Lise's Lens: April 6, 2023

Lise reads a profile of journalist Audie Cornish, considers the concept of the Human Library, and listens to a podcast with a rising star alum — who mentions CSW!

WHAT I’M READING
 
  • I have listened to Audie Cornish for years on NPR, and so I was so surprised when I found out she was leaving NPR, and even more shocked when I saw her appear on CNN. Apparently I wasn't alone. This recent article in The New Yorker gives us great insight into what led her to journalism. Did you know that she came to Mattapan with her family when they emigrated to the USA from Jamaica? I also really appreciated one of her comments about why she is a successful journalist and how she gets people to be candid. “People want to be understood,” she says. "When people are in dialogue with each other in a group, and they outnumber the journalist, they feel comfortable… Often, that comfort allows people to build their story together."

WHAT I’M THINKING/TALKING ABOUT
 
  • I recently fell upon this concept called the Human Library. The focus of this library is to reach out directory to other humans and have open conversations. Typically, the focus is on ideas, points of view, or experiences one would typically not have access to. Basically, instead of reading about someone or a topic or a moment in time, you engage in a conversation about it. This is an international movement that was started in Denmark about 20 years ago. I'm thinking that, especially around this time of year when prospective families are making admissions decisions, this is what we are also trying to do in our community — bring students and adults from diverse life experiences and journeys to work and learn and live together to enrich each other’s lives. 

WHAT I'M WATCHING/LISTENING TO

  • I enjoyed this podcast interview with CSW alum and playwright Sophie Weisskoff ’10. About three and a half minutes in she talks about a creative writing independent study she did at CSW (which she describes as “a cool high school that did stuff like that!”), and the positive feedback she received from her teacher. She elaborates further at 05:20, calling CSW “utopian.” CSW aside, in listening to this podcast, it’s clear how thoughtful and articulate Sophie is. If you happen to have time to listen, at least in part, I know you’ll enjoy it. It is especially recommended for anyone interested in theater and writing. 
WHAT CAUGHT MY EYE
 
It brought me great pride to see our students, faculty and staff sharing information and insights on the CSW experience at our fair for newly accepted students and families this week. I know everyone took precious time from their day to be there and help, and I know it had an enormously positive impact on all of our visitors. I’m so proud to be a part of this community.

 
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The Cambridge School of Weston is a progressive high school for day and boarding students in grades 9–12 and PG. CSW's mission is to provide a progressive education that emphasizes deep learning, meaningful relationships, and a dynamic program that inspires students to discover who they are and what their contribution is to their school, their community and the world.