English 320 Blog

In today’s fast-paced world, we are constantly in motion physically, mentally, and emotionally. We rush from task to task, rarely stopping to simply exist. But what happens when we do stop? When we let go of our to-do lists, set down our devices, and embrace the present moment? Today, I challenged myself to sit still for as long as possible and observe. What I experienced was both surprising and enlightening. At first, my mind resisted. As I sat in silence, my thoughts scrambled to fill the void. Did I forget to reply to that email? What’s for dinner? How long have I been sitting here? The habit of constant movement and distraction was deeply ingrained, and I felt the urge to do something—anything. But instead of giving in, I focused on my breath, letting it anchor me to the moment. Inhale, exhale. Slowly, the noise in my mind began to fade, and I became aware of my surroundings in a way I hadn't before. The world around me came to life in the stillness. I noticed the soft hum of t...

The education system is currently facing one of its greatest challenges in recent history: a severe and widespread teacher shortage. In his article, No More Teachers: The Epic Crisis Facing Education in 2024 , Mark C. Perna examines the factors fueling this crisis and the far-reaching consequences for students, schools, and society. The decline in the number of educators is not just a temporary setback; it is a systemic issue that demands immediate attention. Without enough qualified teachers, student learning suffers, and the quality of education declines. Larger class sizes, overworked educators, and reduced student support are just a few of the symptoms of this growing problem. To address the crisis, education systems must take urgent action to attract and retain talented professionals. One of the main reasons for the teacher shortage is burnout, which has reached alarming levels in recent years. Perna highlights that educators experience stress at nearly twice the rate of other pro...