Tag: opportunity

Posted on

Ask Dr. Renae: Worried about the cost of the COVID school gap

Dear Dr. Renae,

I hear some teachers commenting on this school year being a lost year and all the students winding up a year behind. I am aware that I didn’t learn as much as I would have since online was not as good as in person for some subjects. I worry about being prepared for college entrance exams and college coursework. I am even more worried about my younger sister who is struggling to learn how to read. I notice how frustrated the teachers are as well. Many of my peers are upset about missing out on social activities but I am thinking about my future. Am I weird for worrying about my education?

Unprepared High School Junior

Dear Unprepared High School Junior,

It is completely normal to be worried about your education! Education is a major cornerstone in our lives, so I understand where you are coming from. It helps to remem-ber that every person in the world is facing the same issue that is happening to you, and so I believe people will be more mindful and understanding of the circumstances you have come from. You could not control the cards you were dealt, and educators know that. It is my belief that they will have to be accommodating to any issues that may arise from online education, if they would want to dutifully fulfill their jobs. Hopefully, I assuaged some of your fears, and I wish you the best of luck in your academic journey.

Your Fellow Teen

Dear Unprepared High School Junior,

It’s completely understandable being concerned about your academics. Commendable, even. Whilst students have been heavily affected by this pandemic, it’s important to re-main optimistic. Junior year is a crucial time for prospective university students but with everything going on, universities might be lenient with requirements. Now is also a fantastic time to build your student resumé. If you haven’t already decided on a university, now is the perfect time to take a look and reach out to universities. This is the fun part! As far as preparation goes, there’s plenty of practice SAT samplequestions available online as well as books to read. It’s important to be studious but not too hard on yourself. Stay safe!

A Caring Friend

Dear Unprepared Junior,

You are not weird for worrying about your education at all. From reading your submission, I can tell you care about your education which is really important. Since I’m not in college just yet, I asked my 25-year-old sister for some advice I could give you. The best thing she told me was from her college experience, as long as you keep up your studying, work ethic and motivation, you will be fi ne. To tell you the truth, she told me that high school did not prepare her for college; college prepared her for college. Stressing right now over something you don’t know will happen will drive you crazy! It’s best to start good habits during online school that you can later use in college. I hope this helps!

Your Friend

Dear Unprepared Junior,

It is true that most students did not learn as much academic curriculum as they would have if school was in person as usual. The timing and speed at which learning takes place, however, is not indicative of future happiness and success. Many professionals took an unexpected alternative path and timeline in preparing for their career which helped better lead them toward  success. Struggling with the lifestyle changes required during the pandemic has given you an opportunity to learn much more than academics. Conquering boredom and anxiety, along with navigating a new daily structure has taught you flexibility, creativity, and perseverance. Those skills help you to be significantly prepared for college as well as your future. Take pride in the personal growth you have experienced in order to acquire more confidence in your ability to adapt to the future.

Dr. Renae

 

TEENS: Curious as to what other teens would say? If you have a question or problem you would like to present to other teens, please email: askdrrenae@att.net and include your age, grade, and gender you identify with. All questions are published anonymously and your identity and contact information will be kept confidential.

PARENTS OF TEENS: Would you like to anonymously and confidentially ask the panel of teen Peer Counseling Writers to comment on a parenting issue you are struggling with? If you are ready for a variety of honest opinions from real teens, please address your questions to askdrrenae@att.net.

Dr. Renae Lapin, a licensed marriage and family therapist with 40 years experience, currently maintains a private practice in Boca Raton, Florida.

For more information about Dr. Renae and her practice, visit her website: https://askdrrenae.com

 

Posted on

Parkland Vice Mayor Bob Mayersohn

The month of March is usually the time when we think about springing
forward as daylight savings time commences giving us an extra hour of sunshine. Spring centers around “Spring Cleaning,” “Spring Break,” and the religious holidays of Passover and Easter, which symbolize hope and renewal.

This year, however, March will be different for all of us as it is marked by the anniversary of the first reported COVID-19 case in Florida. Some have called it the “COVID Crisis,” while others call it the “COVID Catalyst.” Whatever lens you look through, the impacts of the virus have been devastating on the health and well-being of our families, our educational system, and our local economy. Yet, we need to be thankful and applaud the painstaking efforts of our frontline health care workers, first responders, educational professionals, and all those essential workers who were and still are critical to help us adapt to mitigate the crisis and create innovative opportunities.

As we strive for “herd immunity,” the work to distribute and administer the vaccines is an indication of hope. Yet, we still must be vigilant in preventing the spread by wearing our masks, social distancing, and washing our hands. For COVID-19 updates and resources, please visit our website at https://www.cityofparkland.org/coronavirus.

On a positive note, this month we are bringing back some of our extremely popular events such as Eats n’ Beats on March 13th and Movies in the Park on March 26th. We still have our incredible Farmers’ Market on March 7th, which will showcase our community awareness and business expo. On March 21st we include our health and wellness vendors.

Not to go unnoticed, March is also Women’s History Month. This is a time we reflect on the often-overlooked contribution of women to United States History and the City of Parkland.

Our City Commission meetings this month will be on Wednesday, March 3rd and March 17th starting at 7pm. You can see our agendas at https://www.cityofparkland.org/cc. and watch our meetings livestream at https://www.cityofparkland. org/1304/Live-City-Commission-Meetings.

Finally, I want to thank Mayor Walker for passing the pen to provide me the opportunity to be a guest contributor this month. Thank you, Mayor.

Posted on

Hindu Heritage Month

In 2003, the Florida House of Representatives designated February as Hindu Heritage Month to honor the Hindu residents of the state that add to its diversity and help better the state by promoting their cultures and traditions, spreading knowledge and culture. The month was selected more due to the fact that many Hindus worship Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and learning, in February.

The Hindu culture is both diverse and rich as Hinduism dates back to the Indus Valley over 4,000 years ago, making it the oldest religion in the world. Hindu Heritage Month gives people an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the Hindu culture. The South Florida Hindu Temple in Southwest Ranches in conjunction with other organizations holds events for the public to learn about myths and misconceptions about the Hindu culture, but also to experience the rich culture. However, temples are not the only place to learn about Hindu heritage, as there are programs, classes, and monuments everywhere.

In Davie, you can find Mahatma Gandhi Square, which features a seven-foot tall bronze statue of the man who helped gain India’s independence. Not only is he known for helping with independence, but Hindus focus more on how he accomplished the goal through nonviolence. Hindus practice ahimsa, non-violence, which Gandhi exemplified in a time of great conflict and struggle.

Throughout South Florida, many cultural programs can be found as well. Bharatnatyam, the oldest classical dance in India, serves as a way for many Hindus to express their devotion to god and to tell
stories of their culture through a beautiful dance form. Kathak
dances originated in North India and are known for their storytelling through rhythmic foot movements. There are many traditional music and dance programs that are offered to the public through the Broward arts council that offer a way to learn about this rich aspect of Hindu heritage.

Besides giving the community a chance to learn about another religion and culture, Hindu Heritage Month is an opportunity for Hindus to celebrate and appreciate their heritage in a society that is continuing to move away from traditions as popular culture grows in influence. February gives Hindus a chance to strengthen their ties to their heritage and culture. Fully immersing themselves in Hindu  traditions and celebrations may help them come to accept themselves and their lifestyle. Normally February holds activities like cultural programs, day of service activities, and a time for reflection and learning. I hope that everyone uses this month to learn and appreciate the lives of others and themselves as this diversity is what makes society better for everyone, giving all the opportunity to learn about the world and everyone that inhabits it.

Posted on

New Mayor Richard Walker thanks voters

I am humbled and honored to have been elected Mayor of Parkland. Congratulations to all of our city’s elected officials – Simeon Brier District 1, Jordan Isrow District 2, Ken Cutler District 3, and Bob Mayersohn District 4.

Thank you to all of the candidates who campaigned for a seat. It was a wonderful process as we had 10 candidates in total who offered fresh ideas and showed a tremendous passion for our City.

Local elections are sometimes overlooked for the larger races at the county, state, or national level. Local elections directly impact our everyday lives and it’s important to be engaged in the process.

Local officials directly impact our safety, property taxes, infrastructure, business, community services, and amenities. Sometimes we lose sight of the importance of our municipal elected officials, but it’s important to be knowledgeable and ask questions during the election process.

As residents, we have the unique opportunity to have direct and frequent dialogue with our local elected officials. It’s important to use those  opportunities positively to become knowledgeable and off er insight.

At no other level can there be this direct impact on our everyday lives and this is why your involvement in the process is so important. There are many ways to get involved in the City of Parkland. We offer many Advisory Board positions for you to join.

You can look on the city website for more information by going to https://www.cityofparkland.org/.

I want to also take this opportunity to thank Stacy Kagan for her years of positive community service to the City of Parkland. And finally, congratulate Christine Hunschofsky on her election to the State Representative Seat 96.

We have been immensely blessed to have had Christine’s dedication, perseverance, and compassion to our great city and all of our residents. I am committed to holding this same level of standard and am grateful to Christine for setting the bar so high.

I am always available to chat and I look forward to your thoughts and insight.

My door is always open and I can be reached at Rwalker@cityofparkland.org.

Here are the elected officials: unofficial as of printing Coral Springs City

Commissioner winners:
• Nancy Metayer, Seat 3 • Joy Carter, Seat 5

Broward State attorney:
Harold F. Pryor

Sheriff:
Gregory Tony

 

Proudly powered by WordPress