Dear Student Leader, When collective leadership voices sit at the table, everyone eats. The self-centered leader cares only about their own meal or stake in the product, service, or mission. While independence is essential to initiating tasks, interdependence is critical to lasting success. If we embrace the connective components of leadership, we can go further as individuals, groups, and a nation. Unfortunately, in many instances, we’ve adopted self-destructive behaviors. T

Dear Student Leader, Ask yourself, "What am I learning?" Perhaps this week you learned about the importance of filing your income taxes early. With this week’s US tax filing deadline, the scramble to get your financial documents sent to the IRS can lead to stress. Adopting a better time management system might be a good look, to help with staying ahead of deadlines. It’s important to invest in resources that help you to develop your leadership knowledge and skills. Books, cou

Dear Student Leader, Prioritize learning. It’s a simple recommendation, but a complex component of sustaining growth and development. Reading books and taking courses that deepen knowledge and strengthen skills are crucial to achieving success in business, social movements, and education. Implementing the structure and maintaining the discipline to make time for learning are challenges. Set aside time and identify a quiet location to improve your ability to comprehend, evalua

Dear Student Leader, Say it ain’t so. As the administration engages in wars against diversity, we need Black and Brown unity. Yet, I can’t ignore the allegations against Cesar Chávez. His work to improve farmers’ wages, living conditions, and healthcare does not excuse sexual abuse. New York Times reporters revealed ample evidence that supports Chávez molested girls and had extramarital affairs with women throughout his leadership of the United Farm Workers. Chávez, like oth

Dear Student Leader, Is it Spring Break for you? Did you travel? I wrote this while on a turbulent flight from the National Council of Black Studies (NCBS) Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. If you’re reading this, either my computer or I survived the moments when my stomach plummeted, and the plane fell into air pockets. Before arriving at the airport, I heard about the travel delays across the country. I left the hotel early to avoid the stress of long lines. Thankfully, th

Dear Student Leader, March is here, and madness is imminent. From understanding war to acknowledging gender pay gaps, the fight for your sanity is real. How will you respond? Distraction is an option. You could avoid difficulties and instead manage NCAA tournament brackets. But you’re a leader and unafraid of responsibilities. Leaders reflect and apply previously learned lessons to current circumstances. Acquiring the mental health skills to conquer challenges is not simple.

Dear Student Leader, Did you know that Black history includes fabulous Pharaohs and the disgusting Diddy? Our life’s story did not begin on slave ships and plantations, nor does it end with the fall of one or more entertainers. African people share a global history replete with successes and failures. Our ancestors lived and experimented with math, science, literature, and technology before landing in America. Origins within the African continent and throughout the diaspora

Dear Student Leader, Did you watch the Super Bowl? During the first half, I played basketball with my son, but I managed to catch Bad Bunny’s performance and the last quarters. I loved the overt display of Latinx culture in Bad Bunny’s show, and I expected the Seahawks to win. I couldn’t tell you the name of Bad Bunny’s songs before the Super Bowl. Now, I know “Tití Me Pregunto,” “NuevaYoL,” and “Café con Ron” are the titles of some of his popular tracks. The Spanish language

1 of 3 fog captures from my running adventures Dear Student Leader, How is the weather? In Sacramento, we’ve had a series of foggy days. When driving and out running, the low visibility reminds me of snow flurries during Chicago’s winters. It’s difficult to see the path ahead. Oftentimes, leadership is like being surrounded by dense fog. You have the vision of where you want to go, but it’s challenging to discern the best route forward. Do you stop? No. You consider past ex

Dear Student Leader, What’s the difference between education and school? Are they one and the same? If you’ve never thought about it, continue reading this letter. You attend school to receive an education. The school is the structure. You know the desks, the building, textbooks, and material components. School also includes teachers, administrators, your peers, and the staff. An education is how you apply what you learn from the things and people in school. Dr. Martin Luther

Dear Student Leader, The time to act is now! You can wait until you finish this blog post, but… Clarify priorities, organize yourself, find accountability, develop discipline, and get to work. Embrace your humanity and don’t be a cow or a bear! A sense of urgency emerged this week through multiple indicators about the inevitability of change. John Forte passed away, I learned of a friend’s terminal cancer diagnosis, and I read a book by someone who suffered a debilitating str

Dear Student Leader, How are things? Did you use last week’s lesson on consistency and accountability? We are less than two weeks into 2026. Like any day, now is a great time to build new habits. Take the “New Year Resolution train” and start your journey to making changes. Failures will happen, but don’t let them stop you. Courage isn’t authorizing bombings, shooting observers, or removing politicians. Loud power plays often feed weak egos and starving ethnocentric beliefs.

Dear Student Leader, Enjoy the final days of your holiday break. The time to connect with friends and family can serve as a refreshment between semesters. I thought about you as I ran through downtown Sacramento and across the Golden Bridge. Did you make New Year’s resolutions? Want better grades this term? Maybe, for you, building muscle or losing weight is the goal this January. This letter is part of my commitment to growth through writing: in 2026, I will write more than

“Slow down so your soul can catch up.” I read the advertisement for a “Wine and Spirits” store as I jogged towards Bahamas Street. The phrase made me smile as I shifted paces and contemplated the message We often rush through life without savoring the small, meaningful moments. Meditation and reflection are critical tools for sustainable leadership success. Hours before my run along Bakersfield, California’s blocks and parkways, I stood in a classroom with student leaders at

Leaders must prioritize pursuits that enable them to perform at their best. The specific types of activities will vary between individuals, but they should include reading, writing, exercising, observing religious or spiritual practices, and dedicating time to personal relationships. We can find similar teachings to the advice above in every self-help book on the market. Read the books " Leadership on the Line " and " Never Finished " for unfiltered and practical advice. Des

Dear Student, It's been a minute since we've talked. You've spent hours with your books and devices in the library. I have had various...

I hope all is well with you. There is plenty to be concerned with during this challenging moment in time. I decided to stay on the island.

Dear Student, It’s been a while since our last exchange. I hope all is well with you and you’re getting off to a good start this...

Dear Student, I want to finish last week's conversation. You came to my office for dating advice and strategies for staying focused in...

Dear Student, How are you? We are four weeks into the semester, and you've taken two exams. I am writing to you today to get you to...