Tim Pennings: Living in a finite world
Tim Pennings
I remember it vividly. I was a first-grader walking to Randolph Elementary school in Lincoln, Nebraska, with two fifth-grade neighbors when we passed a 7-Up bottle by the curb. They challenged me to smash it. “Heck it’s outside, what’s the big deal?” So I heaved it against the curb shattering it to bits. Got a feeling of satisfaction for a job well done, and my companions laughed in hearty approval. Continuing on, we passed four more opportunities for fun and, encouraged by my mentors, I took advantage of each of them. How neat! I had discovered a new pastime with a steep learning curve, and was impressing and entertaining my fifth grade idols who for some reason were chicken. A win-win!
Jordan Dischinger-Smedes: One person can have a big impact
Jordan Dischinger-Smedes
As teachers, I think we all spend some degree of time wondering what our students will go on to do with their futures. This question and how we may shape and magnify the outcomes of our students’ lives is why many of us have chosen the profession of teaching. Anecdotal evidence may come back to us in the form of student emails or gracious alumni who return to the school to thank us, but proof of the long-term impact of our work is hard to measure on such a granular level.
If we hope for a future where law and order prevail, and where law enforcement agencies are neither feared nor despised but respected and appreciated, we need to invest in technology and training.
Barbara Mezeske: To vaccinate or not? Risk vs. reward
Barbara Mezeske
If you are lucky enough to be able to retire, and to have some money set aside, you might consult a financial planner, or at least one of those do-it-yourself guides to making your money last. Both the professional planner and the books talk about “risk tolerance,” financial code for balancing your assets between risk and safety.
Risk too much and your money won’t last. Lock it all up in cash, and it won’t grow which is a different kind of risk. Spend too much now on vacations or that dream cottage, and your money might run out. Be miserly, and risk missing out on the fun.