Collective Vulnerability and the Sacredness of Bored Kids

“I read this this article today and thought of you,” shared Mount Madonna School (MMS) alumna Lara Kilpatrick (’85) in a recent email to MMS administrators. “I found her words so inspiring.”

The article, Collective Vulnerability, the FFTs of Online Learning, and the Sacredness of Bored Kids by Brené Brown, discusses online teaching and offers tips to teachers about remote learning and reaffirmation for parents. Brown closed with a special message to teachers and all of us:

“Again, to all of the people on the frontlines – the real heroes of this pandemic – thank you. To teachers, you are always on my list of heroes – thank you. To parents – good luck. This pandemic experience is a massive experiment in collective vulnerability. We can be our worst selves when we’re afraid, or our very best, bravest selves. In the context of fear and vulnerability, there is often very little in between because when we are uncertain and afraid our default is self-protection. We don’t have to be scary when we’re scared. Let’s choose awkward, brave, and kind. And let’s choose each other.”

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Contact: Leigh Ann Clifton, director of marketing & communications,

Nestled among the redwoods on 375 acres, Mount Madonna School (MMS) is a community of learners dedicated to creative, intellectual, and ethical growth. MMS supports its students in becoming caring, self-aware, discerning and articulate individuals; and believe a fulfilling life includes personal accomplishments, meaningful relationships and service to society. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville. Founded in 1979.