14 Comments
Sep 7, 2023Liked by Kara Cutruzzula

Wonderful timing as usual. I read your article on the syllabus and loved this part most: "It’s easy to dismiss quietly burbling interests ... They’re symbols that you’re not confined to one job description or a single prescribed path." This is especially inspiring because I'm not your average mid-career woman (here in Nebraska at least). I'm 65yo. I graduated from college 8 years ago, believe it or not. I went back to learn/prepare for my career after retirement; a second career, if you will. I'm not retired yet. I'm still learning and looking forward to what will come. Thanks so much for all your encouragement! It's greatly appreciated.

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Wow!! I am so inspired by you and by hearing this!! I'm sure that felt like a big leap when you did it -- it takes a lot of bravery to pivot and expand horizons. And now I'm extra encouraged by YOU <3

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Sep 8, 2023Liked by Kara Cutruzzula

Such timely inspiration! In my early 50s, I'm starting back at school to prepare for my next career chapter!! It's encouraging to know this is a path others have walked (skipped down?).

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Oh how I love this common thread between two women who inspire me!

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Sep 8, 2023Liked by Kara Cutruzzula

Love love love this. What I especially love is that the format helps guide me towards the gaps in my plan. When I can’t immediately map out the 12-week (a Canadian term length) "class descriptions", it shows me where I need to think more clearly about the steps in my goal. I added a “Course Curriculum” section, for the key resources and inputs I’d need, and it highlighted where I didn’t have enough information or had questions needing further expertise. And then, another Canadian feature – there’s a “reading week” at the half-way point for catching up and resetting. I'm delighted by the energy this is giving me on two key projects!

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You took this in an even deeper and more interesting direction, Gill! Love knowing how Canada does it ;) Such a great point that articulating the description makes us make the project real.

So smart to have a reading week, too -- Colin added in a "catch-up week" for his syllabus, which is a gift U.S. schools rarely gave us. But we make the rules now!

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Sep 6, 2023Liked by Kara Cutruzzula

Ooooh, I like this!

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Happy that this resonated with you!

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Sep 6, 2023Liked by Kara Cutruzzula

Maybe if I did something like this I’d actually write my book :)

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Maybe try it out?! What's the worst that could happen! And if you'd like some accountability, feel free to email it to me when you're done!

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Sep 7, 2023Liked by Kara Cutruzzula

Oh the accountability thing is cool! Thank you!!!

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Always happy to help!

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If only I knew how to write a proper syllabus! Says the writer... lol

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It's super easy! Make it whatever you want -- doesn't have to be formal or by the book. Just something that you can understand and will actually want to refer to!

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