BORDERTOWN MIND LIBERATOR: A VIDEO PORTRAIT

On the evening of November 13th, Austin welcomed a true academic rockstar, Dr. Arvind Singhal, for a transformative event that left many of us feeling reenergized. Hosted at Texas State University, the evening was a blend of storytelling, dialogue, and participatory engagement in ways that reflected the true spirit of Paulo Freire’s culture circles.

​

We were honored to have distinguished guests in attendance, including Dean John Fleming of the College of Fine Arts and Communication, Dr. Moira di Mauro Jackson, and Dr. Joellen Coryell. Their presence underscored the importance of the discussions, which centered on how we can reimagine education.

​

Dr. Singhal took a different approach from the traditional lecture. Instead, he shared powerful stories, including a captivating one about his interactions with Mother Teresa—someone he personally knew and corresponded with for many years—and how she profoundly shaped his worldview. Through his stories, Dr. Singhal invited us into a dialogue—one where every voice mattered. Using Liberating Structures, he divided the audience into smaller groups of four, creating an inclusive space for open dialogue and co-creation of knowledge. The experience exemplified participatory pedagogy, showcasing how education can be as much about listening as it is about speaking.

​

The event also highlighted Dr. Singhal’s pioneering contributions to entertainment-education and positive deviance, methodologies that use storytelling and unconventional approaches to inspire social change. The EIB film was a fitting addition to the stories we’re telling through Education is Boring. It sparked fascinating conversations about creating the kind of education we need for the future—one that connects deeply with people and fosters empathy.

For me personally, the evening was transformative. It reminded me that change begins with humility and the simple act of showing up as our best selves every day—a sentiment that echoes Gandhi’s timeless wisdom. It was a humbling realization and one that motivates me to continue this work.

​

The night was more than just an event; it was a celebration of storytelling, creativity, and community. As we move forward, Education is Boring continues to explore how storytelling, education, and social change intersect to create a more engaging and impactful learning experience. Our upcoming projects include an exciting exploration of AI and education, which will feature a diverse range of voices and innovative ideas.

​

To everyone who joined us, thank you for being part of this unforgettable evening. Together, we’re not just imagining a better future for education—we’re building it.