My head is spinning but I'm loving it.
So far I've studied developmental theories of justice and freedom, criticisms of neo-liberalism, the capabilities approach, information on different types of epistemology and methodology. Etc. Etc. Etc.
You see why my head is spinning? ;)
I've literally had to use the dictionary countless times just to read the first paragraph of some of these chapters and articles. It is definitely on a different level than under-grad.
But, in the midst of all these big words and complicated concepts, I was delighted to run across this excerpt that I absolutely LOVED, so I wanted to share it:
THE GOOSE STORY
"Next fall, when you see geese heading south for the winter, flying along in V formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way: As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in V formation the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.
People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.
If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed the same way we are.
When the head goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point.
It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs with people or with geese flying south.
Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
What do we say when we honk from behind?
Finally, and this is important, when a goose gets sick, or is wounded by gunshots and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly, or until it dies. Only then do they launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with their group.
If only we could have as much sense as a goose."Is that not the sweetest thing??? And all I thought geese had to offer was their nasty poop all over our backyard when the flock stops off by our lake before heading the rest of the way down south!?!
But, really, though it may be a little cheesy, that excerpt from Randy Stoecker's book was refreshing in its simplicity and it resonated with me.
Community development (and learning about it in grad school) is challenging but we can take a hint from the geese by encouraging one another, working together, sharing the workload and taking care of each other.
Sounds pretty sensible to me :)
