My manners also came from when I was in college and began participating in critiques. You have to speak with someone respectfully about their work and be honest and open, without hurting them.

May I respond by merely saying, "I hate crocs. May they please go away."

I learned quickly that if the student’s perception is that you’re not listening to them, and not understanding them, they discredit you.

Just the way it never rains when you have an umbrella, you'll never run into people if you look fantastic. But go outside in pajamas, and you'll run into every ex you have.

I really believe things happen for a reason, and sometimes that reason isn't revealed until much much, much, much later.

So perhaps the real secret to style is filling yourself to the absolute brim with engagement. Loving not wisely, but too well and all that.

I found early on in teaching, if you're too blunt an instrument, the students discredit you and think you're just being mean. They're not interested in what you have to say.