Hey Phoebe! This is such an interesting and complex topic. We really do tend to look at things from one perspective (namely the American, Western one) so it really is fascinating and important to broaden our perspectives. That is, in my opinion, the only way towards understanding and community. Thanks for your work!

Hey Andre! Really great video, I find the tale of the flying Africans super fascinating -- from Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon to Rashid Johnson's art (in the Guggenheim, you should definitely check it out by the way!), it is a powerful image that is pervasive throughout literature, art, and culture. I'm really looking forward to reading your poster and learning more about it!

Thanks for the kind words. As for your question, absolutely! Next summer, I'm thinking about doing my second summer at a school and focusing on community there. So I guess we'll see!

Hey Kamtoya! I think your research is really fascinating --- I had never really thought about destruction myths, and especially had not considered the fact that they are talked about much less that their opposite: creation myths. From a sociology perspective, I do wonder what our emphasis on creation myths and relative disinterest in destruction myths comes from and what it says about human nature. Thanks for sharing!

Hey Kevin! As usual, super impressed with all the hard thinking that you've put down in words here! Just a thought about the first question, I find it fascinating that you've made this important distinction between a will to focus and just the context that influences focus and attention. It reminds me of my sociology class with Professor Reich, The Social World, and the time we talked about Annette Lareau's work on the importance of cultural capital in education. She shows just how important context is in education --- check it out if this is something you're interested in!

Hey Justin! Loved to hear how you were able to narrow down your research question to something that was much more manageable. I'm curious though, how did you find the balance between specificity and excluding things --- as that is something that I am thinking about doing now! I'd love to PM and talk about it!

Hey Jacques! Really love the thoughtful reflection on these short past few days. For the first question specifically, I think you are so right about the importance of leading with empathy. This, I believe, is a much neglected value when learning about leadership.

One thing which I have been thinking a lot about is the importance of leaders doing what is best for the community and not just themselves. As someone who worked in restaurants, I always find it respectable when a manager helps to do much of the dirty work, such as "bussing" (cleaning) plates and tables. I've had managers refuse to do that sort of stuff because of their own personal pride instead of doing what is best for the organization. But doing so not only helps the community, it also helps to develop empathy with people, which results in a better, more connected group overall. 

Looking forward to discussing more!

Very cool stuff! Keep up the good work, Justin!