IT IS AN IRONIC HABIT OF HUMANS . . . to run faster when we have lost our way. 

Another 'school year ' is upon us. Without question we all seem to naturally pack it in, as if Labor Day signifies the unofficial end of summer (despite the fact that mother nature - at least in our parts - is still eager to practice summer for another few weeks).  

Before letting another school year just 'happen' to us (this shift seems to affect the rhythms of daily life whether you are actually in school or not) we're taking a little bit of pause to reflect on what we want to get out of this 'school year' - and what we value about education. 

Here are some thoughts - many of them borrowed from people that we admire - that are helping us answer the question 'What is school for?' and to proceed ahead, accordingly.

WHAT IS SCHOOL FOR? / STOP STEALING DREAMS

Before you - or anyone that you know - heads off to school (as a student or as a teacher), watch this Seth Godin talk. It's chock full of gems (Are we teaching people to connect dots or simply collect them? / If it's work we try to figure out how to do less, and if it's art we try to figure out how to do more /  Until we agree on what school is for we are not going to get what we need). 

His spoken words are far more eloquent than our written ones, so we encourage you to watch. We promise that it's 17 minutes well spent, because it will change your perspective and sharpen your focus for every 'school year' to come. 

HOME GROWN

The term 'homeschooling' often conjures up an immediate, personal reaction, but Ben's portal into their family's own personal experience with unschooling is a worthwhile read. We value the idea that we can all reimagine what we want to get out of learning - and understand the role that family, community, and nature can play in fostering our innate, human curiosity.

For those inclined toward listening, here's a much abbreviated interview that lays the foundation. Or dive into the book.

FINDING YOUR WAY

We've made mention of the Wayfinding Academy a lot in these past few months, and with good reason. We always say that the blessing of working in food is that there is SO much opportunity, but the curse is that there is no set path. In a culture that prizes 'a path and a plan' it's hard to feel comfortable and supported finding your way. That's why we appreciate the concept of this new college.

GETTING PRACTICAL

While we don't have all of the answers, we do appreciate experiences that help us to learn together. On September 17th, we're closing out the true summer season with a group of adventurous learners. We'll be exploring the far reaches of our food system, and discovering the many ways in which each individual can make an impact, personally and professionally. 

Thursday, September 10th is the last day to sign up, and there are still seats available. Join us.

WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU

The main message is to figure out what 'education' means to you. These are questions for each person to answer - and your own opinion will likely evolve over time (ours certainly has). 

We spent the waning hours of Labor Day soaking up some seafood with friends - one of whom recounted stories of sending countless letters to Kevin Costner, asking him for the extra flaming arrows on the Robin Hood set (he was sure there were some, and when he got no answer from Mr. Costner, he also wrote the set professionals). Even though he never did get his flaming arrows, his efforts showed incredible curiosity and tenacity (and, of course, made for great dinner party fodder). He cited his Mom's spirit as a great source of inspiration - she was always the first one to encourage him to ask questions, to reach out, to experiment and to learn. That seems to be the most wonderful message to pass on.

May we all reshape the current culture of education, and reclaim it to serve ourselves and our community in the most meaningful way.
 

   Taylor & Dorothy
   Co-Founders, Good Food Jobs