In This Story
The idea of a dumpster fire seldom elicits positive imagery, however, to MB (Marybeth) Mitcham, director of the online MPH program and assistant professor in the Department of Global and Community Health, one particular dumpster fire signifies success. In an interdisciplinary collaboration, Mitcham hosted an outdoor cooking workshop with other-abled high school students.
“Some of the students have autism and Aspergers, others present with other developmental disabilities, while some have physical limitations and others behavioral challenges. I fully believe that everyone has the potential to do more than what others consider them capable, so we have designed opportunities to involve students [of differing abilities] in learning experiences that may not be part of what most would consider the ‘special education experience,’” said Mitcham. “My son has autism, so I especially love working with ‘other-abled’ groups, knowing the powerful difference that simple kindness and collaboration can make in their lives.”
The dumpster fire occurred when one of the adults helping with the event accidentally dumped the still-hot coals in the dumpster. No one was harmed and the fire was quickly extinguished.
The dumpster fire only served as a reminder of the pride and joy both students and parents felt in their accomplishments.
“All of the extra effort that went into creating the workshop was worth it to see the faces of accomplishment at completing something challenging,” said Mitcham. “The dumpster fire, while accidental, only added to the day’s excitement and will always be a fun memory.”
Mitcham presented “A Potluck Dinner Approach to Addressing Public Health Problems: Exploring Interdisciplinary Strategies” at the Open Forum: Next Generation (NxGen) conference in Indianapolis. She discussed conducting community health needs assessments, continued communication among stakeholders, solution development, and sharing communal responsibilities.