When I Was in College, I Didn't Know (Part 2)
by David Hoffman

Here are the rest of the life lessons I mentioned last week: things I had not yet worked out or did not feel confident about when I was in college, but began to gain clarity about later. Many of these observations also have been made by others, but I came to them through my own experiences. 

The observations on this list are more recent than the ones on the previous list (generally from when I was my mid-30s, rather than my late 20s). Maybe for that reason, they feel a little less urgent to me; more philosophical, and less about surviving the day-to-day.  What kind of list would I come up with now, in my (gulp) late 40s? Excellent question. I hereby challenge myself to develop that list in the coming year.

26.

College is not merely preparation for life. It is life.

27.

People always respond to the entire context of a communication, not just to the words it contains.

28.

Criticism reveals and reflects upon the critic.

29.

In-the-moment negative emotions such as guilt or fear can be extremely useful in illuminating a situation. They can provide clues about the motives, understandings, insecurities and emotional states of other people, especially those whose behavior is sparking the negative emotions. They can deepen self-understanding. The trick is to learn to read these emotions without either suppressing or being overwhelmed by them.

30.

Sometimes the hardest thing in the world to see is what is right in front of you.

31.

People sometimes view choices you make for yourself, but which they would not (or did not) make for themselves, as judgments against them. This is all the more true if the path you choose is one which, at some level, they regret not having chosen. It is easy to be confused by their resulting hostile reactions, but it would be a mistake to be deterred by them.

32.

Every new insight subtly alters your knowledge and perspective about everything you thought you already knew. Each new experience subtly alters your perspective on every aspect of your past.

33.

You aren’t really from somewhere until you go somewhere else.

34.

Changing the world for the better does not mean seeking a stable point beyond which the world stops changing. People need to be involved in ongoing, challenging, cooperative work to advance the common good. An essential aspect of being human is confronting and contributing to the mitigation of life’s imperfections.

35.

Love involves giving and receiving permission to be who you truly are.

36.

A mouse trapped in a maze never sees the maze, only a series of straight paths and corners.

37.

Knowledge derived from breaking things or processes down into their smallest component parts is incomplete. It excludes the broadest patterns, most subtle and profound connections and deepest meanings.

38.

All people yearn, at some level, to become whole, connect authentically with the universe, be who they really are and fulfill their potential.

39.

What feels like inability and weakness may actually be undiscovered or unrevealed talent and strength.

40.

Winning an argument is not the same thing as achieving progress toward the objective at the heart of the argument. Sometimes winning an argument can hinder such progress.

41.

Staying too close to an admired person for too long can stunt one’s growth. When the admired person is nearby, adopting the person’s admirable behaviors and thought processes may feel presumptuous or unnecessary.

42.

All conscious perceptions involve value judgments and assumptions, as do all descriptions of things or situations in the world. No word can precisely express any objective meaning.

43.

A part of the judgment involved in human perceptions is the filtering and prioritization of inputs. In order to focus on the highest-priority information, people take vast portions of their experiences and environments for granted. They adapt to their environments unconsciously, absorbing and relying on a common set of values and assumptions, some of which they might reject if they ever became fully aware of them.

44.

Instincts, intuitions, emotions and dreams are extremely important sources of knowledge. The knowledge they reveal is intrinsic: located within the unconscious mind and relatively untainted by conditioning. Much intrinsic knowledge relates to people’s own true identities and deepest yearnings. The suppression of intrinsic knowledge causes depression and anxiety, and stunts personal growth.

45.

Symbols need not take the form of words, numbers and pictures. All things, people, actions and failures to act are symbols. Symbols can reveal fundamental truths because the unconscious mind invokes intrinsic knowledge to decode them.

46.

The contributions of the greatest scientists, poets, authors, artists, builders and leaders change not just our experience but our capacity to imagine. As a result of great works, there are more available thoughts.

47.

Great teachers empower students to think new thoughts, and expand the scope of their free will.

48.

Excellent teaching is not primarily about transmitting academic content from the mind of the teacher to the mind of the student, but about liberating knowledge and capacities already present in the student.

49.

True teaching transforms the teacher. True leadership transforms the leader. True love transforms the lover. True life is transformation.

While I challenge myself to write my third list of observations, I challenge you too: Write your own list, and share it when you do! Let's help each other figure things out. And if you're ready to share an observation now, put it in a comment on this post!

Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from UMBC Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter. 

Previous post: Real People Profiles: Rubin Waranch
]]> by David Hoffman Here are the rest of the life lessons I mentioned last week: things I had not yet worked out or did not feel confident about when I was in college, but began to gain clarity... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2014/11/when-i-was-in-college-i-didnt-know-part.html https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/47944/guest@my.umbc.edu/7a53df6f440b46e2c7f2411e4309cd18/api/pixel things-i-didnt-know Co-Create UMBC https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 53 5 true Sun, 09 Nov 2014 19:52:00 -0500 Sun, 09 Nov 2014 19:52:00 -0500 Real People Profiles: Rubin Waranch We're asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are their responses.


Name: Rubin Waranch

Hometown: Owings Mills

Major: Political Science and Economics

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: Senior

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: Currently, I am President of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and a Student Manager in the Commons.

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus? 

A: On campus, I lead by example while serving as a source of motivation.

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A: The aspect I enjoy most about my role in UMBC is the ability to connect with individuals that come from diverse backgrounds and social groups. Whether speaking to members of my organization, colleagues from class, or friends around campus, I have been able to experience various cultures and develop leadership qualities from such observation.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A: The most important thing I learned at UMBC was at my convocation in the Fall of 2011. Dr. Hrabowski emphasized the fact that intelligence is a valuable skill in the world, but nothing can replace the skill of diligence and persistence in the classroom. As a competitive individual, I have continuously challenged myself to be the most assiduous student in and outside the classroom.

Q: What is one way you have worked with others to make a positive difference at UMBC or in another community?

A: During my sophomore year, I was approached about joining a fraternity. Though I hesitated at first, the idea slowly became more attractive and eventually i choose to become a member of Pi Kappa Phi. Once initiated into this chapter, I worked with my brothers to not only make a difference on campus, but also at Maidens Choice Elementary School. An important reason I joined was due to Pi Kappa Phi's philanthropy Push America (now known as "The Ability Experience"). By volunteering to work with these children with disabilities, I can truly say I have made a difference with my brothers. Simply keeping these children company and having simple conversations with them brings the BIGGEST smile to their face. Additionally, my fraternity has raised thousands of dollars for Maiden Choice Elementary School since I joined. Though I have helped make an impact on these children, they have arguably left an even bigger impact on my chapter and I.

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A: The Baltimore Ravens.

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: Entering UMBC three years ago, Move-In Day happened to be the same day as Hurricane Irene. Though this was a massive storm, I cannot imagine what my college experience would have been without it. Losing power at night fall prevented the Class of 2015 from sitting in our rooms, playing game systems and watching television after the storm subsided. So instead, everyone decided to go outside, socialize, and build connections that many of us will have for the rest of our lives. The people I met that day continue to play an integral role in my life.

Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter.

]]> We're asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2014/11/real-people-profiles-rubin-waranch.html https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/47859/guest@my.umbc.edu/de3a4bea77b9a5ad4ecb8490450925ac/api/pixel real-people-profiles Co-Create UMBC https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 72 3 true Wed, 05 Nov 2014 09:40:00 -0500 Wed, 05 Nov 2014 09:40:00 -0500 Good morning Dr. _insert your name here_ (per @UMBC Pres. Hrabowski). @PROMISE_AGEP Reflections: SREB @SREBDocSch #Institute2014 #Atlanta

PROMISE AGEP – University System of Maryland: We have been on a journey and you have been given an assignment. In Atlanta, at this past weekend’s SREB Compact for Faculty Diversity/Institute on Teaching and Mentoring, UMBC’s President Hrabowski told you that you are pioneers, and that your academic contributions will set the groundwork for generations to come. Dr. Sandra Murray from the University of Pittsburgh (full professor, Department of Cell Biology) told you to “Fantasize! Focus! Know what shoes you will wear when you win your Nobel Prize.” As you climb, Dr. Orlando Taylor reminded you to remember to include people from all races and backgrounds so that you don’t become the new models of marginalization. You are going to fly. You are going to conquer. Picture it!

Tell us who you are. Introduce yourself. Tell us your SREB experience, and your dream. Here is a guide.

1. Name.

Write “Dr. _____” if you already have your PhD., and “Future Dr. _____” if it is forthcoming

2. School, position (e.g., graduate student, PhD candidate, Postdoc), department

3. Your SREB experience

4. Your contribution to STEM and to your field at large (current and future … dream!)

5. Fast forward to 2034 – Your vision of your achievements as a professor and beyond

Grad students and postdocs from schools around Maryland with Dr. Tull and UMBC's President, Dr. Hrabowski

Grad students and postdocs from schools around Maryland with Dr. Tull and UMBC’s President, Dr. Hrabowski


]]> PROMISE AGEP – University System of Maryland: We have been on a journey and you have been given an assignment. In Atlanta, at this past weekend’s SREB Compact for Faculty Diversity/Institute on... http://promiseagep.wordpress.com/2014/11/03/good-morning-dr-_insert-your-name-here_-per-umbc-pres-hrabowski-promise_agep-reflections-sreb-srebdocsch-institute2014-atlanta/ https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/47808/guest@my.umbc.edu/ca4ee6062e5dc375acd47b2f4255c40a/api/pixel academic-preparation advice-for-students advising agep community-building conferences development gradschool gradstudents learning maryland nsf postdoc professor professoriate promise support teaching Grad Student & Postdoc Development https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/gspd https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/xsmall.png?1695134616 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/original.jpg?1695134616 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/xxlarge.png?1695134616 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/xlarge.png?1695134616 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/large.png?1695134616 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/medium.png?1695134616 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/small.png?1695134616 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/xsmall.png?1695134616 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/xxsmall.png?1695134616 PROMISE @ UMBC: Graduate Student Development 0 0 false Mon, 03 Nov 2014 08:02:49 -0500 Mon, 03 Nov 2014 08:02:49 -0500 Good morning Dr. _insert your name here_ (per @UMBC Pres. Hrabowski). @PROMISE_AGEP Reflections: SREB @SREBDocSch #Institute2014 #Atlanta

PROMISE AGEP – University System of Maryland: We have been on a journey and you have been given an assignment. In Atlanta, at this past weekend’s SREB Compact for Faculty Diversity/Institute on Teaching and Mentoring, UMBC’s President Hrabowski told you that you are pioneers, and that your academic contributions will set the groundwork for generations to come. Dr. Sandra Murray from the University of Pittsburgh (full professor, Department of Cell Biology) told you to “Fantasize! Focus! Know what shoes you will wear when you win your Nobel Prize.” As you climb, Dr. Orlando Taylor reminded you to remember to include people from all races and backgrounds so that you don’t become the new models of marginalization. You are going to fly. You are going to conquer. Picture it!

Tell us who you are. Introduce yourself. Tell us your SREB experience, and your dream. Here is a guide.

1. Name.

Write “Dr. _____” if you already have your PhD., and “Future Dr. _____” if it is forthcoming

2. School, position (e.g., graduate student, PhD candidate, Postdoc), department

3. Your SREB experience

4. Your contribution to STEM and to your field at large (current and future … dream!)

5. Fast forward to 2034 – Your vision of your achievements as a professor and beyond

Grad students and postdocs from schools around Maryland with Dr. Tull and UMBC's President, Dr. Hrabowski

Grad students and postdocs from schools around Maryland with Dr. Tull and UMBC’s President, Dr. Hrabowski


]]> PROMISE AGEP – University System of Maryland: We have been on a journey and you have been given an assignment. In Atlanta, at this past weekend’s SREB Compact for Faculty Diversity/Institute on... https://promiseagep.wordpress.com/2014/11/03/good-morning-dr-_insert-your-name-here_-per-umbc-pres-hrabowski-promise_agep-reflections-sreb-srebdocsch-institute2014-atlanta/ https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/47809/guest@my.umbc.edu/61162580f9c0b242703077edc26edf3b/api/pixel academic-preparation advice-for-students advising agep community-building conferences development gradschool gradstudents learning maryland nsf postdoc professor professoriate promise support teaching Grad Student & Postdoc Development https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/gspd https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/xsmall.png?1695134616 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/original.jpg?1695134616 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/xxlarge.png?1695134616 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/xlarge.png?1695134616 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/large.png?1695134616 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/medium.png?1695134616 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/small.png?1695134616 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/xsmall.png?1695134616 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/fd3771a0ce0803416cfb6a914448d0d0/xxsmall.png?1695134616 PROMISE @ UMBC: Graduate Student Development 0 0 false Mon, 03 Nov 2014 08:02:49 -0500 Mon, 03 Nov 2014 08:02:49 -0500 CFP: Conference on Community Writing Deadline December 5, 2014
The Program for Writing and Rhetoric at University of Colorado Boulder will host on October 16-17, 2015 the first Conference on Community Writing — a forum for scholars, teachers, program administrators, and community members to share scholarship and examine the theories, technologies, and best practices shaping Rhetoric and Composition, related disciplines, and the communities that house our institutions.

The Conference Committee welcomes proposals from academics of all levels — faculty, graduate students, emeritas — and community members involved with engagement activities for individual papers, panels of 3-4 presenters, and workshops that will help understand how writing functions socially to inform, to empower, and to transform and how to build infrastructure to support engaged research and pedagogy.

For more information about the topics and proposal guidelines for the conference, please visit the Call For Proposals website.

Submission deadline is December 5, 2014.  You will be notified of the committee's decision in February 2015.
]]> The Program for Writing and Rhetoric at University of Colorado Boulder will host on October 16-17, 2015 the first Conference on Community Writing — a forum for scholars, teachers, program... http://www.communitywriting.org/page/cfp https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/47803/guest@my.umbc.edu/20cc7bba2b1b7d2981bb233f0fefaba6/api/pixel cfp colorado infrastructure rhetoric writing Language, Literacy and Culture Doctoral Program https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/llc https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/537/e594b22cf15b445f7476775aa508e9c3/xsmall.png?1375383725 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/537/e594b22cf15b445f7476775aa508e9c3/original.jpg?1375383725 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/537/e594b22cf15b445f7476775aa508e9c3/xxlarge.png?1375383725 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/537/e594b22cf15b445f7476775aa508e9c3/xlarge.png?1375383725 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/537/e594b22cf15b445f7476775aa508e9c3/large.png?1375383725 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/537/e594b22cf15b445f7476775aa508e9c3/medium.png?1375383725 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/537/e594b22cf15b445f7476775aa508e9c3/small.png?1375383725 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/537/e594b22cf15b445f7476775aa508e9c3/xsmall.png?1375383725 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/537/e594b22cf15b445f7476775aa508e9c3/xxsmall.png?1375383725 0 0 true Sun, 02 Nov 2014 22:43:58 -0500 Job Announcement: Adult Literacy Researchers Wanted! Fall 2015 - Georgia State University
Georgia State University has faculty lines open for THREE scholars with established external funding and research in adult literacy. Faculty members will be hired at the rank of professor or associate professor (possibility with tenure on appointment). Applicants are expected to have strong records of scholarship, funded research, excellence in teaching, and service in the broadly defined area of adult literacy. These areas include but are not limited to health literacy, family literacy, workplace literacy, numeracy skills, and/or the economic impact of low adult literacy. The new faculty members will add depth and breadth to the currently-funded IES Center for the Study of Adult Literacy (csal.gsu.edu) and the newly developing College of Education's Adult Literacy Research Center.

Appointments are anticipated to begin Fall 2015.

Qualifications: A doctorate in relevant areas, such as health communication, public health, economics, family studies, educational psychology, language, and/or literacy is required. Upon hire, faculty members will be expected to conduct a successful, externally-funded research program that includes peer-reviewed publications in the area of adult literacy. Tenure can be considered in the College of Education, School of Public Health, or the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies in an appropriate department.

Applications/Nominations: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until all positions are filled. For questions, please contact Daphne Greenberg at dgreenberg@gsu.edu. Applicants are asked to send a cover letter discussing interest and qualifications, and a curriculum vita.

Please see flyer attached for more information about application

]]> Georgia State University has faculty lines open for THREE scholars with established external funding and research in adult literacy. Faculty members will be hired at the rank of professor or... https://community.lincs.ed.gov/bulletin/adult-literacy-researchers-wanted Flyer https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/4132ce74a257acb91e5a32b0c13d1385/69f724c9/news/000/047/802/52a8ed6a81c88856e206aa74759a4103/Adult Literacy faculty opening flyer_0.jpg?1414985316 https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/47802/guest@my.umbc.edu/583c2c456d7622ebc6260dac103e93df/api/pixel adult-literacy gsu job-opportunities researchers Language, Literacy and Culture Doctoral Program https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/llc https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/537/e594b22cf15b445f7476775aa508e9c3/xsmall.png?1375383725 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/537/e594b22cf15b445f7476775aa508e9c3/original.jpg?1375383725 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/537/e594b22cf15b445f7476775aa508e9c3/xxlarge.png?1375383725 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/537/e594b22cf15b445f7476775aa508e9c3/xlarge.png?1375383725 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/537/e594b22cf15b445f7476775aa508e9c3/large.png?1375383725 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/537/e594b22cf15b445f7476775aa508e9c3/medium.png?1375383725 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/537/e594b22cf15b445f7476775aa508e9c3/small.png?1375383725 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/537/e594b22cf15b445f7476775aa508e9c3/xsmall.png?1375383725 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/537/e594b22cf15b445f7476775aa508e9c3/xxsmall.png?1375383725 0 0 true Sun, 02 Nov 2014 22:28:36 -0500 When I Was in College, I Didn't Know ...
by David Hoffman

I was a sensitive young man, sometimes confused or hurt by social situations and people's behavior. In the years after college, I finally started to see patterns in circumstances that had baffled me or caused me pain. I began to write them down, so that I would not forget. 

Thank goodness I did. Even now, a couple of decades later, I still sometimes need the reminders.

I first published my list on Co-Create UMBC seven years ago, and have been thrilled that others have found it useful. I'm hoping that's true for you, and that you'll add your own insights--even the ones you're still working out--as comments. Let's help each other see the patterns and make our way. 

1.

A very large portion of people’s behavior is driven by insecurity. And a very large portion of the behavior that stems from insecurity can look like confidence.

2.

In many situations, people face a choice between doing something in a way that feels right, resonates, comes from the heart, makes sense, and fits the moment; or doing the thing in the way that they think they are supposed to do it. Examples: Giving a speech; proposing marriage; dealing with somebody’s emotional crisis; disciplining a child; interviewing a job candidate; responding “heroically” to a threat. More often than not, the genuine approach produces more satisfying results. And more often than not, people  instead choose to do what they think they are supposed to do. (Part of the problem is that people’s sense of what they are supposed to do comes from many sources, including media, that present the relevant situations in misleading ways. For example, the media may capture the mechanical aspects of an effective speech but not the way the words match the emotions of the moment).

3.

Situations take a while to play out. There’s no need to panic, or to assume that what initially seems to be true will always be true.

4.

People tend to overreact.

5.

A situation that has been imagined, read about, etc. may not be easily recognized when it becomes a real situation. This is because the feel of the imagined situation may have been very distinctive, but the real situation feels much more like every other real situation. Examples: “corruption,” “falling in love,” “heroism.”

6.

In many situations, a variety of motivations drive people’s choice of actions. These motivations can range from deeply spiritual to simply practical. However, over time, the more abstract motivations tend to be forgotten, and the more practical motivations remembered and acted upon. It’s hard to cling to a concept; but practicalities—deadlines, costs, etc.—are hard to forget, and create their own inertia. As a result, people repeatedly find themselves going through the motions: continuing to do things that they once made the choice to do, but without retaining any sense of connection to their deepest needs and motivations. They feel lost, and their activities provide no real sustenance.

7.

People are not their roles.

8.

Many situations apparently resolved through formal processes, such as hiring staff, or creating legislation, are really resolved through a complex combination of formal and informal processes. Very often, the informal processes—which may be unacknowledged and hidden from view—are the more important ones.

9.

The key to effective communication is to understand one’s audience. And a lot of people can’t or don’t bother to understand many audiences for their communications.

10.

People may have to hear the same good idea many times before it enters their consciousness.

11.

Ideas are not appreciated or rewarded in proportion to their truth, beauty, explanatory power, or even social value. Other factors typically matter more. Among them: The credentials of the idea’s originator (however arbitrary their connection to the idea); the prospect that somebody can turn a profit from the idea; and the degree to which the idea departs from, or even improves upon, accepted wisdom (the more it does, the less likely it will be appreciated and rewarded).

12.

Often people want things for reasons they can’t quite put their finger on. It’s just something that they feel—maybe the subtle combination of a number of subjective factors (“I want Chinese food—even though we had Chinese last night;” “I want to go home now;” “I want this job despite the fact that it pays less than the other one”). Because they are personal impulses rather than the products of reasoning, these desires can be difficult to assert or defend. In forums where a collective decision is being made, logical arguments may be favored and impulsive arguments dismissed. But the impulses are real, and their connection to people’s welfare is real as well. It is perfectly legitimate to act on such impulses, and to resist the people who try to defeat them with arguments. 

13.

Many actions appear to reflect clear, easily inferred motives but in fact do not. People and institutions do all sorts of things that may seem planned, polished and connected to a strategic agenda, but actually are the products of inertia, laziness, whim, jittery responses to incomplete information, or other motives more complex or confused than they seem.

14.

Social change happens in a gestalt—not as the result of any single well-conceived, well-executed program, policy or intervention. There is no single initiative that will save the world. This is because people, institutions, relationships and cultures are extremely complex. Any single action aimed at social change, however well-conceived and widely supported, is likely to be challenged, diverted, thwarted, misunderstood and/or misapplied in a thousand different ways. But honest, thoughtful efforts can have a cumulative effect. Slowly, person-by-person, relationship-by-relationship, they shift the underlying culture and expectations. So the good that we do is not always the immediate good that we intend.

15.

People express opinions for a lot of different reasons. That they really, deeply believe in what they are saying is only one of them.

16.

Overly zealous advocacy of a certain perspective alienates people who might otherwise have adopted that perspective in due time.

17.

The most insidious way to attack or undermine an idea is to call something else by its name.

18.

There are many situations that feel rotten, even when handled perfectly. (Examples: consoling somebody on the death of a friend; apologizing for a mistake that caused a lot of harm). So it is a mistake to assume from the rotten feeling that you have said or done the wrong thing.

19.

A picture left in the same place on the wall long enough will become invisible.

20.

Some things can be learned only through experience.

21.

When the true relationship between cause and effect is unknown, very simple patterns can appear vastly more complicated than they really are.

22.

Perceptions freeze more easily than situations. Once a person has formed a perception of a situation, he or she is likely to miss the fact that the situation has shifted subtly or gradually over time.

23.

Ambiguities in the early part of an arrangement can be costly to resolve. They may be the only things making the arrangement possible. Business deals, marriages, friendships—all may depend on the parties failing to reveal and resolve conflicts in their perceptions about the facts behind their transactions. If one of the parties, at the commencement of an arrangement, sees that these unresolved conflicts may exist, it can be very tempting to keep quiet about them and hope for the best. But the cost of cleaning up the messes that can arise when these conflicts come to light later, long after all parties have begun to take actions consistent with their own perceptions, can be far, far greater. In general, it is much better to name and attempt to resolve ambiguities on the front end of an arrangement rather than risk the catastrophe of having them derail the arrangement later.

24.

Justice is often associated with equality. “Splitting the difference” has a ring of fairness to it. Exhibiting “balance” in reporting on a situation—for example, devoting the same amount of journalistic space to each side of a controversy—seems evenhanded. But in situations in which there actually is a fundamental underlying inequality, treating people equally is fundamentally unjust. For example, if two people disagree about ten aspects of a transaction, but one of the two people is correct about all ten aspects and the other is simply lying for his or her own gain, it would be unjust to conclude that each person must be right about five of the ten sources of disagreement, or to simply “split the difference.”

25.

The two major sources of happiness are self-expression and love. And in truth, they are the same things.

Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from UMBC Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter. 

Previous post: Real People Profiles: Jackie Aliotta
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Name: Jackie Aliotta

Hometown: Lancaster, PA


Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: I came to UMBC July 5, 2011. :)

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: I am the Events Coordinator for Student Organizations.

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus? 

A: I help student organizations plan their large-scale events.

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A: I enjoy helping student organizations make their dreams a reality. I really enjoy serving as a resource to students and helping them through the event planning process.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A: While in college I got involved in many co-curricular activities and really made the most out of my collegiate experience. My co-curricular involvement helped me to gain valuable skills that I was able to use in my major and in my career, but it also provided me with unbelievable memories. I've learned how important it is to seize every opportunity that comes my way and to really make the most out of life.

Q: What is one way you have worked with others to make a positive difference at UMBC or in another community?

A: I currently serve on the conference planning team for the ACUI (Association of College Unions International) Annual Conference that will be held in San Antonio, Texas in April 2015. The Association of College Unions International is the professional association for students and staff doing student union operations and student activities work on college campuses. We are campus community builders! I am in charge of the Silent Auction, organizing the volunteers, and the Undergraduate Student Network for the conference. This is a 2 year volunteer commitment and all of our hard work will be worth it when we provide an incredible conference experience to approximately 1,000 attendees from across the world in San Antonio this April.

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A: Positive people.

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: The staff members here at UMBC are very special. Not only do we share a common passion for the work that we do with and for students every day, but they're real people who are their true selves at work. I'm proud to not only have great working relationships with my colleagues, but I'm able to call them my friends outside of work too. I think that's something that makes UMBC a very special place to work.

Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter.
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Name: Ahmad Saad

Hometown: Columbia MD

Major: Economics


Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: This is my 5th year at UMBC.

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: I work as a student manager and desk staff worker at the RAC. I am also the Vice president of Comics and Other Media.

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus? 

A: A facilitator of interfaith activities and a source of support for people.

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A: I enjoy helping build connections with various faith groups so that the UMBC community is more connected as a whole.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A: The most important thing I learned at UMBC was how supportive the UMBC community is regardless of issues you may be going through. I learned that no matter what I was going through I could talk to someone about it. I learned that they would be there for me even at my darkest times.

Q: What is one way you have worked with others to make a positive difference at UMBC or in another community?


A: I worked with leaders of many faith groups at the Interfaith Center to develop a community between our organizations. The impact was that we could become closer friends regardless of the religions we follow. It helped facilitate discussions between members of our organizations that allowed for a better understanding of our various religions. Finally it allowed people to find commonalities with each other that they otherwise would not have seen.

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A: Living in the moment.

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: The UMBC community is unlike anything else I have ever seen. You will not find a community that allows you to truly be yourself without feeling odd or out of place. UMBC is the only place where you can walk to class and find so many people smiling at you. For someone who struggles to go one more day, It means a lot.

Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter.

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by David Hoffman

The University System of Maryland encompasses 12 institutions, including UMBC, and two regional higher education centers. It employs more than 14,000 faculty members and 20,000 staff members, and owns almost 1,000 buildings. Its annual operating budget is more than $5 billion. There are more than 168,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at its various institutions. But only one of them gets to participate directly in the decisions of the Board of Regents, the system's governing body. Three times in the past twelve years, that one student--the Student Regent--has come from UMBC.  Could you be next?

Please take a look at this description of the Student Regent position and application, and consider applying. Please also pass the information along to friends who may be interested.  The student selected will serve from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.

The application deadline is Thursday, November 6th at 5:00 P.M. Submit completed applications in hard copy to my mailbox in Student Life, Commons 336, and also email the application form and essays to me at dhoffman@umbc.edu.  I'm very happy to answer questions about the position and the process (and once upon a time was Student Regent for the University of California system), so don't hesitate to contact me if you'd like to know more.

Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from UMBC Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter.

Previous post: Apply for STRiVE 2015
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