World news has been troubling lately. Headlines seemingly compete against one another to announce ever more shocking news. Whether it’s the events unfolding in Afghanistan, the ins and outs of the next COVID variant, strained race relations, or just your garden variety neighborhood crime wave, the events around us–and around the world–seem heavy. Day after…
“Chase your passions.” We’ve all heard that advice a million times. It’s usually uttered alongside directives to “chase your dreams” and “find what makes you tick,” and usually finished with the phrase, “and then you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” The exhausting attempt to “find my passion” transfixed me for years.…
You have probably heard the name Vincent Van Gogh. You’d certainly recognize some of his paintings. He’s now almost universally lauded as one of the most famous, influential and compelling figures in western art history. But during nearly his entire adult life, he was known as an abject failure by almost everyone who knew him,…
This post is a journal entry directed toward me. It’s a reminder to myself of how my thinking has changed–or at least is changing–for the better during the course of this pandemic. It’s not meant to be a handbook for how you should deal with the coronavirus, or quarantine, or lockdowns, or economic uncertainty. It’s…
Maybe you’re a sophomore or junior in high school and you’re thinking about starting to take AP courses or college courses. But with all the choices out there, what should you actually focus on? Both can be valuable, but your choices should be dictated by your goals and objectives. What are AP Courses? Advanced Placement…
If I had a high school senior who was planning to enter college in the Fall of 2021, here’s what I’d tell them to do right now to maximize their financial aid. 1. Fill out the FAFSA. Starting October 1, families can begin to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (the “FAFSA”)…
How do you encourage someone who says he’s lost his faith? What if your friend says she just doesn’t believe anymore, as much as she’s tried? I’ve often wondered how it is possible to tell someone to “believe” or “have more faith” when that is precisely the thing they are struggling with. The traditional approach…
The rain fell faintly, yet deliberately–afraid to make its presence known, but nevertheless determined to reach its destination. The soccer pitch around them sagged under the collective weight of these dogged minions, resigning itself to the fact that hibernation under several feet of snow was sure to soon relieve it of its decorative function. Though…
It was early evening on a Sunday, and I wanted some bacon and eggs. Over easy eggs and non-crispy bacon to be precise. I mulled the idea of tackling such a meal in my own kitchen, but decided against it after quickly reviewing the preparation it would entail. Succumbing to abject sloth, I decided that my…
Election season is upon us, and several people have recently asked me what my dream candidate looks like. In the interests of not ever having to answer that question again, I have compiled a list of policy positions that my perfect candidate would adopt immediately. It’s not a complete list, but these are definitely the…
Dearden Digressions 