Today we begin a look at Chapter Two of Relationship-Rich Education by Peter Felton and Leo M. Lambert, called "Why Is This So Hard?" We'll kick off with the focus for the chapter, the seemingly baked-in negative emotions and higher education practices that drive students to isolation. And not just students; faculty and staff can also become isolated by similar circumstances. I'll share a few words of insight from a staff and a faculty member at our November Zoom session in order to better ground us in persistent issues and see them with fresh eyes.