Rise Above!

“Rise above oneself and grasp the world.” Archimedes on the Fields Medal

The inscription on the Fields Medal of Mathematics has this quote by Archimedes. As it turns out, it is very appropriate for what we did at the “Making” Their Way in the World Symposium. The conversations coming from this work have been fast and insightful. Many participants are still trying to unpack not only our work but also their own in the context of the Maker Faire and the symposium. Rachel has already produced some wonderful PDF’s from her art - check them out here! Charlie and I have been working on two pieces, one for the Huffington Post and the other as a policy paper. These symposium papers may turn out to be seminal works for BPL.

Big Bang 9 was the best yet. After the conference Dennis, MR, Kari, Briana, Brian, Lynda and I sat around for 2 hours debriefing. MR had already compiled the data from the feedback forms and we came to a real good understanding of what to do for next year to make the conference even better. From the T-shirts and theme a la Briana to the workshops put on by coaches to our participants from near and very far, to Brian’s a/v and Norm’s cuisine the event was magical. Then, like a circus, the next day we were all off doing different things. Kari and Briana to Oklahoma, I was with our international crew and prepared for meetings in DC with the Hewlett Foundation and our final symposium of this cycle on Eating Smart, Playing Smart and Being Smart that will take place this weekend in Portland, Oregon. MR started working on our Board event in Newark. Mario was back west working with the schools and colleges. And Dennis got ready for the start of College Unbound’s second year. This is a way of working we have gotten used to and a way of working that gives us a way of covering the waterfront.

Today, I made it to Tulsa and had the opportunity to join our coaching team there. Everyone’s spirits were high as they continued the feeling of Big Bang to another mini Big Bang. Once again, we assembled from all over the country and then, were on our way in a flash.

Please feel free to send me your thoughts, comments, reactions, or suggestions. I would love to hear from you!