Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. Could it be that spring has finally sprung? I don’t know how you feel about the seasons, but starting spring break in Knoxville with five inches of snow was not what I had expected. Alas, Mother Nature has a mind of her own. I hope you will have a chance to get outside and enjoy some nice weather this weekend.
Quote of the week: “A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.” –Coco Chanel
Movie of the week: In celebration of Women’s History Month, I want to suggest a film that blew me away when I watched it. Hidden Figures is a movie based on the real-life contributions of three black women to one of the most thrilling events of the past century in America: getting astronauts into space. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson worked for NASA and computed some of the most difficult mathematical equations, under intense time pressure. They fought to overcome many prejudices and endured difficult social situations, all while proving to be some of the most valuable members of the NASA team.
Joke of the week: Why did a scarecrow win a Nobel Prize? He was outstanding in his field.
Nugget of Wisdom for the week: I know this is a repeat of a previous bit of wisdom, but I don’t think you can ever tire of hearing this warning. Please know your limitations, even this early in your life. Don’t take on things that you don’t believe you need to be doing. It does great harm to your body, mind, and even your emotional well-being. You can have the best intentions, great ideas, and start out full of energy. But eventually, it will take its toll. This is a time in your life to be filled with dreams and possibilities, not weighed down by too much responsibility.
Workshop of the week: Staying safe online can be difficult for parents and teenagers alike. Ironically, the door to danger is right in our own homes—on the computers and cellular phones we use to access the latest apps and websites. Today’s workshop, presented by Belinda B. Swan, is for parents and mature teens. Topics include cyberbullying, sexting, sharing too much information online, and online privacy. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children explains how to identify the warning signs of risky online behavior and how to discuss appropriate online behavior as a family. Click here to listen.
Have a great week. Remember, you are most awesome, and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.
