Professor Peter Shaw.

As self-described professor of pedagogical magic, Peter Shaw is not one to follow the beaten path, but one who instead embraces new challenges and innovation in teaching and learning. It is then perhaps fitting, that this season of giving thanks he has decided to actively “thank outside the box.” As he explains it, he is going to try to “in particular appreciate my students who are not only grateful for what they like in their education, but also indicate how it might be even better.” 

A professor in the Institute’s Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program, Peter has been thinking about gratitude recently after he discovered that studies show that it increases with age. “So by now I should totally stink of thankfulness and appreciation,” he says with his characteristic good-humored grin. “This week,” he says, “I am especially grateful for all those members of the MIIS community who themselves have the attitude of gratitude, and take the time to thank those who so constantly provide us with help, encouragement, and support. A Happy Thanks giving to all!”

Advancement Coordinator Dollie Pope.

Continuing our annual series on the spirit of giving thanks, we are happy to feature longtime Monterey Institute staff member Dollie Pope, advancement coordinator.  When asked what she is most thankful for this year, Dollie was quick to respond with: “collaboration and good teamwork.” She points out the obvious but often overlooked fact that “we can’t reach our goals or solve any hard problems, whether personal or global without working together.”

Dollie says that she feels very fortunate for her family and the people she works with and that it is very “good to know that there are people you can count on in life.” Dollie herself is known as one of the rocks of the Institute, always willing to extend a helping hand to anyone in need. It is nice to hear that it goes both ways. Says Dollie: “Just yesterday I was swamped here at work and I was able to enlist the help of my colleagues to get the job done.” According to Dollie, the keys to good collaboration are to listen well and to be willing to compromise and help out. We could probably all agree on the wisdom of that.