But first, a brief “you gotta be kidding” observation.

In Washington, D.C., on Pennsylvania Avenue, not far from a famous government structure, there are two great buildings inscribed with the words of their rich occupants: the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Across the street, there is a small park. At dinner time, a van pulls up to distribute hot meals to the homeless people who make it their business to get there for some nutritious, free food, maybe their only real meal of the day. With a single camera shot, the optics of wealth disparity are in your face.  Yeah, I know it is complicated, and I am glossing over some details, but come on, is not the big picture completely unsettling!

*Anyway, here are some thoughts from “How to be a Stoic.”

Separate what is and what is not within your power. This approach assists tranquility.

Contemplate the broader picture. It keeps things in perspective

Think in advance about the challenges you may face during the day. Avoids being upset by stuff.

Be mindful of the here and now. Let go of the past and do not worry about the future.

Write in a personal philosophical diary. This helps you learn from experiences and to forgive mistakes.

*Good advice from “The Vanishing American Adult.”

Embrace the pain of work. Manual jobs are cathartic and good for your health.

Become truly literate, which means comprehending what you read.

Travel meaningfully, which means to experience the unfamiliar.

Connect across generations. A recent survey revealed that in the last six months, only 25% of people over 60 years-old have discussed an important subject with somebody under the age of 36.

Resist consumption: separate needs from wants.

*Why visit campuses before deciding to apply

Get a feel for the physical layout

Talk with current students

Sit in on a class

Gain your own take on diversity

*Why be early to a meeting with a professor, mentor, prospective employer, club you are trying to join:

Shows intentionality

Demonstrates respect for the agenda of things to be done

If the other party decides to interact with you ahead of schedule, you have that much more time to impress. One of the key ways to do so is by asking questions, especially those of the “why” variety (you should already have the basic factual stuff from reading a website).

*Why consistently see your college advisor

You care more about your schedule and your desire to graduate on-time than the advisor does; you must make doubly sure that the advice is credible.  As one observer put it, there is a “soft arrogance” of people who have protected jobs and their willingness to think through your situation is not guaranteed.