Say Cheese!

Did you know that 'photography' literally means 'drawing of the light'?  That said, why not cast some light on the history of photography itself?  Especially through the lens (I know, I know, bad pun) of the role of women both as the subject, and creator, of photographs.

Long before the age of selfies and filters, photography still fascinated men and women alike for as long as it has been around.  Collectors and enthusiasts continue to be enthralled by the stories captured on film and the laborious process the taking and producing of photos once entailed.  It wasn't as easy as picking up your phone tapping a button.  Taking photos took a long time and involved a complicated series of steps.  The chemicals used could be dangerous and the equipment wasn't folded into everyday products like it is today.  What this means is that early photographers were dedicated to their craft in a way that perhaps we don't think as much about these days.  There weren't really casual photographers and even the hobbyists had a level of dedication that we don't really have to think about.  Photography is still absolutely an art form, but much has changed and some of those changes might lead us to forget - or not even know - the history of how we got here when it comes to capturing moments in time.

From carte de visites (CDVs) and daguerreotypes to post-mortems and tintypes, the story of photography is as varied and fascinating as the story of humankind itself.  And through it all, women were there.  Not just the subject of angelic poses, tasteful nudes, or severe depictions of propriety, but as the photographers themselves.  The story of women in photography is the story of history itself, of storytelling through image, the story of art, and the story of the struggle of women to be recognized as equals.  Come hear part of that story with Josh Heller, Professor of Sociology. 

This one is in person because there are going to be actual vintage photos to look at and that is super hard to do with the remote option.  I hope to see you there:  THIS FRIDAY at 12:00 in room 1480.  It's worth an hour.  Trust me.

And PLEASE don't forget that we have the HONORS DINNER on 10/25 from 4:00 - 6:00 in Stage 14.  The T-shirts are in and look AMAZING.  The giveaways are here and they are super fun.  The pasta bar is ordered and the room is reserved.  All we need is YOU!

Another Honors Ta....SQUIRREL!!

Now that I have your attention, I will say this:  the title for this blog makes light of something that is not funny, really.  It's a tongue-in-cheek silly take on something that, for many, is far from being silly.  So much more than just being overactive or easily distracted, ADHD can be a serious hinderance to social, educational, and career pursuits.  And, like many mental challenges facing people these days, we don't talk about it nearly enough.

ADHD - formerly known as ADD - stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and effects around 6 million children in the US alone, according to the CDC.  We use the term a lot, but what does it mean?  It goes beyond the scope of this blog and its author to go into all the specifics of ADHD, but you can take a quick look at the criteria according to the DSM-V (the core manual of psychology here in the states) if you'd like to know some more about it.

In short, the CDC says that "[i]t is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one time or another. However, children with ADHD do not just grow out of these behaviors. The symptoms continue, can be severe, and can cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends."

So much has been said and researched when it comes to identifying, treating, and working with children that have ADHD - but what about adults?  It is not something that just 'goes away' as the rambunctious play of childhood gives way to bills and household chores.

The National Institute for Mental Health reports that something like 4.4% of adults in the United States suffers from ADHD, and it is more common amongst men than it is amongst women.  But, what does the world look like for an adult with ADHD?  What is it like to function in college and in a career when you are suffering from this disorder?  What is it like to find out LATER in life that this label applies to you?

Well, the best way to answer those questions - and many more - is to talk to someone who is walking that path.  Join us as soon-to-be-doctor Dawn Langdon tells us what it has been like to receive her diagnosis at the age of 45 and how she has navigated a career and the pursuit of a post-graduate degree while managing her ADHD.

What: "But I Can't Have ADHD, I'm an adult!"

Who:  Dawn Langdon, Director of Financial Aid at Hobart & William Smith

When:  October 12, 4:00 - 5:00

Where:  Room 1480 or on Webex

October is ADHD Awareness month....come learn more, ask questions, and share your own experiences.  You are not alone.