Michele Thames
Humane education has been a part of my life for the past few years, and I really did not even know it! I began my career working at a Child Advocacy Center, a place where abused and neglected children receive the services they need to begin the healing process. Part of my job was to find community resources to help families help heal from the trauma of abuse. After a long day at work, there was nothing better than coming home to my dog, Lady. She offered unconditional love no matter how I was feeling and she always managed to lift my spirits.I began to wonder if she could work her magic with my kids at work. After speaking with my director, Lady began to accompany me to work each day. The smiles she would bring to scared children’s faces and the laughter she brought to the work environment was amazing. Working with different types of people seemed to be Lady’s forte in life, and I hoped that I could continue to watch her bring people joy.
After witnessing her effect on children and adults, I began to focus on the human-animal bond. I volunteered at local animal shelters and became familiar with the plight of homeless animals. The cruelty that some of the animals endured reminded me of the cruelty that some of my kids at work endured. That was the catalyst that started my search for a graduate program that could help me focus on the link between violence towards human and non-human animals.
Taking the step of applying to the Master of Education in Humane Education program was huge for me. I had been searching high and low for a program that would facilitate different learning styles as well as nurture my interest in the human-animal bond. From Environmental Ethics to Animal Protection to Human Rights, I have been engrossed in each of my assignments, learning more and more each day. I want to find a way to teach people that kindness and compassion will change the world. Easing the pain of those who cannot help themselves is my passion, and each time I complete an assignment, I feel more equipped to handle this challenge.
Watch and share IHE President, Zoe Weil's TEDx talk -- an inspiring vision of how to create a just, compassionate, healthy world for all through solutionary education.
Teaching for the 21st Century Humane Education Workshop
April 28, 2012 - 8:30 am to April 28, 2012 - 5:00 pm | Location: Nightingale-Bamford School
How can we best prepare our students for the important roles they must play in meeting the challenges of today's world? How can we help youth to become creative and critical thinkers who embody the qualities of wisdom, compassion, and integrity and who focus their grea...
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April 28, 2012 - 8:30 am to April 28, 2012 - 5:00 pm | Location: Nightingale-Bamford School
How can we best prepare our students for the important roles they must play in meeting the challenges of today's world? How can we help youth to become creative and critical thinkers who embody the qualities of wisdom, compassion, and integrity and who focus their grea...
Read More