In this episode, Dr. Renee Jordan revisits a blog post from August 2018 titled "Balance." She shares a personal story about a particularly challenging semester during her junior year of college, where she took an overly demanding course load. Dr. Jordan discusses how this experience taught her the importance of balancing course selections to manage stress and optimize learning.

Key Points:

1. Challenging Semester: Dr. Jordan recounts taking 17 credits in one semester, including demanding courses such as Biochemistry, Quantitative Analysis, Physics, and Statistics, which led to significant stress and weight loss.
2. Health Impact: The stress from the semester caused Dr. Jordan to become ill, leading to her withdrawing from classes and taking a medical leave.
3. Recovery and Success: After taking a break, she returned to school and had her best academic semester, changing her minor from Chemistry to Art and finding a better balance in her course load.
4. Adapting and Learning: Dr. Jordan emphasizes the importance of knowing how you learn best and arranging classes to create a balanced schedule. She encourages students to mix challenging courses with those that engage different parts of the brain.
5. Long-term Lessons: She highlights how this experience has influenced her approach to managing stress and making mindful decisions about balancing work and personal life.
6. Practical Advice: Dr. Jordan provides practical advice for students on selecting courses, managing stress, and seeking help when needed. She encourages inserting "counterweights" into academic schedules to maintain balance and well-being.

Takeaways:

• Understanding your learning style and capacity is crucial for creating a balanced academic schedule.
• It’s important to mix challenging courses with those that engage different cognitive skills to avoid burnout.
• Pay attention to your health and well-being; stress can manifest physically and mentally.
• Seek support from friends, advisors, and medical professionals if needed.
• Be adaptable and willing to make changes to ensure long-term success and well-being.

Quotes:

• "Slow and steady wins the race." - Aesop
• "Know how you learn, and arrange your classes to create balance."
• "Stress affects people in different ways; pay attention to what's going on with you."

Recommendations:

• Consider taking a mix of courses that challenge different parts of your brain.
• Seek medical help if stress impacts your health.
• Utilize campus resources like student services and counseling.
• Communicate with professors and advisors about your situation.

Listener Engagement:

• Reflect on your own academic experiences and consider how you can create a balanced schedule.
• Share your stories of managing challenging semesters and finding balance in your academic or professional life.
• Like, subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help it become more discoverable.

Closing: Thank you for listening to another episode of the Black-Liberation.Tech podcast. I am your host Dr. Renee Jordan. Until next time, bye-bye.

In this episode of Black-Liberation.Tech, Dr. Renee Jordan dives into a blog post from June 2018 titled "Following Trails of Literature." Dr. Jordan shares her experiences with influential books and authors that have shaped her academic and professional journey. She reflects on the profound impact of Maya Angelou’s "Letter to My Daughter" and the connections made through various literary works. This episode emphasizes the importance of literature in personal growth and professional development, and how following these literary trails can lead to significant revelations and impacts in life.

Introduction to the Blog Post: Dr. Jordan introduces the blog post "Following Trails of Literature" and its inspiration from a variety of influential books and authors.

Books That Influence: Discussion of Alice Walker's entry in "Flat-Footed Truths: Telling Black Women's Lives" and the discovery of Zora Neale Hurston’s manuscript "Barracoon: The Story of the Last Black Cargo." Connection to Maya Angelou’s "Letter to My Daughter" and the revelation about Dr. Jordan’s own identity as a teacher who writes.

Personal and Professional Growth: Reflection on the impact of literature on Dr. Jordan’s life, especially during challenging times such as the death of her mother. Encouragement to read works by influential authors like Zora Neale Hurston, Maya Angelou, and Ida B. Wells to gain wisdom and inspiration.

Impact Beyond the Classroom: Dr. Jordan’s transition from classroom teaching to roles that impact education on a larger scale, such as instructional technologist and grant administrator. Discussion on the significance of supporting faculty, enhancing learning spaces, and managing educational programs and grants.

Career Path Insights: The importance of roles that were not traditionally highlighted during career days but have a significant impact on education and professional development. Encouragement for listeners to consider various career paths in education, grant administration, and instructional technology.

Literature as a Life Guide: Exploration of how literature guides personal and professional journeys. Encouragement to share knowledge and support others through conversations and written words.

Final Thoughts and Encouragement: Dr. Jordan’s message to remain curious, open-minded, and to share insights with others to help them along their journeys. Encouragement to engage with literature and use it as a tool for personal and professional growth.

Recommended Reads:

• "Flat-Footed Truths: Telling Black Women's Lives"
• "Barracoon: The Story of the Last Black Cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston
• "Letter to My Daughter" by Maya Angelou
• Works by Ida B. Wells

Call to Action: Like, subscribe, and share the podcast. Rate and review the podcast to help it become more discoverable.

Closing: Thank you for listening to this episode of Black-Liberation.Tech with Dr. Renee Jordan. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions in future episodes.

#BlackLiberationTech #Literature #MayaAngelou #ZoraNealeHurston #IdaBWells #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #Education #GrantAdministration #InstructionalTechnology #Podcast

Introduction:

• Welcome back to Black-Liberation.Tech, hosted by Dr. Renee Jordan.
• Discussing a blog post titled "References have References" from June 2018.

Main Story:

• Dr. Jordan's first conference presentation at the American Educational Research Association's Annual Meeting in April 2017.
• Recounting an encounter with a Mexican-American doctoral student during a poster session.
• The student’s research on volunteer work choices of high-achieving, Mexican-American students attending local colleges despite having full scholarships to more selective schools.

Key Points:

1. Importance of discussing your work with others to gain new insights.
2. Faculty advisors may not always have expertise in your specific area of research.
3. Engaging in academic conferences and discussions can help identify gaps and provide new directions.
4. The concept of "Funds of Knowledge" and its role in understanding research phenomena.

Reflection:

• Encouragement to share your work in formal and informal settings to get valuable feedback.
• The significance of making your dissertation work understandable to a broad audience.
• The value of talking to people outside your field for fresh perspectives.

Conclusion:

• Encouragement to maintain curiosity and open-mindedness in research.
• Importance of revisiting literature and seeking new references.
• Final thoughts on the benefits of engaging with others about your work.

Call to Action: Like, subscribe, share, rate, and review the podcast to help it become more discoverable. Thank you for listening, and tune in for the next episode.

In this episode, Dr. Renee Jordan explores a blog post from July 2018 titled "Be All Parts of You." Through a heartfelt conversation with her niece, Dr. Jordan shares insights about the importance of embracing all aspects of oneself, taking breaks, and engaging in creative activities to rejuvenate the mind and soul.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace Your Full Self: It's important to utilize all your talents, skills, and interests. Being multifaceted helps in personal growth and prevents burnout.
2. Taking Breaks: Regular breaks are essential. Even God rested, and so should we. Breaks can involve doing different activities that stimulate other parts of the brain.
3. Creative Outlets: Engaging in creative activities like painting, decorating, singing, or dancing can be therapeutic and refreshing.
4. Balance and Prioritization: Balance work with personal interests and ensure that your environment is conducive to productivity and peace of mind.
5. Self-Care: Prioritize self-care to maintain mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Conversation with Niece: Dr. Jordan discusses her recent home improvement projects and shares advice with her niece on the importance of taking breaks and exploring creative talents. Encourages her niece to use breaks to engage in different activities and hobbies.

Personal Anecdotes: Dr. Jordan talks about her own creative projects, including painting murals and decorating her home. Shares her experiences with singing in the choir and how it helped develop her presentation skills.

Tips for Listeners:

• Explore various creative activities, even if you think you're not naturally artistic.
• Incorporate regular breaks into your schedule, using the time to do something enjoyable and different from your usual tasks.
• Find ways to express yourself creatively, whether through art, music, dance, or other hobbies.
• Prioritize self-care and ensure that your living environment supports your overall well-being.

Encouragement: Dr. Jordan encourages listeners to embrace all parts of themselves, find joy in different activities, and balance work with personal interests.

Closing Remarks: Dr. Jordan reminds listeners of the importance of self-care and taking breaks. Encourages everyone to like, subscribe, share, rate, and review the podcast to help it become more discoverable.

Notes: This episode focuses on personal growth, self-care, and the importance of embracing all facets of one’s identity. Dr. Jordan uses personal stories and practical advice to connect with her audience and provide actionable insights.

In this episode of the Black-Liberation.Tech podcast, Dr. Renee Jordan reads and reflects on her June 2018 blog post titled "Tell Your Story." The episode delves into the importance of storytelling, personal goals, and setting expectations in both professional and personal contexts. Dr. Jordan shares insights from the National Association of HBCU Title III Administrators conference and emphasizes the value of informal learning and academic coaching.

Key Takeaways:

1. Conference Insights: Dr. Jordan discusses her experience at the National Association of HBCU Title III Administrators conference, highlighting the importance of hearing others' stories to learn about various possibilities despite limitations.
2. Quotes for Reflection:
   • "You don't have a budget. You have goals and objectives to accomplish."
   • "You can't fix a lie."
   • "Make things an expectation."
   • "Tell your story."
3. Informal Learning: Dr. Jordan emphasizes the importance of informal learning opportunities, especially for academic and career coaching for girls and women. She encourages listeners to start working towards their goals without waiting for external funding or job opportunities.
4. Accountability and Communication: The significance of taking and keeping notes for oneself and maintaining clear communication through emails is discussed as a strategy to ensure clarity and accountability.
5. Setting Expectations: Dr. Jordan talks about setting expectations in interactions with others, following through on commitments, and taking responsibility for any missteps.
6. Storytelling: The power of storytelling is highlighted as a way to share experiences, offer different perspectives, and inspire others to persist through challenges.

Action Items:

• Reflect on your own story and consider how sharing it might help others.
• Set clear goals and objectives for yourself, both professionally and personally.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication, especially in professional settings.
• Make expectations explicit in your interactions with others.
• Embrace informal learning opportunities to further your academic and career goals.

Listener Engagement:

• Please like, subscribe, and share this episode.
• Rate and review the podcast to help it become more discoverable.
• Connect with us on social media to share your thoughts and stories.

Closing: Thank you for listening to another episode of the Black-Liberation.Tech podcast. Until next time, take care!

Host Bio: Dr. Renee Jordan is passionate about integrating informal learning opportunities into academic and career coaching, particularly for girls and women. Through her podcast, she shares insights, stories, and practical advice to inspire and empower her listeners.

In this enlightening episode of the Black-Liberation.Tech podcast, Dr. Renee Jordan delves into the importance of personalizing your education, whether you're a traditional or non-traditional student. Drawing inspiration from a blog post she wrote in June 2018, Dr. Jordan emphasizes the value of exploring educational resources beyond the conventional curriculum. She shares her experiences from a writing retreat with her advisor, Dr. Janice B. Fournillier, and highlights a selection of impactful books that have enriched her academic journey.

1. Introduction: Dr. Jordan reads from her 2018 blog post, encouraging students to seek knowledge beyond traditional education. Emphasizes the importance of broadening one's educational horizons for both traditional and non-traditional students.
2. Book Recommendations: Dr. Jordan discusses several influential books she discovered during a writing retreat:
   • Jubilee: The Emergence of African-American Culture
   • Funds of Knowledge: Theorizing Practices in Households, Communities, and Classrooms
   • Fictions of Feminist Ethnography
   • Ph.D. Stories: Communications with my Sisters
   • Transforming the Curriculum for Multicultural Understandings: A Practitioner's Handbook
   • Tricks of the Trade: How to Think about Your Research While You're Doing It
   • Flat-Footed Truths (mentioned but not pictured)
3. Interdisciplinary Learning: Dr. Jordan shares the benefits of incorporating interdisciplinary learning into your education. Discusses how reading widely across disciplines can enhance your understanding and research.
4. Personal Experiences and Advice: Shares anecdotes about recommending books to others, emphasizing the ripple effect of sharing knowledge. Encourages students to pursue independent reading courses and engage in self-directed learning.
5. Importance of Diverse Perspectives: Highlights how diverse perspectives can enrich academic work and foster empathy. Advises students to seek out literature from underrepresented groups to bring a broader range of voices into their research.
6. Conclusion: Dr. Jordan wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of personalizing education and actively seeking out opportunities for growth and learning. Encourages listeners to go beyond the prescribed readings and incorporate diverse perspectives into their academic journey.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Explore books and resources outside of your immediate discipline.
• Take independent reading courses or engage in self-directed learning.
• Seek out and incorporate diverse perspectives into your research and academic work.

Call to Action: Like, subscribe, and share the Black-Liberation.Tech podcast. Rate and review the podcast to help it become more discoverable.

End Note: Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Black-Liberation.Tech podcast. Join us next time for more insightful discussions and educational inspiration. Take care!

In this episode, Dr. Renee Jordan reflects on a pivotal blog post from May 2018 titled "Almost There," marking a significant milestone in her doctoral journey. She recounts completing her final required course, a week-long intensive on writing qualitative research manuscripts led by Dr. Janice B. Fournillier. The course, held at Red Top Mountain State Park in Georgia, was a transformative writing retreat that propelled her towards her comprehensive exams, research proposal, and dissertation.

1. The Writing Retreat Experience: The retreat was a writing revival, with daily individual appointments with Dr. Fournillier and evening group sessions. Attendees, including Dr. Jordan, had specific writing goals, ranging from dissertation proposals to data analysis.
2. Personal Reflections and Decisions: Dr. Jordan grappled with whether to use existing data from a project with her advisor or embark on her own research. The retreat helped her crystallize her decision to pursue her own project.
3. Emotional and Personal Journey: Dr. Jordan shares a personal story about writing an autoethnographic piece dedicated to her late mother, blending academic references with poetic elements. The writing retreat was an emotional time, helping her process her journey and loss.
4. Collaborative and Creative Efforts: The retreat fostered collaboration among participants, allowing them to share and review each other's work. Dr. Jordan emphasizes the importance of writing regularly, even if the writings are not always submitted for academic purposes.
5. Advice for Doctoral Students: Carve out dedicated time for writing and set specific goals. Consider attending writing retreats and come prepared with a plan. Embrace flexibility in the writing process, allowing creativity to flow. Take care of oneself, balancing intense writing periods with relaxation and self-care.

Takeaway Message: Dr. Jordan encourages doctoral students to persist in their writing endeavors, seek opportunities like writing retreats, and balance their academic pursuits with personal well-being. She highlights the importance of personal stories in academic work and the value of writing as a means to navigate and articulate one's scholarly journey.

Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to like, subscribe, share, and review the podcast to enhance its discoverability.

Closing: Thank you for tuning in to another episode of Black Liberation.Tech with Dr. Renee Jordan. Until next time, bye-bye.

Welcome back to another episode of the Black Liberation Tech podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Renee Jordan, and today we're exploring the concept of teaching as a human service. This discussion stems from a blog post I wrote in April 2018, where I shared advice with a fellow educator about integrating health and human services into the school curriculum.

In this episode, I recount a conversation with John, a former human service professional now working as a faculty member in a teacher preparation program. He shared the idea of viewing teaching as a human service, which resonated with me deeply. Education is not just about delivering content; it's about addressing the holistic needs of students.

Key Points Discussed:

• Incorporating Human Services into Education: Consider how health and human services can be part of what defines student success. Partner with organizations to meet student needs and incorporate specific learning outcomes related to practical life skills.
• Identifying Challenges: Engage with students and teachers to identify problems that hinder learning. Partner with services to address these challenges effectively.
• Practical Applications: Integrate subjects like math and English with life skills, such as financial literacy and completing essential paperwork. Use assignments that have direct benefits for students.
• Engaging Assignments: Allow students to choose topics or problems they are passionate about and guide them in researching and finding solutions.
• Service Learning: Use real-life problems and interdisciplinary approaches to teach problem-solving skills. Partner with community services and professionals to enhance learning experiences.

I also shared personal experiences, such as the importance of understanding and completing complex documents like those required for buying a home. This highlights the value of integrating practical life skills into the curriculum.

List of Human Services to Consider:

1. Health Care Services
2. Mental Health Services
3. Social Work Services
4. Housing Assistance
5. Food Assistance Programs
6. Child and Family Services
7. Domestic Violence and Abuse Services
8. Employment and Job Training Programs
9. Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention
10. Disability Services
11. Legal Aid and Advocacy Services
12. Financial Assistance Services
13. Elderly and Aging Services
14. Community Development Programs
15. Crisis Intervention Services

Final Thoughts:

• Embrace the holistic approach to teaching.
• Partner with services that support student well-being.
• Encourage problem-solving and practical applications in education.
• Use assignments to address real-life challenges.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Black Liberation Tech podcast. If you found this discussion valuable, please like, subscribe, share, and review the podcast to help others discover it. Until next time, take care and keep pushing forward in your educational journey.

Don't forget to check out my merch at Black-Liberation.Tech.