Open House and the missing FAQ
So last night was the Reflections Open House ... part of Pagan Pride Week here in DC. So okay, it was just us all night ... not bad, we all had fun ... but give me a break! I wonder how many folks actually attend the weeknight events anyway.
So we got to hang out, laugh, munch goodies and talk.
So first, here is the incredible chalk drawing by nineravens, I just totally love it!
After much laughing and good natured teasing .. mostly of me I might add ... we discussed the changes I am envisioning for the school and later I requested and was gifted with some interesting feedback.
The biggest thing in my estimation was learning how and why the current students decided to join the school. There were two main reasons; (1) Someone who they admired and respected suggested they attend & (2) Because after years of Connect DC rituals and taking classes with me the person recognized that they needed to formally become my student. This was good information to have and I truly appreciated it.
Secondly, we discussed what may be stopping other students from applying to join the school. I asked at first were people afraid of me or the work that was required. But no that was not the main reason that qualified candidates do not apply. The primary reason was a concern over having the time to commit to the work. This to me is a legitimate reason not to apply. I truthfully do not want people in the school who cannot commit to the work.
It was the next reason however which surprised me. I learned that some folks were put off by one of the essay questions on the application. They were not sure how to answer or what was the "correct" answer.
The question is ...
I can give several off the cuff examples, such as right at the moment I could imagine ... I demonstrate discipline by paying my bills on time, doing yoga every morning or turning in my college assignments early. I demonstrate service by shoveling the snow on my neighbors walk every winter, joining the board of my coop and collecting donations for the local food drive. I demonstrate humility by encouraging my subordinates to attend and present at conferences and events that would normally provide me with visibility. I demonstrated self-care by listening to my body and getting immediate medical care instead of waiting till it got worse. I demonstrated willingness by inviting to dinner the person with which I always disagree on our local board so we could find ways to connect outside of our disagreements. And I demonstrate sustainability by recycling not only glass, plastic, paper and cans, but also electronic equipment, clothing and furniture.
But what my students said in response was interesting .... they had all thought that the question was limited to spiritual pursuits. Now this surprised me. Nowhere in the question did I say "in regards to your spiritual pursuits", but folks were acting as if that was the case.
So I offered to create a Frequently Asked Question list for the school and the application process to help potential applicants navigate this process. So in the next month or so, I will be posting selected questions with my answers.
So if any of you have questions about Reflections or our application process, drop me a question in the comments. I (or a Reflections student) will try to answer it and who knows, maybe it will become a part of our FAQ.
So we got to hang out, laugh, munch goodies and talk.
So first, here is the incredible chalk drawing by nineravens, I just totally love it!
After much laughing and good natured teasing .. mostly of me I might add ... we discussed the changes I am envisioning for the school and later I requested and was gifted with some interesting feedback.
The biggest thing in my estimation was learning how and why the current students decided to join the school. There were two main reasons; (1) Someone who they admired and respected suggested they attend & (2) Because after years of Connect DC rituals and taking classes with me the person recognized that they needed to formally become my student. This was good information to have and I truly appreciated it.
Secondly, we discussed what may be stopping other students from applying to join the school. I asked at first were people afraid of me or the work that was required. But no that was not the main reason that qualified candidates do not apply. The primary reason was a concern over having the time to commit to the work. This to me is a legitimate reason not to apply. I truthfully do not want people in the school who cannot commit to the work.
It was the next reason however which surprised me. I learned that some folks were put off by one of the essay questions on the application. They were not sure how to answer or what was the "correct" answer.
The question is ...
- Please explain briefly how you have demonstrated any three of the following; sustainability, willingness, self-care, humility, service and discipline.
I can give several off the cuff examples, such as right at the moment I could imagine ... I demonstrate discipline by paying my bills on time, doing yoga every morning or turning in my college assignments early. I demonstrate service by shoveling the snow on my neighbors walk every winter, joining the board of my coop and collecting donations for the local food drive. I demonstrate humility by encouraging my subordinates to attend and present at conferences and events that would normally provide me with visibility. I demonstrated self-care by listening to my body and getting immediate medical care instead of waiting till it got worse. I demonstrated willingness by inviting to dinner the person with which I always disagree on our local board so we could find ways to connect outside of our disagreements. And I demonstrate sustainability by recycling not only glass, plastic, paper and cans, but also electronic equipment, clothing and furniture.
But what my students said in response was interesting .... they had all thought that the question was limited to spiritual pursuits. Now this surprised me. Nowhere in the question did I say "in regards to your spiritual pursuits", but folks were acting as if that was the case.
So I offered to create a Frequently Asked Question list for the school and the application process to help potential applicants navigate this process. So in the next month or so, I will be posting selected questions with my answers.
So if any of you have questions about Reflections or our application process, drop me a question in the comments. I (or a Reflections student) will try to answer it and who knows, maybe it will become a part of our FAQ.