This is what is known as the Golden Circle. First introduced in Simon Sinek’s “Finding Your Why”, this idea is about how great leaders inspire action. Whether it be organizations or leaders, it is a question as to why they do what they do. For example, why was it that the Wright Brothers were able […]

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A large component of Scouts BSA is the merit badges that each scout must complete. Each badge is an opportunity for the scout to dive into a subject and learn a lot about it. Each merit badge that a scout earns must be overseen by a Merit Badge Counselor, who is an adult who has […]

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The idea of the 5 Whys is one that was first presented to me in the context of problem solving. First, in the context of problem solving, the 5 Whys are used to get to the root cause of a problem and not accept the problem at face value. It means that once you define […]

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When I say the word “communication”, what concepts come to mind? We often think of the same kind of things as humans, myself included. Most often we think of basic forms of communication whether it be talking with someone or texting them. But in reality, it can be so much more than that. Communication is […]

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Eight years ago, I couldn’t have guessed how much I have gained from the experience of learning to play the trumpet. Since joining, the band program has been my home and the place in which I feel the most welcomed. It is a space in which I feel challenged and my competitive nature is fostered. […]

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In the area of Iowa City known as “Pepperwood”, there has been a significant issue regarding access to basic goods. In this area, there is a higher concentration of low income housing than in the rest of Iowa City. Recently, the Pepperwood K-Mart, a big brand retail and department store, closed. This means that already […]

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Last summer, I was in Colorado with a group of Boy Scouts in Red Rocks Park to rock climb. We had all done a bit of climbing earlier in the day, but none of it was close to this. Before it was all artificial handholds and footholds, but now it was practically a flat wall. […]

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The notion of Early Decision seems to be lately that it is the only way to get into a college. Or better yet, the only good way. The only way for “smart” people to get in. And if you don’t apply Early Decision, you’re behind, or you’re lazy, or you’re simply not smart enough to. […]

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I went into the SAT knowing that the results didn’t truly matter. I knew that since the pandemic, many schools don’t require that you turn in your test scores, and I am not applying to the ones that do. I knew that I paid attention in class everyday, and I had for almost my entire […]

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