We’ve each had a unique experience during the pandemic. Some of us have lost our jobs, others of us have been busier than ever.  Some of us have stayed healthy, others of us…

Photo credit: Sam Greenhill Anxiety and depression is a growing crisis for young people. I’ve spoken at new student orientations at colleges for a number of years, and recently, the lines have been…

Are you struggling to help your kids or your employees become more independent?  Whether you’re a parent or you lead people in another capacity, your job is not to micromanage—it’s the opposite of…

Note: If you’re a parent or student reading this in 2020 and wondering how to manage having your college student at home, check out this blog. And if you’re an administrator at a…

Note: If you’re wondering how to manage having your college student at home, check out this blog. And if you’re an administrator at a university hoping to find virtual or in-person inspiration to…

PHOTO: (L-R) Trustee Lev Kubiak, President Michael Victor, Curtis Zimmerman, Cole Prots, Taylor Cavaretta, Rachel Hull and Maddie Weitz. WHEN THE PHONE RANG Last fall, the phone rang in my office. I was…

Note: If you’re reading this in 2020 and brainstorming how to manage a virtual or modified New Student Orientation, I’d love to talk! I’m offering the keynote speech that I usually deliver at new student…

You know it and I know it: Life can be hard, and living your dream takes hard work. I often answer that I’m “living the dream” whenever anyone asks how I’m doing, but I’ll…

Note: If you’re reading this in 2020 and brainstorming how to manage a virtual or modified New Student Orientation, I’d love to talk! I’m offering the keynote speech that I usually deliver at new…

For administrators, New Student Orientation can be a checklist item, or it can be the highlight of your year and a life-changing experience for students. Which one of these describes the way you…

For ten consecutive years, I gave my keynote at Florida State University’s New Student Orientation, which involved six weeks of speaking to 6,000 students and 10,000 parents. It was awesome to see how…

1) The new college students aren’t the only ones in transition. Think about the next chapter you’d like to write.   2) The longer your student is off at college, the less you…

1) Remember, nobody knows you. So why not be the person you always wanted to be at college?   2) Failing is an event, not a person. If you make a mistake, fail…

My son is a junior in High School this year and we are just beginning the journey toward his next educational step- College! We have been bombarded with postcards, articles, emails and invitations…

For all those students graduating high school and college, and for all their parents, here is an inspirational story to remind you that, even when you don’t know what you’re going to do…

  College is expensive. There’s no way around it, and if you want to go to a four-year private institution that offers almost no merit-based scholarships like I did, then you’re really in…

My friend Dr. Will Keim, who is an amazing speaker, says the reason you go to college is to find out what you love and to get good enough at it so someone…

I am about embark on a college tour, during which I’ll be speaking to over ten thousand parents and college freshmen around the nation. I love speaking to college students and inspiring them…