Wrong

Have you ever watched TEDtalks? They're kind of like the best, nerdiest thing ever. Well, that's what I've spent my shift today doing, watching TEDtalks. One of the ones I watched was titled "On Being Wrong," by Kathryn Schulz. It was precisely that. Why are we so afraid of being wrong? Schulz has spent her life studying error, and human behavior regarding it. She spoke of what it actually feels like to be wrong. That is, it feels like being right, up until that moment when you look down and you've already gone off the cliff, and you're hanging in midair. (I wish I could take credit for this explanation, but it's pretty much word for word what Schulz said).
So what if we weren't afraid of being wrong? More importantly, what if I wasn't afraid of being wrong? I've even had teachers and professors comment on my lack of confidence in my academic life. Now, it might seem like I'm considering going all out, no holds barred, nothing matters type of deal. But, I'm really just thinking more about not being afraid of guessing, of trying, of putting your ideas out there for discussion and criticism. That's kind of the spirit that TEDtalks embodies.
While watching this video, my AVID tutoring boss walked in to say hello. We started talking about just this, as well as my research for this summer on math tutoring in which my team will be identifying top issues students struggle with and ways to correct them. A lack of confidence is most certainly an issue. At the same time, we don't want students to go to the other extreme, where guessing overtakes rationalizing and analyzing. Where is that balance?
I think I may just read Schulz's book now.
What do you think? Are you afraid of being wrong? What have you done to change your self-criticism in this area?

Earth Day

I found an article from the New York Times about Earth Day and just want to share some of it with everyone. Nearly 20 million Americans attended the first Earth Day celebration on April 22, 1970. Earth Day has spread globally with thousands of events in over 180 countries. In the beginning, this event influenced environmental politics and triggered national legislation such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. "Earth Day is a commitment to make life better, not just bigger and faster," said by the organizers of the first celebration. "It is a day to re-examine the ethic of individual progress at mankind's expense."

In the beginning the organizers took no money from corporations. While their are more supporters today and it's just as widely marked, the movement doesn't seem to have the same kind of support it had four decades ago. Today it has turned into a market for selling a variety of goods and services. This is a need to make money from corporations or to become partners with them, if to change social behavior. Even though it seems this event is now to make money, corporations feel that Earth Day is to get their customers informed and to learn about environmentally friendly changes.

There is Always Something to DO!

It seems like there is always something going on around campus. You never have to be bored at UNC Asheville if you don't want to be. Last Saturday, Underdog Productions, a student run organization, planned a fun filled day on campus. Starting at noon on Saturday they hosted the superhero lawn party. It was originally suppose to be outside on the quad, but because of the rain the night before it was moved into Highsmith. This did not put a damper on the activities, there were still a lot of students having a lot of fun. Some of the activities they had planned were a big inflatable wrestling ring, inflatable basketball hoops that you could challenge a friend to see who could get the most points (I won that one ;) ), and several booths set up with different fun things to do like face painting.

There was also plenty of free pizza and drinks, and who doesn't love free food, especially when you are a broke college student!

Also that night Underdog Productions brought in some famous comedians that have been on shows on comedy central. I was really excited for this! I had watch these comedians before on TV and was excited to see them in person. The show was better then I expected, by the time it was over my stomach hurt from laughing so much. The best part was that it was free! I have been to a comedy show before in a big auditorium with my seat way in the back so the comedian looked like a little spec on the stage and paying close to 30 dollars to see it. For this show I could practically reach out and touch the comedians.

I had a great time Saturday and was able to do a lot of cool things all for no money which is great when you are in college. It is great to know that UNC Asheville offers opportunities like this pretty much every weekend!