How To Spot a Counterfeit

Several years ago I had a conversation with a friend who works for the FBI. I’m not sure how we got on the topic, but he was telling me about counterfeiting. He explained that before an expert is considered competent at spotting counterfeit money he or she will spend hundreds of hours studying authentic currency. […]

5 Words That Changed My Life

My last semester of high school my English teacher said five words that changed my life. As she handed back my graded essay, Ms. Nelson said, “You could be a writer.” It was just a five-word statement, but those words planted hope in me during a time I felt hopeless. In the years to come, […]

Good News for the Weary

I dreaded taking Sociology my freshman year of college. My professor had a reputation as the hardest teacher on campus. Rumor had it that she assigned unreasonable amounts of work, never gave A’s, and was known for publically humiliating her students in class. I considered changing my entire schedule to avoid her. I’m glad I […]

Dealing With Monotony

January is my least favorite month. It brings with it the dreaded chore of organizing taxes, a sun that disappears at 5 p.m., and a reintroduction to the daily grind, following all the fun I had in December. After the holidays, I’m ready for warm weather and the Chicago Cubs opening day to arrive. But […]