Whenever I tell someone I was born in Miami Beach, Florida, their response usually falls into one of two categories: questioning or disbelief. Some question why my family would ever leave Florida for Minnesota, and to this I respond simply that my parents received job offers here and that they were attracted to Minneapolis as a place to raise children. The more common reaction is shock and disbelief at the idea of me being born anywhere near a beach. I...

I think it's especially important to find teachers who know you outside of the classroom, especially those who are involved in your extracurriculars....