Spirituality

These tweeters will guide you toward greater spiritual connectivity through enlightening updates.

1. @DeepakChopra: Spirituality guru Deepak Chopra offers spiritual solutions, meditation advice, and much more through his regularly updated Twitter feed.
2. @DalaiLama: The feed of the Dalai Lama is full of amazing quotes, as well as updates on where this famous Buddhist leader will be visiting next.
3. @soulpancake: Founded by Rainn Wilson of The Office fame, this website’s feed offers you a chance to ask the big questions in life.
4. @yossi_ghinsberg: Feed your soul with inspiring words from motivational speaker Yossi Ghinsberg, who aspires to help people find deeper meaning in their lives.
5. @DrWayneDyer: Author Dr. Wayne Dyer shares ideas on how to find beauty in life, connect with your divine nature, and more through his feed.
6. @marwilliamson: Get closer to yourself and more in touch with your spiritual nature when you make author Marianne Williamson’s feed a part of your daily reading.
7. @CoachDawn: Spirit coach Dawn Thierfelder shares tweets that will help you learn to connect with your spiritual side, find abundance, and live your passion.
8. @Huithiang: Find new ways to discover happiness and get in touch with your faith through the tweets of Khamneithang Viaphei.
9. @MaxLucado: Minister and author Max Lucado touches on a variety of faith-based issues, perfect for those looking to get inspired by Christian religious philosophies.
10. @EckhartTolle: Seek out inner peace and awaken your inner spirituality with the teachings of Eckhart Tolle.
11. @eleesha: If you’re in search of a little spiritual guidance, head to this feed to find inspiration, affirmations, quotes, and more.

Change

Use these Twitter feeds to inspire changes, both big and small, in your life.

12. @JulieMorgenstrn: Learn to lead a more organized and productive life from best-selling author and organization consultant Julie Morgenstern.
13. @larrywinget: The so-called “Pitbull of Personal Development” Larry Winget shares ideas big and small for changing your life, from starting a business to expanding your horizons.
14. @pwdan: Dan Millman, author of Way of the Peaceful Warrior, uses his Twitter feed to encourage readers to make changes in their lives, right now.
15. @dothegreenthing: Andy Hobsbawm hopes to inspire you to live a greener, more sustainable life through the posts on this feed.
16. @ManVsDebt: Need to get your finances in order? Blogger Adam Baker will inspire you to change for the better, sharing his own struggles with debt.
17. @TheEntertainer: Billed as the intersection between self-help and comedy, Scott Brandon Hoffman offers both humor and inspirational advice to readers.
18. @jonathanmead: If you’ve been looking to quit your day job and follow your true passion, you’ll find the feed of Jonathan Mead incredibly inspiring.
19. @duffmcduffee: Head to Duff McDuffee’s feed to get some advice on making changes in your life and becoming mindful.
20. @codymckibb: You can learn more about Cody McKibben though his blog, Thrilling Heroics, or his feed here on Twitter. Why? Because you’ll find amazing lessons on social entrepreneurship, digital nomads, permanent travel, and more.
21. @seanogle: Sitting in your cubicle and dreaming of quitting your job, jetting around the world, and starting your own business? Sean Ogle did it, and you can read about his experience here.

Productivity, Leadership, and Work

Learn how to get more out of the time you put into work, with advice from these expert tweeters.

22. @tferriss: Author of the famous 4-Hour Workweek, writer and blogger Tim Ferriss shares ideas on how to be more productive, live more, and get in better shape in less time.
23. @gtdguy: Here you’ll find the original productivity guru, David Allen, sharing updates about his appearances as well as inspirational quotes.
24. @ThisIsSethsBlog: Marketing master Seth Godin tweets ideas for businesses, but many can be applied to just about any facet of life for all-around inspiration.
25. @stevepavlina: Get productivity tips from Steve Pavlina, blogger, author, and expert time manager, here.
26. @StephenRCovey: Covey’s book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People has sold millions of copies worldwide and helped numerous people learn how to be better both personally and professionally. His feed is full of his own wisdom as well as great inspirational quotes.
27. @_robin_sharma: Get insights into leadership, success, and communication through the tweets of author Robin Sharma.
28. @jack_welch: Need a little inspiration to get your business off of the ground? Read through the feed of management expert Jack Welch.
29. @JohnCMaxwell: Leadership speaker and author John C. Maxwell tweets on issues like adaptability, communication, dedication, and much more.
30. @DraytonBoylston: Visit this feed to read tweets from leadership expert and executive coach A. Drayton Boylston. There are loads of inspirational tidbits to help you be a better leader and manager.
31. @ginatrapani: Founder and former editor of Lifehacker, Gina Trapani can offer more than a few tips for living well and being productive, with a tech-focus.
32. @RobynMcMaster: Robyn McMaster specializes in brain-based business innovation and her tweets touch on topics like leadership, creativity, and learning.
33. @RajSetty: Find inspiring new ideas for starting a business or jump-starting a career on Rajesh Setty’s feed.
34. @ebenpagan: Eben Pagan’s feed covers a wide range of topics, from marketing to psychology, to philosophy to yoga to making money. And that’s just a start!
35. @kenblanchard: Speaker and business guru Ken Blanchard has loads of wisdom on management to offer followers.
36. @JosephRanseth: Get amazing business advice, inspiration, and motivation from marketer, author, and speaker Joseph Ranseth on this feed.
37. @AnnTran_: Get advice on everything from blogging to leadership from social media consultant Ann Tran when you check out this feed.
38. @LollyDaskal: Learn to lead with your heart as much as your head by following the amazing advice of author and coach Lolly Daskal.
39. @chrisguillebeau: Learn what it takes to start your own company and be your own boss from this tweeter, who declares he’ll be self-employed for life.
40. @CorbettBarr: Get advice on building a viable online business and enjoying all the freedom that comes along with it from blogger and entrepreneur Corbett Barr.

Fitness and Health

Need a little inspiration to get to the gym? These Twitter feeds can help.

41. @MyTrainerBob: Former Biggest Loser trainer Bob Harper offers advice on eating healthy, working out, and getting in shape here.
42. @TonyHorton: Are you ready to bring it? The fitness fanatic behind the popular P90X series, Tony Horton, shares some motivation to get fit through his feed.
43. @lancearmstrong: Cancer survivor and seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong tweets about everything from being a dad to smoking to exercise.
44. @skinnyjeans: Get inspired to slip into some skinny jeans from health curator and food photographer Stephanie Quilao.
45. @JillianMichaels: She’s intimidating, but she’s also motivating. Follow this famous trainer to start kicking your journey to better health into high gear.
46. @lissarankin: Looking for another reason besides the physical why you might be feeling sick? Dr. Lissa Rankin might have the insights you need to start changing your life for the better.
47. @MarielHemingway: Mariel Hemingway, granddaughter of noted author Ernest Hemingway, tweets ideas on how to live healthier in both body and mind.
48. @johnisfit: Follow John as he works to get fit, starting at a weight of nearly 300 pounds. His struggle to lose the weight and get in shape can help inspire your own fitness journey.
49. @Kris_Carr: Author and wellness warrior Kris Carr will help inspire you to eat better and care for your body.
50. @DailyEvolution: Here you’ll find the feed for personal trainer and fitness coach Alicia Kirschenheiter, with tweets all about her Evolution Total Wellness business.

Motivation

You can get yourself motivated to do just about anything with a little help from these Twitter users.

51. @PlanetSelf: Aidan Breslin offers inspiration and motivation to improve your lifestyle, health, wealth, and more on this feed.
52. @MRLESBROWN: While this isn’t the official feed of leading author and speaker Les Brown (he seems to have deactivated his official account), it’s still a great place to get access to incredibly inspiring quotes from him.
53. @inspiremetoday: Founder of InspireMeToday.com, Gail Lynne Goodwin offers some great reading material all about empowering and motivating yourself.
54. @tonyrobbins: One of the most famous motivational speakers in the world, Tony Robbins shares some inspirational advice via Twitter.
55. @DixieDynamite: Life coach Dixie Gillaspie shares great quotes to inspire and motivate you to move past all the “I can’ts” in your life.
56. @Randy_Gage: Randy Gage encourages people to live richly, embrace abundance, and get inspired.
57. @ralphmarston: Ralph Marston’s feed is a great place to find daily doses of motivation. Need more? Head to his blog The Daily Motivator.
58. @dahara: Having a bad day? Stop by this feed to read some quotes that will help you push through any obstacles in your way.
59. @joelrunyon: Joel Runyon wants people to push their limits and do the impossible, no matter what that means for each person. His feed, needless to say, is incredibly inspiring.
60. @tylertervooren: Tyler Tervooren works to inspire people to take risks and get motivated sharing his own life and travels.

Inspirational Stories

Find all kinds of inspirational people and stories through these feeds.

61. @SomalyMam: Survivor and anti-slavery activist Somaly Mam uses her feed to inspire others to help end the worldwide sex trafficking problem.
62. @LIVESTRONGCEO: Here, you can get inspired by cancer survivor and CEO Doug Ulman, as he tweets on a variety of health issues.
63. @NelsonMandela: You won’t find the elderly Mandela himself here, but you will be able to read a powerful collection of his quotes.
64. @TEDchris: You’ll find a wealth of great TED content here, as well as articles and other inspirational content from TED curator Chris Anderson.
65. @nickvujicic: Nick Vujicic was born with no arms or legs, but he hasn’t let that slow him down. Follow his feed to hear inspiring quotes and see where this Australian speaker will turn up next.
66. @guykawasaki: If you’re in need of interesting or inspiring news stories, former Apple employee and current co-founder of Alltop Guy Kawasaki is a great place to begin your search.
67. @SeanSwarner: Given just three months to live, Sean Swarmer never thought he’d climb Everest, but that’s just what he did, surviving cancer and living to inspire others and fight cancer by climbing peaks around the world.
68. @Wisdomalacarte: If you’re in short supply of wisdom, head to the feed of Daniel Foisy who posts loads of quotes on conscious living, spirituality, and more.

Happiness

These inspirational tweeters will help you find ways to make your life a happier one.

69. @zen_habits: Author of the popular Zen Habits blog, Leo Babuta offers ideas on how to make your life simpler, better, and happier.
70. @gretchenrubin: You’ll want to start your own Happiness Project when you learn about the work of author Gretchen Rubin, here.
71. @marknolan: With a bio stating “just trying to be the person my dog thinks I am,” you know you’re in for some great inspirational content, and that’s just what you’ll get from joy blogger Mark Nolan.
72. @ByronKatie: Are you ready to do The Work? Through her feed, Katie Byron shares ways you can address the anger, fear, and sadness in your life and the world.
73. @SuzieCheel: Law of Attraction and Empowerment coach Suzie Cheel uses her feed to share ways readers can bring more positive things into their lives.
74. @DrMiaRose: Need to improve the relationships in your life, including the one you have with yourself? Get some advice from Mia Rose on the matter.
75. @LoriMoreno: Get a little more love in your life through the quotes and advice from PR and networking consultant Lori Moreno.
76. @AriaaJaeger: Founder of the Love Out Loud Movement, Ariaa Jaeger offers up a healthy mix of classic quotes and her Ariaaisms on this feed.

Do-Gooders

Want to change the world? First, learn a bit more about what people are already doing to make big changes.

77. @sloane: Founder of the Causmopolitan, a blog and site dedicated to volunteering and giving back, Sloane Berrent fills her feed with great ideas for helping others.
78. @pcousteau: Phillipe Cousteau, son of the world-famous Jacques Cousteau, follows in his father’s footsteps but in a different way, instead sponsoring a wealth of social entrepreneurship projects and charities dedicated to preserving the world’s oceans.
79. @CharityIdeas: Follow Amy Neumann to learn more about doing social good, being sustainable, and staying optimistic.
80. @YogaHopeSue: Sue Jones is the founder of a nonprofit yoga outreach project for underserved populations. Read more about her and her project here.
81. @scottharrison: Learn more about the CEO of charity: water Scott Harrison and his mission to bring clean water to people around the world.
82. @destroynormal: Taylor Conroy wants to destroy normal — in a good way, of course. Read his feed to get inspired to change the world in your own way, just as he does to help end some of the world’s worst injustices.

Authors and Academics

Famous authors, professors, and journalists can be found in these feeds.

83. @paulocoelho: Brazilian author Paulo Coelho shares wit and wisdom (often in Portuguese) through his regularly updated Twitter feed.
84. @CornelWest: Academic superstar, intellectual, and racial justice activist Cornel West shares history lessons, great quotes, and political insights here.
85. @Gladwell: If you love the work of Malcolm Gladwell, then follow the noted author and journalist here to get access to great questions, quotes, and commentary.
86. @alaindebotton: Alain de Boton has written several notable books on philosophy, relationships, happiness, and other inspirational topics. Check out his feed for interesting and sometimes humorous thoughts on today’s world.

Activists

Get behind the movements these inspirational activists are pushing for by following them on Twitter.

87. @ShelbyKnox: Feminist organizer Shelby Knox helps rally women to fight for equality through her feed, with a few lessons in women’s history along the way.
88. @OneDressProtest: Do we really need a closet full of clothes? Get inspired to live with less and be more sustainable through Kristy Powell’s One Dress project.

Interesting People

You won’t find any other tweeters like these interesting individuals.

89. @gregorylent: From examining the purpose of life to working with non-linear thinking, Gregory Lent offers a new way of looking at just about everything.
90. @FarrukhSiddiqui: HR professional Farrukh Siddiqui shares updates about his native Pakistan as well as some truly inspirational quotes.
91. @emiliewapnick: Ever wonder what your life would be like if you pursued another of your interests? Emilie Wapnick lives like that every day, refusing to settle on a single life path.

Big Names

You’ll likely have heard of these big names, who can offer inspiration to improve your life, do good, or kick butt in business.

92. @richardbranson: Founder and CEO of Virgin, Richard Branson is a bit of a rogue in the business world. Learn more about the man and his life (as well as a few inspirational quotes) through this great feed.
93. @zappos: You can get connected with Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh, here, and learn why treating people well, customers or otherwise, is the secret to success.
94. @BillGates: Check out Microsoft mogul Bill Gates’ feed to learn more about his charitable work.
95. @SuzeOrmanShow: Author, TV show host, motivational speaker, and personal finance expert Suze Orman shares tips and advice on changing your financial situation.
96. @Oprah: Many people find Oprah to be incredibly inspiring, both for her personal story and the stories of others she helps to share with the world.
97. @ebertchicago: Roger Ebert may have lost his voice, but social media has helped him to stay connected through the written word.
98. @hillharper: Actor Hill Harper is also an empowerment author and speaker who shares some great tweets on the topic through his feed.
99. @UncleRUSH: Russell Simmons might be a music mogul, but his Twitter feed isn’t just music-focused. In fact, you’ll find some great inspirational quotes to lift you up.
100. @RevRunWisdom: Rapper and reverend, Run shares faith and motivational quotes on his feed.

1. Realize that colleges are not going to warn you about student debt:

   

   When it comes to providing potential students with financial guidance, especially the total cost one can expect to pay in loans and interest after graduation, some schools are more straightforward than others, with for-profit schools being the least transparent. You will rarely see a warning about student debt in a university’s brochure or on its website. Be aware that both public and private universities are trying to sell you something, and that the information they provide regarding costs, financial aid, and even job prospects may be purposefully misleading.

2. Plan ahead:

   

   You have options for paying back a loan, and planning ahead how much you’ll need to pay monthly until your loans are zeroed out can help you determine which option is best for you. For federal student loans, the default standard repayment plan requires you to make 120 equal payments over 10 years. A guaranteed plan allows you to make lower payments in the first few years and higher ones later, with interest rising over the term of the loan. Extended, income-based, and income-contingent plans are other options available to those who take out a federal student loan. Before taking out a private loan, which will have a variable interest rate and can end up costing you more than you can afford, be sure you’ve investigated your options for scholarships, grants, and federal student loans.

3. Apply for aid every year:

   

   It’s in your best interest to apply every year for financial aid, even if you think you don’t qualify. Changes in your and your family’s financial circumstances, including a sibling enrolling in college as well, can impact your eligibility for financial aid. Be aware of and calendar out application deadlines so you can submit all the necessary paperwork in as timely a fashion as possible.

4. Create a post-graduation emergency savings fund:

   

   It’s never too early to begin an emergency fund, especially one for the first three, six, or 12 months after you graduate. Having savings in place that you can draw upon for rent, utilities, food, and other life expenses will allow you to use the money you’re earning at your first post-graduation job to begin paying back your student loans. If you don’t immediately find employment like so many college graduates, your emergency fund can help sustain you while you hunt for work.

5. Apply for Federal Student Aid:

   

   There are inexpensive federal funding options available to you through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website. Some federal funding options are not dependent upon financial need. Interest rates range from low to high, but there’s no charge to apply.

6. Federal loan forgiveness programs:

   

   Under certain conditions, the federal government will cancel part or all of a loan. To qualify for loan forgiveness, you must perform volunteer work, military service, teach or practice medicine in certain types of communities, or meet other criteria outlined by the program. The Federal Student Loan Repayment Program also allows federal agencies to establish loan repayment programs for their employees. Talk to your employer to see if they have such a program in place.

1. Tennis:

   

   Men’s and women’s tennis is adored by millions of people worldwide, but the love and support doesn’t seem to be the same for college tennis as it is for professional tennis. Anyone who’s ever played tennis knows it’s a very difficult sport and it takes a lot of technical skills and athleticism to play. Perhaps it’s the fact that tennis is not a team sport or maybe it’s the country club association that turns people away from the sport, but one thing’s for sure — tennis is a tough sport that deserves your attention!

2. Wrestling:

   

   You’ve probably seen it depicted in TV and movies, but when was the last time you checked out a college wrestling match? Maybe your college doesn’t have a wrestling team, or maybe you have zero interest in watching sweaty guys grappling on a mat. Whatever the excuse, it’s pretty clear that college wrestling doesn’t have the strong following and popularity that football, basketball, and baseball have. Wrestling is an obscure sport and it’s not available at all high schools. When wrestling isn’t available at the middle or high school level, it’s much harder for athletes to get involved in the sport and compete in college.

3. Volleyball:

   

   Volleyball might be popular in high school and played on beaches every summer, but the sport doesn’t get as much love at the college level as there should be. Maybe it has to do with the lack of professional volleyball options after college or the fact that it’s predominantly played by women, but college volleyball deserves way more support and respect.

4. Women’s basketball:

   

   Traditionally, women’s sports don’t draw as much attention or have as big of a fan base as men’s sports, and a good example of this is women’s college basketball. Men’s college basketball is easily one of the most popular sports in college, but many schools couldn’t care less about their women’s basketball teams, and that’s a sad, sad fact. Women’s basketball may use a smaller ball and a slightly closer three-point line, but these ladies work and train just as hard as the men.

5. Lacrosse:

   

   Lacrosse is a unique mix of several very popular sports like football, soccer, hockey, and even baseball. But despite its popular sport foundation, lacrosse is not nearly as popular as other major sports in college. Many people don’t understand or can’t relate to the game because it is so unique. After all, very few lacrosse games are televised, and the act of throwing and catching a lacrosse ball is a special skill that takes years of training to perfect. But lacrosse is just as fast paced, just as brutal, and just as thrilling as football, and it deserves more love than it gets.

6. Gymnastics:

   

   With fewer than 100 colleges competing in gymnastics, it’s no surprise that this rare and physically demanding sport doesn’t get enough love from college sports fans. Gymnastics is an extremely tough sport that requires a great deal of flexibility, agility, balance, coordination, and physical strength. It shouldn’t take the 2012 Summer Olympics for the country to start taking notice of these hardworking athletes. Go support your college gymnastics team today!

7. Soccer:

   

   For years, soccer has been treated like the red-headed stepchild of American sports, so it’s no real surprise that college soccer doesn’t get enough love either. Even though soccer is not America’s favorite pastime, there’s no reason why it can’t become a bigger part of our culture. If you’ve ever been to a college soccer match, then you know how incredibly fit and tough these players are. Not only do soccer players run an average of six miles per game, but they also get kicked, tripped, and hit all game long. College soccer players’ athleticism is quite a spectacle and deserves a lot more love from sports fans.

8. Hockey:

   

   Hockey is a unique and challenging sport with a rabid following of players and fans, but most of them are rooting for the professionals and not college kids. Hockey is simply not as popular as other sports because it is a difficult sport to play. It requires elaborate and expensive equipment and the unique ability to ice skate. In addition, hockey generally requires either cold weather or specialty ice rinks, both of which are not as widely available as, say, a football field. Despite these hurdles, hockey is an incredibly exciting, often brutal, and extremely fun to watch sport. It simply doesn’t get the love it deserves.

1. Increases academic achievement:

   

   When you take away the distractions of trendy clothes and shoes, students will feel less insecure about the way they dress and have more time to focus on their studies. Students who wear uniforms have an equal opportunity to succeed because they won’t be competing over clothing and socioeconomic status is less apparent.

2. Improves school climate and school spirit:

   

   Once students are stripped of their superficial items, they are on an even playing field and often have an increased sense of school pride and spirit. Students who wear uniforms often take more responsibility in maintaining a positive school environment and reputation.

3. Reduces peer pressure and bullying:

   

   When everyone wears the same clothing, there is less emphasis on trying to fit in with the latest styles and trends, and students can simply be equal with their peers. Uniforms also increase school safety by decreasing peer conflict and gang activity that’s related to clothing and statuses. Students are less likely to be bullied about superficial and unimportant things, such as their clothing.

4. Harder for cliques to form:

   

   Uniforms make it harder for students to judge one another on superficial criteria, such as clothes and shoes. When students look the same, they are less likely to form cliques based on the style of clothes. This may encourage students to be more accepting of each other’s differences. When superficial items are taken out of the picture, students will be more likely to choose their friends based on character traits like kindness, loyalty, intelligence, and humor.

5. Saves families money:

   

   Many families cannot afford to buy the latest name brand clothing, shoes, and accessories for their children. The pressure to fit in at school causes parents to overspend on unnecessary items. You don’t have that problem with economically smart uniforms. Students can wear the same outfit every day or alternate with another outfit for a very low cost. Parents can save money by buying their child street clothes less often.

6. Help schools quickly identify outsiders:

   

   When everyone is dressed in the same colored uniforms, school officials can quickly identify outsiders. Whether it’s a student from another school or a random person roaming the halls, schools can increase their security measures and safety by spotting and reprimanding outsiders who might try to harm students.

7. Makes it harder to conceal weapons:

   

   Uniforms are simple, neat, and fitted. The style and fit of uniforms makes it difficult for students to carry and conceal weapons at school. Most school uniform policies do not allow students to wear oversized, untucked shirts or baggy pants, which reduces the chance of students being able to hide a gun, knife, and other weapons.

1. Darth Vader, The Empire Strikes Back

   SPOILER ALERT: “Luke, I am your father.”

   Although not the greatest father figure to his twin children (blows up daughter’s home planet; cuts off son’s hand), Darth Vader is one badass dad. Not only is he the head of the military arm of the Galactic Empire, he’s also a trained Jedi gone dark. If the Sith lord is your father, watch where you shop. You might find yourself with a fate like Captain Needa’s if you get your Dark Father (that’s Darth Vader, translated) a piano key necktie.

2. Arnold, Torch Song Trilogy

   If you’re gay and your dad is nice about it, if your dad is the sensitive type, or if he’s a New York drag queen, turn on this oft-forgotten gem. Harvey Fierstein’s three ground-breaking plays were adapted to film in 1988, challenging “both gay and straight audiences to champion an effeminate gay man’s longings for love and family.”

3. Jack, Pretty in Pink

   Harry Dean Stanton brilliantly plays a super-devoted single dad that wants the world for his teenage daughter. He’s a depressed alcoholic with a broken heart and a fake job, but Stanton’s undeniably sweet performance gave “the teen-movie genre one of its most nuanced parent roles.”

4. RoboCop

   If you grew up with a cop for a dad, RoboCop still has him beat. Alex Murphy had a son named Jimmy prior to his morphing into the human-robot hybrid that reigns down justice with fist-mounted data spikes. Your dad’s not a cyborg. RoboCop wins.

5. George McFly, Back to the Future

   “Think, McFly! Think!”

   If you time-traveled back to salt your dad’s game with your future mom and he manages to love you anyway, that’s the mark of a true blue man. But George McFly couldn’t catch a break in high school. Always being bullied by Biff and upstaged by time-traveling Marty, George has to knock out the school bully before he rightfully wins the woman with whom he has kids.

6. Clark Griswold, Christmas Vacation (and Vacation)

   It may not be December, but the dad from Christmas Vacation deserves a little mid-year love. The bumbling dad doesn’t do anything right, but he certainly loves his kids. Clark Griswold personified ’80s dad-itude with his deadpan deliveries and slapstick humor.

7. Rocky, Rocky IV

   If I can change, and you can change — everybody can change!

   Not only one of the top ’80s films, Rocky IV is one of the best movies ever. Rocky watches his best friend die, gives his brother-in-law a robot, flees to the Soviet Union to train to beat a Russian, and single-handedly wins the Cold War. But in his last speech while draped in the American flag, he wishes his son a merry Christmas. That’s a dad worth fighting for.

8. Ray Kinsella, Field of Dreams

   “If you build it, he will come.”

   It’s one of the best movies of all time, and Kevin Costner plays a truly fantastic father. Ray Kinsella is a family man that’s plagued with visions of a baseball field in place of his field of Iowa corn. In order to honor his father, he builds the diamond, despite everyone believing him to be crazy. He saves his daughter from choking on a hot dog, hangs out with James Earl Jones, and realizes a dream that honors his father. Ray just might be the greatest dad ever. Happy Father’s Day!

1. Get ahead:

   

   Whether you want to stay on pace, graduate early, or lighten your class load next semester, taking summer school classes will help you achieve your academic goals in a quick, effective way. If you’re considering switching majors or want to minor or double major, summer school will give you the opportunity to chip away at your course load and knock out required courses and ones that are hard to get into during the regular semester.

2. Complete difficult classes:

   

   One of the major pluses of going to summer school is that you can complete your hardest classes in eight weeks or less. And since most students only take one or two classes per summer session, they typically have more time to dedicate to demanding subjects. But just because summer courses are shorter doesn’t mean they’re necessarily easier. The same information is crammed into a shorter amount of time, so be prepared to work just as hard, if not harder, to stay on top of your studies.

3. It’s cheaper:

   

   In some cases, summer school can be cheaper than taking classes during the regular semester. Depending on the college and course, you may have fewer required materials and be able to snag a used or loaned textbook more easily in the summer because there aren’t as many students. Be sure to check with your school’s financial aid office for guidelines and deadlines for summer aid.

4. Repeat a class:

   

   If you didn’t do so hot in one or more classes this year, you can redeem yourself in summer school. Repeating a course during summer school, whether you failed or not, will give you the opportunity to do a grade replacement and improve your GPA. Medical school and other graduate programs may require a B or higher in certain field-related courses, so it’s never a bad idea to repeat a course if you think you will need a higher grade and can do better the second time around.

5. Pass the time:

   

   Three months may not seem like a very long time, but if you decide not to enroll in classes, prepare for your summer to drag on. Summer school helps pass the time while you’re not working or hanging out by the pool. If you stick around your college town and don’t go to school, you’ll definitely be outnumbered and quite bored. Make it a productive summer by enrolling in a class or two.

6. Smaller classes:

   

   The class sizes during summer school are much smaller and more intimate than the regular semester. Teachers generally have fewer classes and tend to be more available during the summer. Small, intimate class settings allow for more effective learning and academic success because you have more one-on-one time with your teacher and more opportunities to engage in classroom discussions.

7. Fewer distractions:

   

   Summer school is much more laid back than the regular school year and students generally have fewer distractions to worry about. There are no football or basketball games, no demanding extracurricular activities, and very few social obligations holding you back. All you have to focus on is a couple of classes and, if applicable, work. With fewer distractions on your plate, you can stay on top of your studies and succeed.

8. Improve your GPA:

   

   Had a bad spring semester? Need a GPA boost? Well, summer school may be just what you need to increase your grade point average. Whether you enroll in easy-A courses or tough, major-related classes, you’ll need to work hard and manage your time wisely to keep up with the accelerated pace and make good enough grades to boost your GPA.

Memorial Day is the official kick-off of summer for many students and the last day of freedom for those starting summer school. While everyone is out grilling and swimming on Memorial Day, summer students are haunted by the thought of 8 a.m. classes and long study sessions. As bittersweet as this long holiday weekend can be for summer students, it does give you an opportunity to prepare for your upcoming classes and take care of other priorities. Here are six ways summer students can make the most of Memorial Day.

1. 
   

   Get your school supplies:

   

   Need a new notebook, backpack, or pens before school starts? Don’t delay! Head over to your local Walmart, Target, or grocery store on Memorial Day to pick up some much-needed school supplies. Even though most college bookstores won’t be open on Memorial Day, you can still order your textbooks and school supplies online.

2. 
   

   Read ahead:

   

   One of the most productive things you can do in preparation for summer school is read ahead in your classes. If you already have your syllabuses and textbooks, you can knock out a week’s worth of reading or homework assignments and be ahead of the game. But don’t get too ahead of yourself or you might end up forgetting some important details.

3. 
   

   Relax:

   

   Many will agree that the best way to spend a long holiday weekend is to just relax and enjoy your day off. Whether it’s sitting on the couch all day watching movies, laying out by the pool, or going fishing with friends, Memorial Day is your day to kick back and do whatever you enjoy. The next few months are going to be pretty busy, so there’s no harm in spending your Memorial Day catching some Z’s and laying low before the stress and early mornings set in.

4. 
   

   Clean up:

   

   Maybe you hosted a Memorial Day party, or maybe you haven’t put away that stack of clothes or done the dishes in over a week. Whatever your excuse is, it is time to clean up your house and get organized before classes start. Once you get your room in order and organize your belongings, a huge weight will be lifted off your shoulders and you’ll feel better prepared to tackle summer school.

5. 
   

   Find your classes beforehand:

   

   Remember your first day of college when you walked around campus aimlessly looking for the English building only to show up 20 minutes late to class? Don’t make another rookie mistake by getting lost on the first day of summer school. Know where you’re going before you get to campus and the rest of your day will be smooth sailing. Head up to campus on Memorial Day and map out your classes so you know exactly where to go and how long it’s going to take to get to and from class.

6. 
   

   Look for an internship or job:

   

   It’s not too late to secure a summer job or internship, and Memorial Day is a great time to start searching and applying for these exciting opportunities. You can spend your holiday researching and applying online, or you can simply go up to campus to check out different job and internship postings. Use this free time to network and get your name out there.

1. Consolidate Loans

   Firstly, if you took out multiple loans, it might benefit you to consolidate them. Consolidation is really similar to refinancing a loan since it extends the length of the repayment period and typically lowers your monthly payments. You also are only required to pay one monthly payment, which makes management easier. So if you don’t snag a good-paying job straight out of school, your loan payments may still be “do-able.” Consolidating during your “grace period” typically locks-in an even lower interest rate. However, do note that since your repayment is extended, this usually means that you’ll end up repaying more over time.

2. Get You Employer to Pay It Off

   If you do manage to get a “corporate” job, you might just be able to get your new employer to pay off your debt when negotiating your contract. Referred to as an “employment incentive contract” your employer will pay your loans as long as you commit to working for that company for “x” amount of years. Your employer gets to keep top-notch talent in the office and you are guaranteed not only stability, but you get your debt cleared off too. It’s really a win-win situation. If your boss isn’t too keen about giving you extra money up front, there are other ways your employer might be able to indirectly help pay back your loan, which leads us to our next tip

3. Use Income Tax Checks & Bonuses

   Throughout your career, you’ll most likely get extra cash in some form or fashion. Whether your boss gives you a hiring/signing bonus, relocation bonus, a holiday bonus, year-end bonus, or performance bonus (you get the idea), your boss will hopefully do right by you. Instead of using that extra cash to go on a shopping spree, use it to pay back a good chunk of your loan. If you’re fortunate enough to get back a refund check when filing your taxes, (which you should if you count your loan interest as a deductible) use that money to pay back your loan.

4. Enroll in a Forgiveness Program

   There are several career paths that already have loan forgiveness plans instilled. This means that if you work in an industry for a certain amount of years (each has its own terms and conditions) your employer will pay for a certain amount of your loan. For example, if you are a teacher and work in an “urban” area for about five years, the school district you work for will help pay off some of your student loans. Other industries that offer loan forgiveness programs are in the medical field, government, and social work to name a few. So make sure to do some research if whether loan forgiveness programs exist in your line of work.

5. Become a Volunteer

   Lastly, you can become a volunteer for any one of the major volunteering agencies such as the PeaceCorps or the AmeriCorps. They too offer loan forgiveness and stipends to their volunteers after they meet certain terms and conditions. This is an excellent outlet for recent graduates who can’t find a job right away or need some more time trying to figure out what they want to do with the rest of their lives. You’ll also get the opportunity to travel the world and help people, which is always a plus.

This overwhelming feeling of exhaustion can plague adults more than we realize, and, unfortunately, it’s often one of the root causes of depression and anxiety. When we lose our sense of wonder or begin to question our role in society, we also lose our inner sense of being human and of truly living life. However, talk to any successful adult, from artists to entrepreneurs, and there’s a chance they will tell you that some of the most intelligent ideas and forms of expression come during the random moments where the walls are let down: the flash of inspiration while looking at the sky during a work break, or the moment of laughter after everything falls apart.

While no one is suggesting you should put your adult responsibilities aside, getting back in touch with the way it feels to live joyfully, like you’re truly young at heart, is one of the most important things you can do for yourself in life and in your professional and academic career. Here are five ways to head there:

1. Let Go of the Past

   Children rarely dwell on the past. While they may remember bits and pieces, kids are usually living in the moment, unhindered by the things that have already happened to them. For adults, this becomes more and more difficult as times goes on. We can’t help but remember, and possibly obsess over, things that have happened in the past. Some things we wish we could change. Some things we wish we could live over again. However we think about the past, the truth is, spending time thinking about it only takes us away from living now. This is where children are more free. Adults tend to shackle themselves to what has happened, rather than fully experiencing what is happening. If you’re constantly thinking of the past, you need to find a way to let it go. Speaking with a counselor is one of the best ways. But, no matter what you do, try to remember that the past exists only in your own mind, and obsessing over it only clouds your present.

2. Drop Expectations About the Future

   Figuring out future plans is probably one of the heaviest loads placed on college students today. Not only do we have to jump through the hoops of academic programs, we need to plan out what we want to do for the rest of our lives in the process? Unfortunately, there is no surefire road to success, mainly because placing expectations on the future is as much of a shackle as trying to change the past. Children do not place these kinds of major expectations on the future and are, hence, able to live like there’s no tomorrow. It’s great to have dreams and goals, but remain flexible about how things play out, or you ruin your chance to fully live those future experiences.

3. Enable Your Curiosity Again

   Children are endlessly curious. They never pause to think about whether they should ask questions or show their lack of knowledge. Adults, on the other hand, have a bad case of needing to know it all, or at least acting that way. Not only does this put a wall between you and the people you interact with, it puts you in a box, completely unable to fully take in new things without judgement or criticism. In order to keep growing as a person, it’s imperative to drop the act and let the world know what you don’t know.

4. Play to Play, Not to Win

   While this may not seem like the best life strategy, it may actually be one of the hidden secrets to happiness. When it comes to success in any realm of life, what truly defines it? There are plenty of talented, rich, unhappy people, so it can’t be the traditional idea of success that leads to happiness. Rather, the love of the journey, the love of experiencing your own, unique life, is what really matters. Children, for the most part, play games in a similar way. The only time they care about winning is when adults teach them to care. For kids, it’s the fun of the game that matters. This is one of the best ways to go forward in life and career. If you are happy with yourself and having a blast, then no one can touch you, and you have already won.

5. Be Egocentric

   Sounds like the complete opposite of what we’ve been taught right? As adults, we worry that we need to be more selfless, less caught up in our own petty issues and more aware of the plights of others. While this is true to an extent, there’s a healthy type of egocentricism that’s actually a psychological stage of childhood development. Children of a certain age are not aware of the existence of beings outside of their own. They feel that if they know something, everyone knows it. If they feel sad, everyone feels it. This is called the egocentric mindset. Children start out assuming the entire world revolves around them and slowly become more and more aware of the divide between their own psyche and everyone else. This may seem like a negative characteristic, but it is exactly what allows children to act without fear or inhibition. Instead of constantly worrying about what other people are thinking of you, take a day off from analyzing others and focus only on yourself. You may be surprised by the positive reactions you get from those around you as you disconnect from your own inhibitions.

You can almost visualize this fantasy as a clever political cartoon: a line of slouching college students on a conveyor belt which pulls them into the university chamber (think a factory with a domed roof) where they undergo a mysterious transformation and come out polished professionals, brandishing suitcases and haircuts.

Every political cartoon has its punch line, though, and in this case, we would see the well-groomed and well-educated worker units coming out of the university chamber only to be dumped by the conveyor belt into a furnace labeled “unemployment.”

If it sounds grim and fatalistic, don’t worry. It’s only half the story. Though there is some ironic truth in the industrial imagery — according to Richard K. Vedder, professor of economics at Ohio Univeristy, “Colleges are turning out more graduates than the market can bear” — college graduates are not the indistinct drones envisioned in the cartoon, and are certainly not doomed to burn in the unemployment furnace.

But they are responsible for their own transformation. Essentially, it’s the metaphor and not the institution that needs to be revised. Figured as a factory, the university, rather than the student, is doing all the transformative work, acting on the student as a dynamic external agent of change. This is simply not the case.

Too many students seem to think that going through the motions in a university is enough to get them their dream job. They probably don’t use the factory metaphor exactly, and they might not use a metaphor at all, but the fact remains that students are engaging less and less with programs and activities outside of classes — and worse, that they are hardly engaging in their classes.

In one California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) study, only about 6.2% of incoming freshmen students participated in specified extracurricular activities. That means 93.8% of new students were milling about, mechanically going from one class to the next, and not taking advantage of the opportunity-rich environment that is specific to college campuses.

The New York Times featured an article last year that argued “credential inflation” was cheapening the value of a bachelor’s degree, and that a master’s is the new bachelor’s. Fifty years ago, about 2 in every 25 people had bachelor’s degrees; today, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that more than 30% of the total American population has an undergraduate degree.

Once a legitimate and effective strategy, going to college just to get a degree is now an outdated paradigm. College today bears more similarity to an investment account — students deposit around $40,000 dollars and four years of concentrated activity and exploration, and the return on their investment is self-knowledge, clarified passion, and a strong set of skills that are transferable to the professional world.

If you are making the commitment to go to college, make sure you are investing in yourself while you are there. Rahim Kanani, entrepreneur and contributor to Forbes, among other things, had this to say about the college experience: “You never know where or in what setting your passions will be discovered, and so you must allow yourself the opportunity to explore and take the risk of learning something new. Your future may depend on it.”

The college years are a crossroads for students, a crucible that forces them to think deeply about the rest of their lives, often for the first time. Severe as they may sound, the college years are also a time of great experimentation, when students can discover new interests in an encouraging and intellectually curious environment, without fear of being labeled fickle or unpredictable. Having license to search for new passions, however, is different than having an imperative to, and colleges cannot force students to be curious about their passions, try as an institution might to implore or incentivize students to do so.

The culmination of this long-winded discourse is what follows: a list of imperatives —to the extent that I can make them — that you, the prospective or current student, should follow while in college, to make the most of your years there, but more importantly to discover your passions and give yourself a chance at the best future possible.

1. Cultivate Your Sense of Wonder and Curiosity

   There will be no place in the world after you leave a university that is so intellectually democratic. While there, immerse yourself in new ideas and subjects, if only by reading about the world, as Kanani says, “in a way in which you are not accustomed to.” This means that if you are a liberal arts student, you should read publications like Scientific American or Popular Science; if you are a hard science major, complement your education by studying business. Whatever your major, take advantage of every opportunity you have to learn something new and opposite. Learning is a privilege and gift. Treat it accordingly.

2. Make Connections

   Besides the abundance of intellectual opportunities on campus, there are also extremely valuable networking opportunities aplenty in every university building. Things like email and Facebook have made it unbelievably easy to contact mentors, professors, CEOs, scientists, authors, or practically anyone else — and everybody loves inquisitive college students looking for advice. Talk to your professors, and try to get in their circles a little. Meeting people will not only provide answers to questions that can’t really be answered elsewhere; the more people you meet, the more people you’ll know when you graduate, people who will probably be willing to give you a recommendation, if not a job.

3. Get Involved

   As stated earlier, the importance of involving yourself in campus activities and clubs cannot be overstated. Studies have shown that engagement in extracurricular activities boosts GPA, and more importantly, the more you try, the better chance you have at finding your passion. Nearly every college in the country has a dizzying number of clubs, so join one or two and see if they excite you. If not, look for another one that does.

   Involvement goes beyond the campus, too. Look for employment opportunities or internships that align with your interests, and pursue them aggressively. You will discover when you graduate that even entry-level positions want two or more years of experience — without working while in school, you will spend an indeterminate amount of time trying to develop that requisite experience. Plus, internships and college work opportunities both expand your network and skill set, making you a powerful candidate once you start applying to positions in the professional world.

4. Redefine Your Metaphor

   Finally, I will close by recalling the metaphoric university. Though it may seem irrelevant, how you conceptualize and frame what a university is will make a tremendous difference in how you interact with it. In other words, if you see your university as a factory, your years there will be spent passively, expectantly, waiting for something to happen. But if you see it as a springboard that can launch you to the next point in your life if you run hard enough to it and jump high enough from it, you will take an active role in your own transformation.