In case you haven’t been keeping up with the Olympics, allow me to introduce you to Maya DiRado.
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
She’s a swimmer, a Stanford grad (with a degree in management science and engineering), and highly intelligent (earned a perfect score on the math section of the SAT at the age of 15).
This is her first Olympics. It’s also her last. (more…)
Confession: I love the Olympics.
I know I’m not alone in that. Watching the most talented athletes on Earth accomplish incredible feats somehow manages to unite the world. It renews our faith in what humanity can accomplish, especially when we discover stories of hardship leading up to a glorious win.
We see some hint of ourselves in them. We think, If that person can overcome incredible challenges to win a gold model, surely I can score that promotion/earn that degree/_______.
But, for me, it’s not all about the winners. Because when all eyes are on the frontrunner, I’m cheering on the last place one. (more…)
It’s no secret F. Scott Fitzgerald is one of my favorite authors. He’s got that “it” factor everyone is looking for, a unique style (in the writing world, it’s called voice) that lets you read a line and say “aha! Yes, this is Fitzgerald.”
What’s particularly fascinating to me is his friendship with Hemingway. (The letters between them are delightful to read.) In terms of literary style, the two are night and day. Fitzgerald is form and Hemingway is function. Fitzgerald is “Shall I tell you a story?” and Hemingway is “Here’s what happened.”
I found myself wondering, what if Twitter were around when they were alive? What would they say? This is my best guess. (more…)
On the weekend when Americans celebrate their freedom, as on most holidays, my mind wanders to the incredible men and women who defend that freedom.
To those who serve, whatever their uniform or attire, I say thank you. And to their families, who make sacrifices that are so often overlooked, I offer my heartfelt gratitude and respect.
Our country exists because of brave souls like them who, 240 years ago, summoned their courage and refused to yield, using whatever talents they could offer to construct the framework of a new country.
May we never take that hard-won freedom for granted and may we ever be inspired to find for our talents a bold and beautiful purpose. Happy Independence Day.