automation replaced repetitive manual tasks (i.e. assembly…

by Donna Hayes and Suzanne Weston We grew up in a time of relative stability, but the current environment has been anything but stable. On March 17th, almost overnight, Americans were forced to change how we work, socialize, and envision the future. A global pandemic with massive unemployment and disruption…

When I was a child each day seemed endless. Now in the blink of the eye, a year has passed. What changed? Our perception of time changes as we age as a result of how our brains function. Our brains encode new experiences to create memories. During childhood we are…

I am always second-guessing my decisions. My brain boomerangs back and forth between choices: do I want what’s behind door number one, or door number two? I am always convinced I choose poorly…afraid I am just settling with the safer option. Is it a confidence issue, competence issue, or something…