Small Successes

You’re a teacher—what’s the most interesting or memorable conversation you’ve had with a student?
Without going into too much detail, I’d say the conversations where my students have shared their most personal emotions and thoughts with me have been the most memorable. It isn’t a stretch to say that students are always surprising you with the depth of their lives and experience. 

What’s something that isn’t taught in school, but that you think everyone should learn?
That there are different paths to success, different definitions of success, and that leading a meaningful and fulfilling life doesn’t always have to be hinged on one fixed idea of success. Also, learning financial tips can’t hurt either.

If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be, and what would you do?
I’d like to be a farmer living in a small town in the mountains. I’d spend my time picking fruits or vegetables, looking out at the mountains and the stars in the sky, and having absolutely nothing on my mind except for what I’m surrounded by.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
There are two—the first is that life is not straightforward, and that there is no fixed path. The second is a quote by Robert H. Schuller: “Better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing flawlessly.”

Do you have any habits that other people find silly?
It’s not really a habit, but I don’t like it when the different items of food on my plate touch each other, especially when there’s sauce or gravy.