Who Do I Want to Surround Myself With?

I first visited the U.S. Naval Academy 25 years ago. I saw Midshipmen never stand still. They look at their watches (phones now!) and plan ahead. They smile, stand up straight, and look people in the eye. They love life! I knew after that visit I wanted to surround myself with people like them.

“Where should I go to college?” is roughly equal to “Who do I want to surround myself with? … Who do I admire? … Who do I want to become?” Questions worth asking.

I want to surround myself with people who are curious, kind, and engaged; people who are creative, enterprising, and resourceful; people who compete (from the Latin root “strive together”); and people who are hopeful, self-assured, and caring.