In the majority of Japanese schools, janitors or custodians are not hired for cleaning tasks. The Japanese education system upholds the belief that students should be responsible for maintaining their schools’ cleanliness. This practice instills values of respect, responsibility, and equality among students. By participating in communal cleaning activities called “osoji,” students learn to take care of their shared environment, develop teamwork skills, and appreciate the efforts of those who maintain cleanliness in other contexts.
From Punishment to Pioneering: Thurgood Marshall’s Constitutional Journey
Once, a school principal disciplined a mischievous student by making them sit in the basement and read the U.S. Constitution. That student, Thurgood Marshall, memorized the entire document in the process. Later in life, Marshall achieved the historic milestone of becoming the first African American Supreme Court Justice. As a civil rights advocate, he played an instrumental role in dismantling racial segregation and transforming the American legal landscape. Notably, Marshall argued and won the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education, which declared segregated public schools unconstitutional.
Half-Awake: The First Night Effect and the Brain’s Adaptive Response to Unfamiliar Environments
The First Night Effect refers to the phenomenon in which, during the initial night in a new environment, only half of your brain experiences deep sleep. This is believed to be an evolutionary response that helps individuals stay vigilant and alert for potential threats when in unfamiliar surroundings. In addition to causing lighter sleep, the First Night Effect can also lead to more frequent awakenings and decreased overall sleep quality, which may impact cognitive performance and mood the following day.
Resusci Anne’s Echo: The CPR Dummy Behind Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’ Refrain
In the iconic Michael Jackson track “Smooth Criminal,” the memorable refrain “Annie, are you OK?” derives its inspiration from Resusci Anne, a mannequin commonly employed for CPR training. Interestingly, Resusci Anne, also known as the “most kissed face” in the world, was designed in the late 1950s to help teach people lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques. The connection between the song and the training dummy adds an intriguing layer of depth to this classic pop anthem.
Fraternity Membership: Lower GPA, Higher Future Earnings
In 2019, a study conducted by Union College discovered that while joining a fraternity during college decreased a student’s GPA by an average of 0.25 points, it also led to a 36% increase in their future earnings. This suggests that despite the potential academic impact, fraternity membership may provide valuable networking opportunities and other benefits that positively influence career prospects in the long term.