Elevate Empathy's Share Chair Podcast

This week, the 2020 Dutch cohort for Fulbright's Distinguished Awards in Teaching began their journey. In celebration, The Share Chair Podcast releases the final interview of the 2019 Dutch cohort: four passionate and motivated educators from across the United States. Here, we begin to understand the complexities of education in the Netherlands and here at home. We wish all the best to the Fulbrighters around the world, both being educated AND educating.

Katie is The Share Chair Podcast's 200th episode! Thank you for listening and sharing these impressive and thoughtful stories. When we asked Katie what her story is, she mentioned the fact that she was still looking for it, that she hasn't had the giant negative impact that will test her fortitude. She's mindful it will come. She's also mindful that other people DO have their challenges and she's building trust and faith in all of them--no matter their social status at school. Simply put, Katie--no matter who you are--is there for you.

When hearing Molly and Lucy discuss their move from Chicago to Utrecht, Netherlands, it's easy to hear the concern--and then the complete joy. Moves like this are never simple, but Molly and Lucy make it seem that way as they discuss, with eloquence, their new home. Learn from listening.

It doesn't matter to her if you call her Abigail or Abby, but it's important that you recognize how valuable art is to giving people a voice. Abigail plays in the band, performs in the theatre, writes poetry in class, and simply lives and breathes art--all as a freshman. Learn to Abigail and find more of yourself.

Savannah is an incredibly involved senior from neighboring school, Grand Haven. In this episode, she discusses what she has learned about herself through her involvement in her school's LINKS program--a place where a mainstream student is "linked" with a student on the autism spectrum to be supportive during class. Additionally, Savannah is engaged in the mission of The Share Chair Podcast and plans to bring stories from her school to make further connections among students. Listen to Savannah and learn.

Vulnerability is just one of those weird traits; a person doesn't often understand its power until he/she experiences it. We tend to think of it as weakness; instead, it nourishes us and grows our confidence. Josh had an unexpected experience discussing school with four classmates--none of whom, at the time, were tight friends. But, in this discussion, vulnerability was the centerpiece and their school discussion turned into a second 3-hour conversation at a nearby restaurant. Both that experience and Josh's more recent embrace of his athlete-poet status have allowed for him to experience the power of vulnerability. What an exciting and strong young man! Take a listen to get to know him--and to learn something about yourself as well.

Akshara is just one of those girls you want to get to know. Though she has Cerebral Palsy and it does limit her physical abilities, she makes no excuses for it to deteriorate her spirit or mood. She brings joy and kindness in everything she does and she loves her international school in Utrecht. Akshara is one of those infectious teens, a teen who will remind our audience that the world is in good hands.

Alex tells his story from Montessori to Public schools while dreaming big in the pre-med world. This summer, he spent some time observing doctors and asking them questions--and he walked away enamored with the profession. Hear his passion and thoughtfulness--and learn a little about yourself through his story as well.

Naomi speaks about the desire for change when she made a big move from middle school teacher to high school guidance counselor. In her new role, she understands, on a deeper level, the kinds of stresses students are dealing with on a day-to-day basis. The transition hasn't been simple, but it has been rewarding. Naomi is just one of the many adults at the school who are ready to listen, help, and guide.

Rachel LOVES theatre. Loves it! And she has a show coming up in just two weeks. Rachel talks about the preparation it takes to make a good show and how she feels as a performer. If you listen to the podcast before November 7, know that the show dates for PETER AND THE STARCATCHER are November 7, 8, and 9 at 7PM at Spring Lake High School Auditorium.

For Parama, an Indonesian-born Dutch student, music AND science are his loves. With such unique passions, any listener is sure to hear what makes Parama special. Additionally, Parama discusses what he loves about both cultures in which he has grown up. Enjoy and learn!

Muskaan's voice is getting stronger and stronger with every passing year. Lately, she's been irritated by the small comments made about her gender and her race. She wants to bring awareness that seemingly small comments can have big impact.

With Mandy's story, we get to understand the aftermath of bullying. She is willing to share her story for all of us to listen and understand. Because of Mandy, we get insight in what it takes to overcome, to get insight on the long road to self-acceptance. Share her story and learn from listening.

Being the good guy can be tough--unless you're Clayton. Clayton takes every day as an opportunity to model kindness by listening, by offering compassion, by simply being him. The student body clearly admires Clayton's personality as he was voted as the homecoming king this year. In this episode, Clayton discusses the honor of being the homecoming king and the responsibility he feel for being kind.

Hopper is working on digital images for The Share Chair Podcast. But, it's not the only way he's using his artistic talents as Hopper made the difficult--and right--decision to attend the tech center for graphic design. Though it's not the popular course of action, he says, he values the style of education. Additionally, Hopper discusses his school suspension of last spring as well as his plea to the school board to reduce the amount of time spent at home for students who might not mind the punishment.

In this week's podcast from The Netherlands, Samuel describes his real challenges with school over the years as well as his deep passion for climbing. This mature young man provides insights and thoughts that many teenagers have and, by doing so, offers us comfort and hope that there is a greater connection.

In this week's episode, Malachi discusses his passion for soccer. Since his freshman year in high school, he has been playing on the varsity team. But, it's important to know that he sees soccer as a means to another passion in the future. Listen to Malachi, learn about him, and, perhaps, find out a little something about yourself, too.

When visiting Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands, I was told, "Wait until you meet Rick." Rick discusses his confidence in and around school, but includes a story of regret around a bullying incident. Rick is charismatic--and you can hear it in the interview. Enjoy and learn!

The first person you would see if you ever entered Spring Lake High School, would be Mr. Scheiwe. And if you met him, you would feel better about yourself. He is kind, understanding, and loaded with advice to a listening ear. Learn about him AND about yourself with The Share Chair Podcast.

These three friends from Alkmaar sure know how to introduce themselves. From gaming, to boxing, to fencing, these boys introduce their passions and, therefore, themselves. Also, perhaps unexpectedly, they discuss the ways in which they are able to make international connection.