Jeffrey Martin
Recent Activity
Jeffrey Martin commented on How to engage this generation's love of learning for learnings sake? on January 23, 2008, 12:02 PM
Most academic systems are built upon standardization and grading. There is a general understanding among students of many generations that "good grades get you into good schools and eventually, a good job." But you also hit upon the flaw in that system, good grades don't equal learning. The more teachers and administrators can turn the overall emphasis from "grades" to "learning" the better off students will be in the long run. I agree with danwar, "students will follow."
Jeffrey Martin commented on I'm 22 and saving for a retirement that's 45 years from now doesn't make sense on January 23, 2008, 10:35 AM
I am 31 and I have only recently tried to make a serious effort to save for my retirement. While I agree that the financial and personal landscapes for us all will be dramatically different 45 years from now, we will still need to utilize our available resources, both personal and financial, no matter what the rest of the world may have in store for us. Beyond the possibility that Social Security in the United States, and other comparable systems in other countries, may not be available in 45 years, the potential for your personal goals to grow is very real. While traditional 401k-type investment devices offer a seemingly disconnected and obscure way to save, there are many other financial vehicles that you can use to save in a more direct fashion. CDs, IRAs and even general savings can offer different short-term and long-term financial benefits that you may dedicate for different purposes (e.g. higher education, trusts, charity, professional mobility, starting a business, personal, etc.). While retirement can seem to be quite a ways off, other interests, both large and small, will always be part of a fruitful life. Saving for the uncertain, a little bit at a time, can help to realize those future goals with greater ease.
Jeffrey Martin commented on How do you get into character? on January 16, 2008, 4:07 PM
Diversity is VERY important. Not only is a diversity in the physical realm important, but diversity of learning that reflects the intricacies and complexities of our world is necessary for students for succeed after they leave college. Too often students become isolated in programs and colleges that do not offer a wide breadth of ideas that stimulate them to see the bigger picture. Whether students take on liberal arts studies or specialized training, the world remains a dynamic place that requires everyone to think critically.
Jeffrey Martin commented on How do you get into character? on January 16, 2008, 11:07 AM
Diversity is VERY important. Not only is a diversity in the physical realm important, but diversity of learning that reflects the intricacies and complexities of our world is necessary for students for succeed after they leave college. Too often students become isolated in programs and colleges that do not offer a wide breadth of ideas that stimulate them to see the bigger picture. Whether students take on liberal arts studies or specialized training, the world remains a dynamic place that requires everyone to think critically.
Jeffrey Martin commented on Capitalism on January 23, 2008, 5:12 PM
The influence of capitalism, at this point in human existence, has saturated our thinking to the point at which we may actually be compromising our intellectual, spiritual, and social capacities to think of anything else. The basics of capitalism, or the formalization of legalities surrounding the formal exchange of money for goods or services (a very basic interpretation), may seem harmless enough and even complementary to other belief systems. But the pursuit of financial gain for the strengthening or establishment of our persons, our community organizations, and spiritual entities, outside of capitalistic ideals, has become paramount. While our religions, our communities, or our relationships may not always provide all the answers to life we seek, we are now finding that an adherence to capitalism as savior and provider may fail us as well.