Chris has been watching math videos (huh?!), so I tuned in for a few, including this video introducing differential equations. They’re really easy to watch, follow, and learn from, and the instructor is an absolute delight. It’s impressive to see lessons that are considered ‘upper level’ math presented with such ease and in such manageable chunks. I am sad that my last math class was 8 years ago; these mini-lessons are just enough to fill that void for awhile longer!

Even if you’re not a math person, there are videos for you! The Khan Academy is an online-based nonprofit with a mission to make quality education available to everyone. They have nearly 4,000 videos on topics from biology, to animation, to finance, to history. I love the mission and the execution; two thumbs up. Now go learn about differential equations!

Want to go to Mars? Non-profit mission Mars One is looking for a few good Earthlings

Applicants need to be at least 18 years of age, have a deep sense of purpose, willingness to build and maintain healthy relationships, the capacity for self-reflection and ability to trust. They must be resilient, adaptable, curious, creative and resourceful.

Mars One is not seeking specific skill sets such as medical doctors, pilots or geologists. Rather, candidates will receive a minimum of eight years extensive training while employed by Mars One. While any formal education or real-world experience can be an asset, all skills required on Mars will be learned while in training.

They always tell you to shoot for the moon with your career and dreams; I’ll now start to shoot for Mars. I have always wanted to be involved with a nonprofit entrepreneurial venture…

Continued Learning at Next-to-No Cost? No Brainer!

Check out my latest contribution to Huffington Post’s Impact section about the Brooklyn Brainery, a model for community-driven learning.

If you like it, please leave comments, like it on facebook, and share! Also, if you have ideas for stories of impact (particularly with the millennial generation), shoot me an email.

How to Be a Connector

Nine months ago, I shared an article called Forget Networking. How to Be a Connector. Since then, I have developed and offered a class on just that. It’s been a popular class - surprisingly so - and I’ve learned a lot through teaching it. For instance:

  • People have a hard time realizing their existing network.
  • There’s genuine interest in developing stronger connections with people, but fear of going about it the ‘wrong’ way.
  • It’s a tough sell on why you’d want to go out of your way to connect two people with each other, because people want to unveil the hidden agenda.

I’ve also fine-tuned my definition of a Connector, which I think was a huge self-learning for me in 2012. I didn’t previously parse out what exactly makes me a Connector, nor did I think about why it is an asset that I can leverage in my career or otherwise. Here’s how I define it:

A Connector is a person who…

  • has lots of great people in their network
  • naturally introduces members of their network to one another
  • is socially fluent
  • is known and respected in their communities

…and who uses that power to bring individuals in their network together constructively and with overall success.

This year, I have embraced this personality trait and run with it, and I’m proud to have connected people over ideas, shared interests, collaborative potential, accountability, research, and resources. I enjoy connecting good people, and am fortunate to have (or to create) many opportunities for doing so. It’s a science, an art, and an energizing delight. 

Most exciting to me is that connecting people unleashes unlimited potential. I can’t wait to see what partnerships, conversation, and social change are sparked through catalytic connection; the power never stops!

Staycation Retreat

It’s official: my staycation through the end ofthe year has begun! I’m hoping to use this as a sort of Jen Bokoff company retreat, where I look at what’s been accomplished this year and determine a strategy for the future across all aspects of my life. It’s a one-person entity, but as you know, I thrive off of the energy of the people around me and recognize that I operate in a much larger ecosystem. So, I always welcome your feedback and thoughts on, well, me. Constructive comments about stuff you know about - maybe my blog, my career path, my productivity/organization, my personal strengths and weaknesses, my ‘extracurriculars’ - are all really great for me to hear and build off of. So, email me or call me or track me down in Brooklyn. Thanks! I’ll now commence my retreat with an icebreaker…

Mobilizer Academy: New Leadership Opportunity

If you know a Millennial interested in developing leadership skills and tackling community needs, join Mobilize.org’s Mobilizer Academy to get access to training, mentors and fellow Millennial social change-makers. It’s not bound by geography or background; this is a phenomenal opportunity for anyone looking to make a difference. I have extreme confidence in this pilot program and look forward to following participants’ impact over their careers.

Learn more about the program, nominate someone, or apply today at bit.ly/MobilizerApp. And share this opportunity; applications are due December 19.

Meet Dabbler. Brilliant idea. It’s a no brainer to sign up for this latest Brooklyn Brainery venture; for only $2/month, you get a new hobby every month without leaving your home. I have no doubt that each month will have just the right amount of digestible and awesome information, which will consist of “several billion notes, book recommendations, background, how-to’s, a million and one links for further study, and anything else we think you’d find half-useful.” Yea, this will be a winner. You can participate from anywhere in the world if you have an email account. Subscribe today. Share it today. Start Dabbling in 3 weeks and counting.
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Meet Dabbler. Brilliant idea. It’s a no brainer to sign up for this latest Brooklyn Brainery venture; for only $2/month, you get a new hobby every month without leaving your home. I have no doubt that each month will have just the right amount of digestible and awesome information, which will consist of “several billion notes, book recommendations, background, how-to’s, a million and one links for further study, and anything else we think you’d find half-useful.”

Yea, this will be a winner. You can participate from anywhere in the world if you have an email account. Subscribe today. Share it today. Start Dabbling in 3 weeks and counting.

Coworking Happy Hour - Monday, October 15th!

As reported on neighborhoodr-prospectheights by guest-poster bkbrains:

This winter, we’re (really, officially) opening a new space in Prospect Heights.

It’ll be the Brainery you know and love, along with a neat new addition: coworking! The space will be open during the day for all of us freelancers and coffee-shop nomads, a place to work around other awesome folks to learn from and collaborate with.

What’s a new space without a get-together? Let’s drink some beer about it on Monday, October 15th! Since the space itself is still under construction, let’s head to Soda Bar (629 Vanderbilt) at 7pm, where we’ll probably show you lots of iPhone pictures of the space like proud parents.

RSVP’s are much appreciated, and everyone’s welcome, whether you’re looking to sign up for a desk or just want to meet some neighbors. 

Essential Details!

Monday, October 15, 7pm
Soda Bar, 629 Vanderbilt Avenue
RSVP + see who’s attending + tell all your friends: brainerycoworking.eventbrite.com

You all know I LOVE the Brooklyn Brainery; nothing makes me happier than knowing it will be just a few blocks away from my humble abode! Freelancer friends and skill-sharing fiends, put this happy hour on the calendar and get excited!

Help the Brooklyn Brainery find a new space!

via neighborhoodr-prospectheights (aka my alter ego):

One of our favorite Brooklyn establishments, the Brooklyn Brainery, is looking for a new home. They host amazing classes on every topic imaginable, and will also be a coworking space. Blog readers, I challenge you to help bring the Brainery to our wonderful Prospect Heights neighborhood! You’ll be rewarded richly by the Brainery and showered in thanks by me, too. Please share this hunt with your networks and find good things!

Full details on what they’re looking for and how to share good spaces is here.

Help with the great hunt, friends! I have some more classes to teach and take, and I’d be oh so excited to have this center of awesomeness within close walking distance.

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