The School of Education welcomes alumna Robin Tolsma (’05, ‘07) to campus for a presentation on her journey from teacher to activist after losing her husband in the crash of Flight 3407. She will speak on Thursday, March 20 at 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm in Bacon Hall room 115.
Since the Flight 3407 tragedy, Tolsma has spent her time learning how to forgive, comprehend, and move forward. Along with members of other families affected by the tragedy, Robin also worked tirelessly to pass the strongest federal aviation bill in history to improve flight safety and pilot regulations. Robin is a former English teacher and the author of Everything Changed, a book that seeks to motivate and support those who are experiencing hardship or tragedy.
Robin’s journey from teacher to activist resonates well with our Year of the Teacher focus on the many enactments of teaching and learning that move individuals toward peace and justice, and make our society flourish. She will deliver a Bengal Pause lecture on her unique experience, encouraging her audience to release hate, never say ‘why me?’ or to feel shame for the way we grieve, and to use the educational tools we are given to make a difference in our lives and the lives of those around us.
This presentation is free and open to the public.
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