To be honest, I had signed up for Science Olympiad on a whim. It was the type of thing my parents had always pushed me toward, but I still felt a nudge of uncertainty: was I willing to commit my future to science? I needed some sign from the universe… A voice behind me. It was her: “Hey. Do you need a partner?” ** Rewind. It’s freshman year. I’m speeding through the hallway, a blur of electric pants and...

So. Future roommate. I’ve already checked Astrology.com, and our horoscope signs are VERY compatible; basically, we’re a match made in heaven. And for this, I thank the Stanford housing gods. As much as I love astrology, my Ouija board is nonexistent, and I’m pretty sure that my palm readings are entirely inaccurate. I prefer to go with the flow, to ride that Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride. I’m basically saying that I’ll do whatever with...

Diners—couples, families, friends—are scattered around the tables. Candles light the room with a dim glimmer. I’m at an Italian restaurant with my rowing team, some dinner place I found on Yelp. As I order, I hear the tentative first strums of a guitar drift across the room—immediately, I’m drawn in. A man sits scrunched over a stool, instrument on lap. His mother sits next to his guitar case, smiling softly. I stand up after ordering...

My job is more than what an anthropomorphic guinea pig from a Geico commercial makes it out to be. I’m not just a mindless drum beater. I’m a coxswain, and I’m sitting at the start line of my first National Championships with my eight rowers. The flag drops, and we burst out of the start, vying to grab that extra inch and get the lead. Our boat has practiced for this moment for two months, yet my...

Wrote these all at midnight! Best time to write.

Choose teachers you've developed a personal connection with, preferably someone you've had more than one...

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