This list below was my message to my classes at the end of the 2019-20 school year, heading into summer off the pandemic spring remote learning. I'm leaving it up because I think it has some value!

Suggestions to Enlighten Yourself

• If you don't already, start listening to podcasts! If you're in need of ideas, check out my site for what I listen to. If you do listen to some, why not broaden your horizons and try at least one new highly touted podcast!

• Go down the Ted.com rabbit hole.  The site is full of so many great ideas.  Browse by topics that interest you and start your journey. It's more than just learning, it's an experience of worth.

• If you can't get to a play or museum this summer, do it virtually! Virtual museum tours and online musical performances are as easy as a click away!

• Find some nature and walk, run, paddle, hike, picnic, meditate, read, paint/draw, photograph, or play in it!

• Spend more conscious time OFF devices, and especially social media. You'll thank me. )Not saying give it up, just reduce!)

• Do a puzzle (1000 piece)

• Get a puzzle book and challenge yourself (Sudoku, crosswords,  jumbles, etc)

• Play card games (my favorites: cribbage, hearts, rummy)

• Play board games (my favorites: Catan, Yahtzee, etc)

• If you're going to Netflix, throw in a documentary once and a while.

• If you're going to Disney+, throw in a nature program

• Watch more Pixar movies!

Public Speaking & Debate

• I strongly encourage you all to PRACTICE the skills you've learned in this class. Practice them formally or informally. With family and friends or in a work or school environment.  And I encourage you revisit all this information in the future.  

• Now more than ever, it is clear and apparent that we must use our voices and do so with civility.  Only through speaking up, discussion, and civil debate can we help elicit change for the future.  It's not going to happen with a tweet, a post, a snap, etc.  It's going to happen when you knowledgeably speak, supported with facts and expert peer-reviewed opinion, and even engage in active debate where you listen just as much as you speak.  Remember the things we learned this semester, and use them confidently to make yourself better and this world a little better.