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...

Dear Brother, It’s been one week. The semester has just begun, and you should be off to a good start. I am writing you this letter...

Dear Student, Welcome back! It was good to see you in my office this week. Time with family and friends over the brief summer break...

Dear Student, Congrats, you’ve made it through an entire year of medical school! It may seem like a minor accomplishment, but you must...

Dear Student, We've made it to that time of the year. You have your final exams, and I have meetings in preparation for the next term. My...

Dear Student, It has been a minute. You've been off for spring break, and I took some time to visit my family in Los Angeles. How are...

I am currently participating in a writing challenge with The Good Men Project. Find similar samples to this entry at this link. A...

Dear Student, This week, I am writing this letter to share with you an incredible resource for the holiday break. As our semester ends, I...