The NetVUE podcast Callings has continued to release episodes during the summer, showcasing conversations with scholars and practitioners as they reflect on vocation, thereby supporting undergraduate students and their exploration of their callings during their time at our institutions. See below for short descriptions of the most recent episodes. For a compilation of advice to undergraduates from the fourth season, listen to the bonus episode that has become an annual tradition for Callings: “Vocational Advice for Undergrads: Season 4 Highlights.”
Transformation and Generosity | Kathleen Fitzpatrick
Published May 7, 2024
Kathleen Fitzpatrick, author of Generous Thinking: A Radical Approach to Saving the University, imagines that higher education can innovate for change in ways that allow campuses and communities to flourish. Throughout our conversation, we explore the benefits of public facing scholarship, digital literacy, and discovering new ways for educators, students, and community members to learn and collaborate. Education, as a calling, is a “generous practice” that can be filled with joy when we work to think with others. Vocation, then, invites us to think about the virtues and values we want to see in our work, and about our willingness to transform.
The Uncommon Good | Geoffrey Bateman
Published June 11, 2024
Geoffrey Bateman, a NetVUE faculty fellow and NetVUE scholar, has written extensively on the topic of supporting our LGBTQIA+ students in their vocational journeys. In our conversation, we explore strategies for mentoring queer students and discuss how to build inclusive practices in vocation work, both in classrooms and across campus. By taking action in local environments, listening for shifts in professional pathways, and honoring all facets of identity, educators can help individuals and communities to flourish. As part of the practice of vocational exploration, “walking the talk” by connecting to community groups and organizations can build resilience and foster relationships with those on the margins, supporting the well-being of all.
Art Saved the Mountain | Christi Belcourt
Published July 10, 2024
Christi Belcourt, a Métis artist whose painting “Reverence for Life” appears on the newest volume from the NetVUE Scholarly Resources Project, reflects on the vocation of the artist. In our conversation, she explains how walking gently on the earth is part of learning responsibility and leading a life of integrity. From her perspective, vocation is about recognizing the gifts one is born with, as well as living in awe of the mystery and wonder of life and the natural world. Christi shares with us the techniques, the historical and cultural narratives, and the social justice causes that inform her artistic process. She reminds us that “our hope is in each other,” and describes how mentors helped her learn to value who each person is, rather than what they do.
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Vocation Matters
Dependability as Calling: Facilitating Freedom in Our Polarized Age | Jeff Frank
Published August 20, 2024
This past spring, Jeff taught a new course titled “Your Life’s Calling.” One of its main goals was to help students discern what it would mean to feel called in a world that often feels noisy, angry, confusing, and devoid of reasons for hope. As they moved through the course, students—especially those who knew they wanted to become classroom teachers—wondered how an educator could support every student’s calling, especially those callings that might challenge or directly conflict with the teacher’s most firmly held beliefs.
Echoed Vocation III: A Call to Justice | Martin Dotterweich
Published August 13, 2024
This is the third post in a series about virtue, autism, vocation, and the teaching of history. In the first two installments of this series, Martin explored how the virtues he teaches are echoed as callings to him through his two autistic children. As he teaches courage, they call him to be present with them in their fear. As he teaches moderation, they call him to examine himself rather than judge others. The third echo, justice, is the focus of this post .
Welcoming Geoffrey Bateman as the New Editor of Vocation Matters
This summer, NetVUE was pleased to welcome Geoffrey Bateman as the new editor of Vocation Matters. After editing the blog for two years, Stephanie Johnson stepped down from this role as she transitioned into her new position as dean of the College of Liberal Studies at Pacific Lutheran University. Thank you to Stephanie for all she has done for NetVUE, and a warm welcome to Geoffrey! For an introduction to Geoffrey, check out David Cunningham’s recent blog post about the transition.