What Carolyn Cooks

I have read a slew of responses to Ms. Slaughter’s article in The Atlantic, and this one seems to be particularly interesting.

Enjoy another boundary-pushing article – it will either push against your current ones – or open them.  Neither of which is right or wrong, if it’s right for you.

Last week I started to see a few posts on Twitter, from reputable sources, about an article in The Atlantic titled, “Why Women Still Can’t Have It All.”  I have always aimed high – and since my parents never reinforced gender roles and careers, I set my sights high.  In my lifetime, I have wanted to be a pediatrician, mechanical engineer, news broadcaster, Supreme Court Justice, marine biologist – just to name a few.  As I moved through different levels of schooling, it did become clear that being a woman, my career choices would involve asking different questions than my male friends.  I am still understanding what all of this means for me, and couldn’t appreciate this article in The Atlantic more.  What’s also exciting to me, are the conversations that are beginning because of the article both among my friends and in the print media.  It is a long read, but I think you’ll walk away satisfied with your time sacrifice, to read the author’s experiences and advice.  I’ve also listed some links to other articles in response to the original.  Enjoy.

P.S.  This can be a heated topic, as everyone has a different experience balancing it all, and I truly believe there is no one way to be successful (although the logic in me tries to find it).  If you choose to comment here in response, please be kind.  We are all working towards the same goal.

Original Article in The Atlantic
Why Women Still Can’t Have It All

Response in the New York Times
Q + A with the Author
Elite Women Put a New Spin on Work-Life Debate

Great article in the NY Times today about the benefits of seeing the glass half full.  It’s harder some days than others to do this, but I am the first to admit, it definitely takes less energy to focus on the positive and problem-solve rather than the converse.  It also leaves me with more energy for the fun things, like cooking and spinning!  What do you think?  Do you think it’s a richer life seeing the glass half full?

Have you checked out Brain Pickings lately?  It is a wonderfully curated site, with some of the most interesting things.  This video of Noam Chomsky on the Purpose of Education is just that.  As a linguist myself, he holds a special place in my heart.  What are your go-tos for inspiration and food for thought?

Did you hear about the doctor who offered cooking classes in the waiting room?  Okay, so this is not quite what one doctor is doing, but it is pretty close!  I love to see this kind of thing from other colleagues in public health.