Interesting people, places, and ideas that are shaping our future

Uncommon Stories

All flourishing is mutual
Maggie O'Brien Maggie O'Brien

All flourishing is mutual

My first swim of the season, reflections on the gift economy and how to build a world with more reciprocity, a beautiful excerpt from one of our student’s college essays and why it’s impactful, and two bald eagles.

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Why college still matters
Maggie O'Brien Maggie O'Brien

Why college still matters

My recent trip to Arizona, how I designed my own major in college, a brief encounter with Jon Krakauer, a few wolves, wisdom from a professor at the #1 liberal arts school in the U.S., and what the desert can teach us about resiliency and the importance of learning.

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An uncommon gap year path
Maggie O'Brien Maggie O'Brien

An uncommon gap year path

How a yard sale led me to buy a one way ticket to Nepal when I was 18, where I wrote a speech for the Vice President, painted a mural, and volunteered for CNN Hero of the Year, Maggie Doyne.

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