educators best serve students by helping them be more self-reflective. The only way any of us can improve—as Coach Graham taught me—is if we develop a real ability to assess ourselves. If we can’t accurately do that, how can we tell if we’re getting better or worse?

We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.

Believe nothing a man tells you and everything he shows you

Earnestness is highly underestimated. It comes from the core, while hip is trying to impress you on the surface.

I know you're smart. But everyone here is smart. Smart isn't enough. The kind of people I want on my research team are those who will help everyone feel happy to be here.

I'm sorry. It's my fault. How do I make it right?

Don't bail; the best pieces of gold are at the bottom of the barrel of crap.