Highlight Reel: “Into Them” Year in Review, Part Two
Highlight Reel: “Into Them” Year in Review, Part Two
One of the true joys of writing our newsletter has been the dizzying number of rock stars we’ve had the pleasure of interviewing for our “Into Them” feature. Consider this part two of our highlight reel: Please enjoy a redux of resonating wisdom they gave us this year.
DJ Patil on solving big problems with data
“We often hear phrases like ‘data-driven’ and sometimes conflate data with absolute truth. Data should inform the way we think about the world, but it shouldn’t define the way we think about the world.”
Virginia Manuel on the meaning of food (+ her rice pudding recipe)
“At its most basic level, food is something to be enjoyed, whether sitting alone at the kitchen counter in front of the TV or sharing with a group of friends or loved ones (even better).”
Ellen Watson on building resiliency
“So often, we give generously but don’t extend that same benevolence or empathy to ourselves—and the loud voice of the inner critic can hold us back in every area of our life. Showing kindness to ourselves is also an incredible model for our younger generations, as these lessons become so imprinted at an early age.”
Rachel Solomon on writing her next verse
“There’s nothing fatal in what we do. I used to live fear of screwing things up, with a huge case of imposter syndrome no good review could counter. Today, I know the value I bring to the table. If a client treats people poorly, or is disrespectful of our time and personhood, they don’t fit at Honor Code. I can cut ties with them. I haven’t had a Sunday scary in forever.”
Amy Carleton on teaching things she is passionate about
“I think my Wikipedia pursuits have worked so effectively with my students that they experience the less ‘transactional’ aspect of education—simply following an assignment and receiving a grade—by choosing topics they’re interested in and engaging with content in a meaningful way. That’s changed the way I teach, as well—I’m not just there to deliver information but to lead students toward meaningful engagement and learning. Carving out these corners of academia for myself has reignited my own love of learning.”
Ashley Rouse on starting her own business
“I didn’t know that making and selling jams was something that could become a business; that was never in the plans. I loved the idea of preserving the flavors of a particular season, so I would make jam as a hobby and hand it out during the holidays. People enjoyed it, but most importantly, I loved making it. Without really knowing if there was an industry or if there was a consumer need for it, I just decided to start selling it.”
Lori Robinson on leading through uncertainty
“What I did learn, ultimately, was to control the things that I could. I’d provide advice when able or asked, then go back to controlling what I could. I could worry or obsess about the uncertainty, but that wouldn’t be helpful, it only deletes important ‘brain bytes’ that I would need at a later date.”
Erica Soto Lamb on overcoming obstacles when advocating for important causes
“The only barriers are the lack of imagination for what’s possible—but I find that if you can be creative and persuasive enough, people will come along with you. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth continuously trying.”
Jack Carlson on how rowing prepared him to run his own fashion brand
“There are so many aspects to creating and running a business like this. You can do everything in your power to have all of them figured out—and you’ll still be blindsided, with both challenges and opportunities. Knowing how to adapt, something I learned from rowing and from being a coxswain, is probably the most valuable skill I have in this role.”
