Comments for Thinking Out Loud

Comment on Step Off the Treadmill – Part 1 by Valerie

Valerie — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 12:04:17 +0000

Having been schooled in public school, I thought I would do better for my children… My oldest 4/89 went to private & then to suburban public school…
My only other child, my youngest 12/02 is Home Educated & going at her pace which is a year ahead of her “outside schooled” peers. All I can say is I can literally “SEE” the difference in my children. My oldest chose a “different path” just like in the movie ( I am waiting patiently for it to come to my city)
He’s not making a lot of $ but honestly is doing what he lives with dedication & passion. We all know people who went to college who aren’t even in the field they have their degree and more so those who literally hate their jobs & their lives due to doing what everyone expected.

Comment on Step Off the Treadmill – Part 1 by Haya Sakadjian

Haya Sakadjian — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 07:01:33 +0000

I dropped out of high school in 11th grade, for many reasons; the stress and pressure being one of the major ones. After I dropped out, my depression subsided, and I took my GED.

I worked full time for a year, and then realized that I really wanted to go back to school and become a music therapist. I enrolled in Community College and for the first time, looked around and realized that every single student (and professor) on that campus wanted to be there. Quite unlike high school, where most everyone (including teachers) walked around looking conscripted.

I graduated with a 4.0 and was now eligible to transfer to any University of my choice. I chose a State University that had a bachelor’s of music therapy program. Years later, when I returned to school for a master’s in music therapy, I chose Temple University in Philadelphia specifically because of a professor who was notable in the field, whose books I had read and whose approach I deeply resonated with.

It makes no sense to me to choose a University based on status. High school students should identify their passion or interest, and research Universities or trade schools based on who offers the best programs in this area.

And if you’ve “lost” your passion by high school (remember we all had it in our childhood!) and can’t figure out your calling, I’m all for spending a year volunteering in a non-profit organization- there are so many out there. Internships and apprenticeships are a great way to gain real life learning experience while finding your unique talents and gifts.

PS currently I’m a full time mom, and it’s the best job in the world.

Comment on Step Off the Treadmill – Part 1 by Sally Semonite Green

Sally Semonite Green — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 05:31:35 +0000

I can’t stop thinking about this film since I saw it Monday night. I posted a note on Facebook at midnight, and got over 70 thoughtful, heartfelt comments, and at least 20 inbox messages from people I hadn’t heard from in ages, spilling their stories so willingly and openly, like your husband did.

In looking at your question on stepping off the treadmill, I can only think about the advice that everyone gives. Easy to say, but not so easy to do; “follow your dreams.”

I did everything expected, school, college, law school, big firm blah blah blah, until after 20 years, I decided to turn my office into a law office/photography studio. I have not looked back. My only regret is that I didn’t do this 20 years ago. The key really IS to find what you are passionate about; when you love something, that comes out, and a productive, happy, kind human being exists in the world. I still have to do my day job, but each week it seems I’m getting closer to getting rid of it, and my whole outlook has changed. I wish the kids could realize and really KNOW that there are all these other types of “smarts” out there besides academia.

So that’s it. Follow your passion. Just my two cents; thanks for listening and sharing these stories.

Comment on Step Off the Treadmill – Part 1 by Tweets that mention Step Off the Treadmill – Part 1 | Thinking Out Loud -- Topsy.com

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 04:43:30 +0000

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Vicki Abeles, Sharmaine Mitchell. Sharmaine Mitchell said: The first of my MANY thoughts after seeing & discussing "Race to Nowhere" – http://tinyurl.com/28mevbd @racetonowhere [...]

Comment on Step Off the Treadmill – Part 1 by Vciki Abeles

Vciki Abeles — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 04:17:37 +0000

Thanks for your coverage of the film and more importantly the message. I was moved by your husband’s willingness to share his story – posting it on FB and hoping others are willing to do the same. We need to highlight that there are many paths there are to adulthood; we are all works in progress.