A symbol in spiritual beliefs across the world, fire gives light and warmth, it transforms, and it destroys. It is at the center of celebrations and sacraments, but it has also been utilized as a tool of fear and destruction, as in the burning of books. In this talk, Dr. Randy P. Conner asks us to reflect on the significance of fire as he discusses its history and how it has played a role in his own life.
Kipp Cozad grew up in Liberty, Missouri, a town with an infamous past connected to Bleeding Kansas and Jesse James. One piece of history that Kipp did not recognize was his home town’s history of institutional segregation. After joining the Peace Corps and serving in Yemen, the illusions around his hometown were shattered. His perspectives on “normal” had changed. In this talk, Kipp will explore how travel and living in a new culture forced him to see both his hometown and the world differently.
Over the weekend, the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht (Nov 9-10, 1938) was observed. This night 100s of people died as 1000s of Jews were put in concentration campus, businesses were burnt, and families were separated. This marked an escalation of the Holocaust which would not end until the end of World War II.
Here is a story from faculty member Craig Rosen where he talks about Kristallnacht and how his family lost their business. He shares his story of the Ghosts he’s carried with him in a leather brief case. He had explored the documents inside, but the documents found him. Craig shares his family’s story that brings to life voices of the holocaust’s victims and survivors.
Family Matters: Ghosts and the Holocaust and the Suitcase of Documents
Amanda Sidorowicz never wanted to be a burden to her family, friends, and coworkers, so she hid her health struggles for years. It wasn’t until she hit a breaking point in 2017 when she decided to put her health first and seek answers to her medical mystery. In this talk, Amanda will discuss her struggle to feel normal, including coming to terms with the symptoms of the autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, her breaking point, and how she’s feeling today.
My Struggle to Feel Normal: How an Invisible Illness Forced Me to Take Charge of My Health
The audio of this discussion is available below:
Sumeet Singh grew up the Northwest Suburbs of the Chicago land area. He had a pretty normal childhood and grew up in a house filled with love, care, and an actual white picket fence. He felt like everyone else except the fact that he looked different. Sumeet shares his experience about embracing his Sikh identity and his unique perspective on life.
To Sikh Understanding: My Faith as a Sikh
The audio of this discussion is available below:
Do you believe that one event, one person or one moment in your life change your life? Did you go to college for one major, yet found another passion in life that changed your journey? Rose Deneen shares her journey starting with the single chocolate truffle that changed her life. This one truffle led to her becoming a chef and eventually to a culinary teacher today.
My Culinary Journey: From a Truffle to a Teacher
The audio of this discussion is available below:
We are excited to announce our talks scheduled for our TLC: Teaching & Learning Community event. This event will be held in the library on Wednesday, November 7st at 11am with a 2nd session at 12pm in the library event space. Each talk will last 15 minutes followed by a short Q & A period. They are scheduled to align with the general Wednesday class schedule.
My Struggle to Feel Normal: How an Invisible Illness Forced Me to Take Charge of My Health
November 7th, 11am-11:50am
Amanda Sidorowicz never wanted to be a burden to her family, friends, and coworkers, so she hid her health struggles for years. It wasn’t until she hit a breaking point in 2017 when she decided to put her health first and seek answers to her medical mystery. In this talk, Amanda will discuss her struggle to feel normal, including coming to terms with the symptoms of the autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, her breaking point, and how she’s feeling today.
To Sikh Understanding: My Faith as a Sikh
November 7th, 11am-11:50am
Sumeet Singh grew up the Northwest Suburbs of the Chicago land area. He had a pretty normal childhood and grew up in a house filled with love, care, and an actual white picket fence. He felt like everyone else except the fact that he looked different. Sumeet shares his experience about embracing his Sikh identity and his unique perspective on life.
My Culinary Journey: From a Truffle to a Teacher
November 7th, Noon-12:50pm
Do you believe that one event, one person or one moment in your life change your life? Did you go to college for one major, yet found another passion in life that changed your journey? Rose Deneen shares her journey starting with the single chocolate truffle that changed her life. This one truffle led to her becoming a chef and eventually to a culinary teacher today.
Erika Deiters started as a fan of Chicago author Amy Krouse Rosenthal; then the author became the subject of her composition class; eventually Erika and Amy formed a friendship. They supported each other through their cancer diagnoses. Unfortunately, Amy did not survive.
This event is part of our TLC: Teaching & Learning Community series.
GraFEETi, Growth, and Grief: Impact of an Author Friend
The audio of this discussion is available below:
Have you ever felt as though you don’t quite belong? As though you cannot be put into one particular box? If so, then this talk is for you. In this talk, Shanya Gray shares what it was like growing up bi-racial in the Caribbean and what it was like migrating to the United States and living in a culture that was foreign to her. Shanya also shares how she wrestled with not belonging and the process of ultimately becoming comfortable with who she is. Ultimately, in giving this talk, Shanya hopes to share valuable lessons learned from her life’s experiences that can be of encouragement to anyone who has wrestled with not belonging.
Living Life on the Hyphen: Identity & Belonging Amidst Being a Bi-Racial, Caribbean-American Woman
This event is part of our TLC: Teaching & Learning Community series.
The audio of this discussion is available below:
Jodi Marneris’ science teacher said it was near impossible for a tornado to hit the Chicago area. It wasn’t too long after that teacher was proven dead wrong. Jodi’s house was among the ruins of that day of devastation.
This event is part of our TLC: Teaching & Learning Community series.
The Newspaper Headline Read, “This Was a House.” Keyword, “Was”
The audio of this discussion is available below:
