Osher at JHU members share how Osher's programs have been present during life transitions.
(Left: Joshua Kaufman, Right: Rhonda Findling)
Adapting to a New City
When Rhonda Findling moved from New York City to Atlanta, Georgia six years ago to care for her mother, she arrived without many social ties outside her family. “At first, it was just me and my caregiving responsibilities,” she said.
After being in the city for a while, she discovered OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) at Emory University. “I took in person classes there and they were rewarding, but then the Covid pandemic hit and everything shut down. I enrolled in online classes at Emory, but the pandemic gave me the opportunity to explore other programs,” she said. “I took remote classes from a number of OLLI programs and then I discovered Osher at JHU.”
Rhonda likes Osher at JHU for the quality of the instructors. She is a frequent enrollee in Mel Goodman’s International Relations class and Eleanor Clift’s course on politics. “These two classes have been so important and meaningful to me throughout the years,” she said. “I literally schedule my appointments around these classes (including doctor’s, dental appointments and my clients.) Then again, the past few years have been exceptional political times.”
Rhonda has also taken the memoir class at Osher. “I really enjoyed the class and it was helpful to my own memoir writing. I am currently seeking an agent for my memoir,” she said.
A practicing psychotherapist for over thirty years, Rhonda currently provides “coaching” sessions to clients in the U.S. and all over the world via zoom and by phone.
She is the author of the bestselling and internationally acclaimed Don’t Call That Man! A Survival Guide to Letting Go which has been translated into eight languages. She has also authored seven additional books.
Rhonda is also a playwright. Her play, “The Psychic” was produced by Caicedo Productions and Doubletime Productions at the American Theater of Actors in New York City.
In addition to taking courses at Osher, Rhonda has taught her course, “Psychotherapy Portrayed in Film and TV” at OLLI at Emory University and at Osher at JHU.
As for hobbies, Rhonda is a huge karaoke fan. “I seek out karaoke clubs whenever I’m traveling. “However, the best karaoke place that I’ve been to is in the Atlanta area in Fayetteville, Georgia, where I’m known for rapping Cardi B’s famous song, “Bodak Yellow.” she said.
Add to Rhonda’s repertoire, singing and performing. Last fall she attended a Cabaret conference in Paris. “I attended workshops and at the end was in a performance where I sang “Just You Wait” from My Fair Lady.”
Our Osher member Rhonda Findling is a true renaissance woman!
New Member Spotlight – Joshua Kaufman
Joshua Kaufman joined Osher last fall at the Columbia location. When asked why he joined Osher, Joshua replied, “Last summer, I was involuntarily retired from my position at the United States Agency for International Development where I oversaw the creation of international development and humanitarian assistance policies and strategies. I am only 54, and still trying to figure out my next chapter, but I know lifelong learning will always be part of what comes next.”
Joshua has been impressed by the broad selection of classes offered at Osher. “My first class was the Human Microbiome. I have long been fascinated by the gut biome, even as a non-scientist or health professional, so I was really excited to see that as one of the course offerings,” he said. “I really enjoyed learning about the human microbiome. I thought it was a great approach that the instructor brought in food and skin care products each class that demonstrated the practical application of the information we were learning that week.”
Joshua prefers in-person classes and is enrolled at the Columbia campus again where his courses include a genetics class.
According to Joshua, he and his wife are pretty serious hikers. “In 2024, we completed the 100-mile West Highland Way in Scotland, and this year we are going to hike the Great Glen Way as a follow up,” he said.
Welcome Joshua!