In 2019 I began my classes with one question. I asked my students, “if you could have any superhuman strength, what would it be and why?” Yes, in addition to getting to know my students’ names, I asked this superhuman question to see their personalities and to encourage a welcoming classroom environment. Students often responded with the names of popular superheroes. Replies included, "I would be Batman or Wonder Woman." Not once did I hear the name of a character who embodie

Dear Student, How are you? We are four weeks into the semester, and you've taken two exams. I am writing to you today to get you to reevaluate your habits. I am reading James Clear’s book Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones. No, I am not reading this book to fulfill an academic research project. It's in my library because I am interested in personal development. Making time to read is a critical discipline for anyone looking to experi

What does it take to be a Mestre? A Mestre is what people in the Capoeira community call the senior or Master teachers. To earn the title of Mestre, it often requires a minimum of 20 years of training in the self-defense, music, acrobatic, philosophical, dance, and ritual components of Capoeira. It also mandates the woman or man live a full life. I gained plenty from the United Capoeira Association Hayward’s 2019 Batizado. My three previous blog entries discussed some of the

Dear Student, This week, I am writing this letter to share with you an incredible resource for the holiday break. As our semester ends, I hope you are happy with the progress you've made. If for whatever reason, you find that you failed a course, please do not interpret the poor grade as an indicator of your intelligence, contribution to this world, or potential in your future profession. Failures are often learning opportunities that can offer insight into the necessary beha

Before moving to Mazatlán, my family and I lived in a south suburb of Chicago where I drove 2 ½ hours to and from work each day.