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Conversation With Delegate Maggie McIntosh

Continuing our hands-on study of local government this month, the students had the opportunity to speak with Delegate Maggie McIntosh of the 43rd district. Delegate McIntosh has served in the State House of Delegates since 1992. As the previous chair of the Environmental Matters Committee and the current chair of the Appropriations Committee, Delegate McIntosh was also the first woman in Maryland to be House Majority Leader.

The students had the opportunity to ask Delegate McIntosh about a variety of topics from environmental concerns to the U.S. President, as well as current events such as the Johns Hopkins police force, the Alabama abortion bill, and the new Baltimore Mayor Jack Young. Delegate McIntosh had a background in education before becoming involved in politics, and she spent some time discussing education policy as well.

Later, the students reflected on the conversation. “I liked how she talked about her honest opinion on situations. She even made me rethink my position on some things. I think that she is deep rooted in her community and that she had changed a lot in our Community,” said Tyleiah.

Salma said, “I was never into local politics and now I can teach others so they can expand their views as well. Since she’s the one that is going to be making decisions for us all it was great seeing her points in these types of topics that was brought up.”

Claude thought that “she has such a deep understanding of government and politics that she knows what she says. To me, she does seem to be more progressive than I am, but I’m open to her viewpoints on the subjects she talked about. She did move my views on the Hopkins Police because she did give me a more informational standpoint. Overall, I think she was a valuable person to have to talk the class.”

Bio Class with Dr. George Delahunty

Dr. George Delahunty, retired Lilian Welsh Professor of Biology at Goucher College, led class today with our biology students.  The students have been learning about the endocrine system this week. Dr. Delahunty’s professional research focuses on physiology and endocrinology.

Dr. Delahunty has taught many years of classes on endocrinology, and was able to answer a variety of questions from the students such as the effect of steroids on athletes. Thank you, Dr. Delahunty, for giving the students the opportunity to learn from an expert!

Conversation With Dr. George Tilson

Maximize your time with the good ones- this was the closing piece of advice today from our discussion with George Tilson. The “Conversation With” series attempts to do just that- to maximize the student’s time with people who are great examples of success. George Tilson of course is no exception. Dr. Tilson is a career development expert and disability specialist. He is also a playwright, creating shows such as the musical Boundless!, a collection of stories about Delawareans with disabilities.

Dr. Tilson’s discussion was in the form of a brainstorm session, engaging in snippets of thoughts and exercises that tie in with personal success. To demonstrate creativity in action, the students teamed up to come up with features that they would add to a Swiss Army knife.

Then, they went around the room describing things that they were surprised about their learning experience this year, as well as things they have taught others recently. Dr. Tilson then discussed with the students what it physically feels like when they are feeling anxious, angry or sad, and demonstrated different coping mechanisms such as breathing techniques and posture.

The discussion wrapped up with with Dr. Tilson sharing a few things that he has learned over the years- four C’s. Have a champion in your life and be a champion for others, make connections, success is a upward cascade of effects, and always maintain courage in everything you do. What a great interactive workshop!