What Molly Holden Can't Work Without
What does it take to teach at Stone in 2022?
These days, it takes deep creativity, and a relentless love of students, a commitment to Designing for Joy. And really good coffee, and a few comfort-items to see us through these challenging days! Each month, we ask Stone Faculty members to talk about the “stuff” — the tools, the devices, the gear, the go-to-things —which enable them to show up for their students and care for their students while also providing some all-important self-care. Today, Science Instructor Molly Holden shares with us what she can’t work without!
A science teacher always has gear. I have favorite microscope brands and I will even admit to strong feelings concerning test tube racks. But instead of a tour of my lab supplies, here are five close companions that you could find near me during any work day:
1965 Pressing of Ramsey Lewis Trio’s “The In Crowd”: This is a great jazz album, and even better with the subtle crackle of my vinyl LP. It is my perfect focus music, and has been the background music I have placed on my turntable for the past twenty years. I found it in an interminable stack of Christmas albums at my local thrift store. If you are also a vinyl treasure hunter, I’m sure you understand the satisfaction of a good find. As I map out new courses or write feedback for students, there is a part of my mind that sings along with every piano run, every nuanced drum hit, and every audience cheer along the way.
Pyrex 500 mL Erlenmeyer Flask Mug: I always need a glass mug while I teach. This one looks like a beaker straight out of a chemistry lab, with a handle attached. I walk around with it, absent-mindedly put it down in strange places, and then am pleasantly surprised when I find it again. It’s a daily routine. It might be filled with tea or coffee or water, but sometimes it is filled with seltzer and a drop of yellow food dye, just to get a rise out of the kids. So many of them are deeply concerned for my well being when I casually sip what they assume must be radioactive toxic waste. I love the extra attention.
Large Glass Marble: I always keep a large cat’s eye marble in the right hand pocket of my jacket. It is threaded with a wispy bluish-gray glass and is not quite round on one side. I made this marble myself when, on a whim, I took a beginner’s glassblowing course. I was given a blowtorch that made the molten glass glow so intensely that welding goggles were required - and I instantly fell in love with such a dangerous artform. Do I have time for a glass blowing hobby? Not even close. But I can reach for that lumpy marble in my pocket and relive the inspiration of learning a new skill. It’s a touchstone memory for me when creating classroom experiences that will inspire my students.
Landau 37-Inch White Lab Coat: This coat has been with me for decades of experiments. It is flame and stain resistant, and knowing that my livelihood requires both of these features makes me very happy.
Classic Moleskin, Soft Cover, Dotted Ruling: I find lined paper offensive. It’s restrictive; it’s pedantic. It’s always telling me what to do. I might need room to draw a data table or a silly doodle, and, depending on my mood, I might even want to write diagonally or in a circle. My dotted Moleskin understands my deep need for freedom, and offers me structure without being overbearing.
See also: What Horst Rosenberg Can’t Work Without, Our Favorite Photographs of 2021; Our Most Popular Stories of 2021;
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