Debate

I love Amy Poehler. Ever since my wonderful girlfriend introduced me to Parks and Recreation, I've been very impressed by Poehler and her character, Leslie Knope. And although they both make mistakes, in the end they are able to work out differences, change minds and make a difference.

The other day I held a debate in one of my classes. I let the students pick the topic, which ended up being the use of cell phones in class. Surprisingly, there were very strong feelings on both sides of the issue. As the debate went on, I was impressed by one students ability to meet every emotional debate with a calm, cool and collected response. Needless to say, this student and his team had my vote.
So many students (and adults) can't seem to understand this concept of respectful disagreement. Can you articulate your belief without insults? If so, can you change minds? Today on the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus, the 5th Annual Ag Awareness Day was held to spread the message of agriculture. Friends, students and agriculturalists - were you able to make a difference?

Attack

I suppose it's high time I get back on here, it feels like this Thought has been posted on my door for a week. I suppose this wonderful weather outside was just what the doctor ordered. Despite the melting snow piles outside my window, I just feel like getting down to business and really attacking what I need to do.

What are you attacking? I think there's always something out there that we should be focused on, looking to beat. Whether it's a political opponent as in the case of Leslie Knope or simply my lesson planning, there's always something tugging at us. Whether we know it or not, there's always something that we should be attacking. In this spring season, think about what you need to do. Think about your attack plan. What are you attacking?

Knope

My latest TV show hit has been the wonderful Parks and Recreation set in Pawnee, Indiana. This show chronicles the adventures of Leslie Knope, an at-times over-eager political leader who simply wants to do the right thing, going to great lengths to do just so. Throughout the show she is widely acclaimed as being the best at what she does.

What do you do? Are you a student? Teacher? Worker? No matter what it is you do, strive for excellence. Are you the Leslie Knope?
Teddy Roosevelt once said something to the effect that the best thing anyone can do is the right thing, the second best thing anyone can do is the wrong thing and the worst thing you can do is nothing. All Leslie Knope wants to do is what is best for her beloved city of Pawnee. Even though at times this zealousness gets her in trouble, she never loses sight of what is important. Whatever it is you do, do it with excellence and a keen eye to what is right. Do this, and you can't go wrong.