Elevate Empathy's Share Chair Podcast

Taking Calculus as a freshman? How do you stay grounded when you're so advanced? Reiko would tell you--well--that it's hard. Reiko, talented athlete and student, is trying to leave school known as a well-rounded student and person.

Being a teen mother with so much on your plate is far from the easiest thing to do, but when you have lot of love and support you can accomplish more than you expect! Listen to Tasheyana Wyrick share her experience. And share it with all who could benefit!

Jane, a local yoga instructor, discusses the value of the practice: how it heals and how it allows for empathy. Jane offers meaningful perspective as we start 2017. Happy New Year from ELEVATE EMPATHY and THE SHARE CHAIR PODCAST! Please share our work--and consider telling us YOUR story. Contact us on social media.

One year ago, The Share Chair Podcast interviewed Alex Webster as a junior in high school. Has much changed in a year? Does being a senior really change anything in the life of a studious, artistic young woman? Have a listen to get this beautiful perspective.

This week, we welcome Hamilton High School to The Share Chair Podcast. As the mission is to honor and celebrate voices and experiences in order to elevate empathy, we're happy to add schools to the mission. Welcome, Hamilton High! Abby Snay and Nicole Dekker are both seniors at Hamilton High School. Last summer, they took part in a school trip to Italy and Greece. They share about their experiences in foreign cultures, lessons learned from travel, the extra stress that goes along with being a senior, and their goals for the future.

In this week's interview, we capture the voices of three people from Spring Lake's alternative education building: teacher, Mitzi Milanowski, and students, Emily and Morgan. We learn about the value of an education which focuses on both the individual (students work at their pace to finish credits) and on others (Emily and Morgan work with elementary students who have autism). These are voices which, too often, go unheard. So, hear them now. They ARE impressive.

It's not easy being a freshman: changing friends, first round of high school exams, and trying to find a passion to turn into a career. But Skylar is working to make the most of her experience. Please share this episode and spread the message of Elevate Empathy and The Share Chair Podcast.

Just last week, through support of my district and my local Schools Foundation, I was able to attend my first National Council of Teachers of English and receive recognition as a secondary Teacher of Excellence. While there, I wanted to capture a few passionate educators and their voices. More than anything from last week, I was given hope--hope that the future of this profession was on very steady ground. Teachers are incredible people. Here's proof.

Syeda Zaidi hasn’t had an easy life, but despite her tough journey to today, she is a force of positivity and good. Double majoring in economics and biology, on the track for medical school, listen to this incredibly motivated woman who is destined for big things. Also, check out the organization Love Your Melon, which Syeda is in charge of at the Loyola University branch. All proceeds go to pediatric cancer research. If you know someone suffering from cancer, you can request a hat from Love Your Melon for free for that person! https://www.loveyourmelon.com

In a world where an athlete’s worth is defined by his or her stats, can you imagine having to SHARE your position with someone else? How would you handle sharing such an important role as a quarterback? Listen to these young men as they head off to play in the state championship. Big hearts from the Big Red!

The road has not been an easy one for Morgan. But what makes her so incredible is that she's found the right path for her now--by staying in school and leaning on the right people to help. She's finding out that life has an upside. Listen to her story and pass it along to others who could benefit.

Beksultan (Bek) Kalbekov is from Kyrgystan. Do you know where that is? Do you know what it's like there? Can you imagine what it would be like to leave your family, friends and country for a year and stay with complete strangers? Listen to Bek’s story about his experience coming to Muskegon High School. Learn how you can host a family or be an exchange student.

This is one incredible young man. His story is a powerful one--one from which we can ALL learn. He discusses the passion for art, the passion for academics, and the passion (and need) for discussing mental health. Joe Negen is a leader BECAUSE of his vulnerability, not in spite of it. Remember: share The Share Chair Podcast. Let's all LEARN FROM LISTENING.

Who knew? Empathy as a mission statement. Meet Barbara Lee from Extended Grace--where the motto is "Building Community While Solving Problems". Barbara discusses what we preach: that listening to each other creates a more understanding (and a better functioning) community. Check out the work at extendedgrace.org

Not too long ago, Muskegon High School decided to join Spring Lake in Elevating Empathy. Four Muskegon students went to Spring Lake High School for a day, while four Spring Lake students attended Muskegon High School, as a way to walk in someone else’s shoes. Listen to the four students from Muskegon High School reflect on their experience and share their perspective.

Last week, after Muskegon High School decided to join the Elevate Empathy movement, we decided to swap four students for a school day to literally "walk in others' shoes". These are the incites of the Spring Lake students who spent a day at Muskegon High School. The Muskegon episode will be coming in the near future.

Sam and Katie share their story of moving from the suburbs of Grandville to the community of Muskegon. They talk about the difficulties of being the new kids and the culture shock they experienced. Listen to them talk to us on why they decided to move to Muskegon and how everything worked out for the good.

You've got to get to know Jennifer Boodt for her passion and her fire. Jen cares deeply about ALL students in the school hall. As the faculty supervisor for Mental Health Foundation's BE NICE to the LGBTQ+ group, her care isn't just talk. She acts on her love for students. Be sure to listen to this powerful episode and become your own version of Mrs. Boodt.

Andrea recently moved from a Grand Rapids school to Spring Lake. Listen to this episode of The Share Chair to understand the mixed emotions of that big move: from changing relationships with her parents to trying to make new friends. Moving isn't easy. From Andrea, we can learn from listening.

Jose, the son of Mexican immigrants, simply loves speaking languages and connecting with others in their native tongue. He is proud of his family--and himself. Listen to Jose's story--and learn from listening.