LEARN TO LISTEN

But what about listening?   

 

Saint Ignatius of Loyola advised, "Speak little. Listen much."

 

In the spirit of that guidance, for the second year in a row, Saint Ignatius College Prep is hosting a listening conference. 

 

"One way we can show dignity is by listening to someone else's story," said Director of School Culture--Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Dr. John Igwebuike.  He continued, "It's vitally needed. The impact on relationships, friendships, family, faith, community building...is tremendous."

 

Guanacaste 2022: The Transformational Listening Conference begins on October 28th with the "Tree-mendous Listening Awards." If you're wondering why we spelled it that way, we have  good reason.  The guanacaste tree, also known as the listening tree or the ear pod tree, has fruit that looks like the human ear.  Educators and staff members who have given the gift of presence by listening well, will receive recognition from students in the form of the "tree-mendous" awards.

 

Then, on Saturday, October 29th, the actual exercises in listening begin. Dr. Kenann McKenzie who heads up the Generous Listening and Dialogue Center at Tufts University, will deliver the keynote address. Igwebuike said, "Her presentation is expected to set the stage for how listening is central to civic engagement and dialogue on challenging issues, and how it's central to cultivating a sense of belonging across our similarities and our differences."

 

The conference, which runs from 9 a.m to 4 p.m., offering breakfast, lunch and snacks, is free and open to anyone in the school community and the larger outside community who's interested in learning about the skill, the art and the practice of authentic listening.   

 

If you would like to understand how to be a better listener for others, please click here to register for the conference.