I’ve come to one simple conclusion this weekend: teaching Zumba to four-to-seven year-olds is like herding kittens. Complete with water breaks. It’s also true that when one of your BFF’s refuses to participate (as four year-olds and others are wont to do), you may want to sit the class out, too. Your mama may disagree (and carry you away). You may cry. You may promise to participate. You may even have fun. Note: this is what happened on Sunday. It is not what happened a few weeks earlier.
Two more simple conclusions: one, Al Gore is a man of passion and commitment and integrity. It was a complete honor to hear him speak at my alma mater on the occasion of the installation of said college’s newest President, Jonathan Lash, himself a man of passion, commitment and integrity. What’s more, Hampshire is an institution of passion and commitment and integrity. That was three simple, related conclusions. This inauguration was the freezing-est warm moment I’ve ever experienced.
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I was purposeful in my mention of Hampshire and Vice President Gore and Zumba. Here’s why: to herd kittens—metaphorically—is a sensation we experience time and again. Our minds imagine something more dignified; after all, we support our children in their maturation; we run countries and highlight climate change and run colleges where free thinkers become innovators across the land. All those incredible pursuits, though, they are comprised of seat-of-the-pants moments. Some Amherst alumnus agrees a new college is a bright idea and hands you six million bucks to start it. So, you do. And if that doesn’t involve herding kittens (and sheep), what does?
