The Final Chapter: Lessons from My College Journey

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By: Angel Molekunnel, Manning School of Business Well-being Leader

Part 1: Advice to my freshman year self, 4 years ago

Dear Angel,

If there is one piece of advice I could give you, I would divide it into personal and professional lessons.

Personal advice: This is your life, not theirs. You are the author of your own story. If you constantly worry about what others think when you ask a question in class, you are living for them, not yourself. If you fear going to social events alone because of judgment, you will never know what experiences you are missing. Live boldly, embrace discomfort, and step into opportunities without hesitation. If something will not matter in 24 hours, do it,and stop overthinking.

Second, join different clubs. Try cheer, jiu-jitsu, pickleball—explore everything. These opportunities are free and could turn into hobbies or talents that enrich your life. As John F. Kennedy once said, “The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.” Keep yourself engaged and growing because staying busy with purpose is key to fulfillment.

Professional advice: Make connections with professionals early. Take what you learn in class and turn it into tangible content for your resume or personal portfolio. If you lack internship or work experience, leverage your academic projects. Your knowledge and skills have value—use them to bridge the gap and land your dream career.

Part 2: The Top 3 Moments That Defined My College Experience

If I could, I would list 100+ moments that transformed my life in college. But here are three that truly stand out:

Winning the Well-Being Champion and MLK Unsung Hero Awards:
I was honored for something I truly cared about—reproductive health and sexual wellness. Pick something you are passionate about and work towards it. One day, your dedication will be recognized.

Donahue Ducks:
On the first day of college, during an online orientation breakout session, I was placed in a room with all guys and one girl. I messaged her privately to acknowledge how awkward it felt, and that message turned into a four-year-long friendship. Through her, I met seven more incredible people, and we became the Donahue Ducks, named after our dorm. Find your people—they will make college unforgettable.

Becoming SGA Vice President:
I never thought I could reach a leadership role. Growing up, I was bullied and struggled with self-doubt. I never imagined standing in front of crowds or making an impact. But I changed that narrative by attending club meetings alone, speaking up, and sharing my opinions. One step at a time, I grew into leadership, and before I knew it, I was asked to be SGA Vice President. This role gave me the platform to advocate for what I cared about. To those who supported me—SGA advisors, the president, my e-board, and the entire team—thank you.

Part 3: The Bittersweet Reality of Graduating: What No One Tells You About Senior Year

Senior year can be rough. The home stretch is here—you can either finish strong or coast to the end. My advice? Maintain the same momentum. Get straight A’s for yourself, not for anyone else. You can change your entire GPA in one semester—lock in.

Jobs: If you don’t have a full-time job or internship lined up, it’s okay. Make sure your resume and LinkedIn are polished, apply daily, and expand your network.

Before you graduate, here are five things to keep in mind:

  1. Embrace the Moment
    College flies by. Find a balance between social life and academics. Make time for friends, but don’t lose sight of your goals.
  2. Start Thinking About Life After College
    You don’t need all the answers now, but start planning. What industries interest you? Where do you want to live? Reflect on your next steps.
  3. Polish Your Resume and Online Presence
    Have someone proofread your resume. Add achievements. Update LinkedIn. Remember, networking is key.
  4. Leverage Your Connections
    Reach out to professors and mentors before leaving. Solidify these relationships, as they can help you in the future.
  5. Express Gratitude and Say Farewell
    Take a moment to thank those who made an impact, including friends, professors, even the campus staff. A simple “thank you” goes a long way.

Part 4: A Letter to UMass Lowell

Dear UMass Lowell,

As I prepare to walk across the stage, I reflect on the journey that brought me here. When I first arrived, I was filled with excitement, uncertainty, and hope. Now, as I prepare to say goodbye, I leave with gratitude, confidence, and lifelong memories.

Thank you for being more than just an institution—I found a home here. From classrooms filled with inspiring lessons to late-night study sessions fueled by caffeine and laughter, every moment has shaped me.

To my professors, thank you for your guidance, patience, and passion. You saw potential in me before I saw it in myself. Your lessons went beyond textbooks; you taught me resilience, critical thinking, and the power of continuous learning.

To my friends, thank you for being my support system. The deep conversations, spontaneous adventures, and simple moments turned into lifelong memories. College can be overwhelming, but having people to lean on made all the difference.

To the opportunities that shaped me, thank you. UMass Lowell gave me the space to grow personally and professionally. Leadership roles, internships, research projects, and networking events all pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me discover my strengths.

What will I miss the most? The sense of belonging. There’s something special about walking through campus and seeing familiar faces, feeling the energy of students striving for success, and sharing the pride of being a River Hawk.

As I leave UMass Lowell, I do so with immense gratitude and a heart full of memories. This is not just a goodbye—it’s a see you later. No matter where life takes me, I will always be proud to say that I am a UMass Lowell graduate.

With love and gratitude,
Angel Molekunnel

References:

Valley City State University. (n.d.). 5 things to do before graduation. Valley City State University. https://www.vcsu.edu/5-things-to-do-before-graduation/

Healing from the Breaking

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By: Fahad Alden, College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

When people put you down, it’s not just a thing of their words; it’s the way that it sticks with you and the way you start to believe it. I once wrote in my journal, “Am I really too eccentric? Did I only win this award because I’m a diversity pick? Am I really single because I’m not cool, like they always told me?” These thoughts kept repeating in my mind, based on voices I had in my life for years growing up, and maybe has happened to you as well. 

Looking back on my journal, reading this recent entry I wrote stood out to me, reminding me that words really stick with us more than we think.

2024 was really hard for me. I lost an election. I lost someone really close in my life, and I had a physical breakdown. I had to literally go back home for a week and was unable to walk. This took such a toll on me that I started withdrawing and isolating myself. I had been working since I was 16 and achieving benefits, but it also made me hardened by a lot of competition. As cliché as it sounds, a lot of my behavior ended up attracting really unspeakable things—such as an old friend photoshopping a picture of me onto a terrorist, or when I had friends years ago purposely leave bad reviews of a book I wrote a while ago.  

I ended up subconsciously internalizing those situations, believing I deserved that treatment and that I was worthless. As a result, I also began isolating myself from other people, but after a while of hiding, I decided to go back on my walks. Holding yourself hostage in your own home can really mess with your mind.

Before heading out on my walk, I looked in the mirror, and I felt I was staring at someone I could barely recognize. My eyes were so sunken. I had been wearing the same sweatshirt for a couple of days, and I had dark circles under my eyes. Part of me was embarrassed to leave my house, but I felt God was telling me I needed to go on this walk.

 As I walked by the high school nearby, a dad came up to me and said that my article had really helped their son, and they gave me a hug. I felt so broken and worthless but this interaction solidified to me that I had purpose. 

I eventually went back to therapy, saw a doctor to fix my health issues, and started surviving again. There was healing in the breaking, so I began writing again. I came to realize how I had been and how I wished I had a big brother. I decided to start a YouTube channel where I could share all the lessons I had learned from my experiences.

I thought if I could turn my darkest moments into stories for others, all of this would’ve been worth it. So, I went through my journal, wrote down my lessons in my notebook, and worked with a professor who helped me bounce off ideas and empowered me to share my story. I felt that it was okay to lean into my pain.

For so long, I hid a lot of things about myself. I tried to be put together. I tried to be intellectual and an all-American boy, but that wasn’t me. I’m never gonna be the smartest or coolest guy in the room. I’m just gonna be the guy you wanna grab coffee with and talk to.

So, I started a YouTube channel with no script, just me and the many lessons I learned from my failures. I feel like my mini series—where I’m talking about friendships, getting jobs, and dealing with depression—is my most honest work yet. It’s not that I wasn’t honest before, but when you’re young, there’s so little you know about yourself. As I’ve grown older, I feel like I’ve evolved so much. I hope to keep making videos and doing theatre work as long as I can. Creation is part of my healing process. 

Check out my YouTube channel here to hear more about my life lessons and experiences. 

My Community Impact Project

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By: Sydney Shea, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences Well-Being Leader 

At first, I was stumped when I got the initial assignment to create a community impact project. I knew I wanted to create something meaningful, but the possibilities felt endless. Journaling has been part of my daily life for a while now; it’s how I clear my mind, process my feelings, and stay grounded. It’s not fancy or complicated, but it’s made such a difference in how I manage stress and take care of my mental health. 

That’s how the idea for a wellness and stress relief journal came to life! I created a simple and approachable guide designed specifically for college students who might be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or in need of a quiet moment to reflect.

The goal of my project was to give students a space to pause, reflect on their day, and process. Nothing complicated or overwhelming, just prompts that can fit into even the busiest of days. They include self-care reminders, mood tracking, and affirmations that can help you reflect on life. I created prompts based on the 8 dimensions of wellness since they are all crucial for our overall well-being! 

I created a digital version of the journal prompts for convenience. This way, students could utilize them at whatever time was best for them. It was really important to me that this resource be free and easy to access. People tend to shy away from journaling and similar activities due to intimidation and fear of starting something new. I wanted to show students how powerful it can be to just start. You don’t need a fancy app or a full-on program to make a difference. Sometimes, a blank page and a thoughtful question can go a long way and make a real impact on your day. 

I’m grateful this project gave me the chance to connect with my peers in a deeper way, and I’m even more excited to keep finding creative ways to support student well-being on campus.

Easy Self-Care Ideas

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By: Faith Kollie, Kennedy College of Sciences Well-being Leader 

College can be mentally draining, so taking breaks and practicing self-care is important. Many students juggle academic, financial, and social responsibilities, making it tough to prioritize their well-being. However, taking time for yourself isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Your mental and physical health depend on knowing when to pause and recharge.

Here are seven simple self-care practices to incorporate into your daily routine:

1. Make time for your hobbies – Whether it’s reading, knitting, biking, or watching a movie, doing something you enjoy, even for just 30 minutes, can give you a much-needed dopamine boost.

2. Prioritize sleep – To be honest, getting enough sleep as a college student can be very difficult. However, a well-rested body and mind are essential for productivity and overall well-being. Lack of sleep can drain your energy and make it harder to focus, so aim for enough rest to set yourself up for success.

3. Eat nourishing foods and try new restaurants – Food isn’t just fuel for your body; it impacts your mental and emotional health, too. If eating out is something that brings you joy, treat yourself to a new restaurant once in a while; it’s a great way to unwind.

4. Indulge in a skincare routine – Taking care of your skin can be a form of self-care. Healthy skin can boost your confidence, and the act of applying skincare products can be relaxing, helping to ease stress and improve your mood.

5. Get moving – Whether it’s hitting the gym, going for a walk, or dancing in your room, physical activity releases feel-good chemicals that improve your mood and reduce stress. Exercise is a great way to channel negative energy into something positive.

6. Listen to music that lifts you – Start your mornings with a song that makes you feel good. Music doesn’t always have to be upbeat, but choosing sounds that promote mindfulness and positivity can set the tone for your day. Studies show that listening to music releases dopamine, the brain’s “happy chemical.”

7. Try journaling – Writing down your thoughts can help clear your mind, ease anxiety, and boost happiness. You don’t have to write daily, just try to find a rhythm that works for you. Focus on expressing your thoughts and emotions rather than worrying about structure or perfection.

Prioritizing self-care doesn’t mean neglecting responsibilities; it means making sure you’re in the best possible state to handle them. You can achieve great things, but you don’t have to do everything at once. Take time for yourself, recharge, and show up as your best self. You deserve it!

Rage Spin Class

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By: Nosagiegbon Igiede, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences Well-being Leader

Hello everyone, Sai here! I hope you’re all having a great day. I’m here to talk about physical and emotional wellness. 

Do you ever feel stressed and need to find a way to relieve it? Or do you want to get more physically active but don’t know how or where to start? Well, I have the perfect event for you!

In partnership with the Campus Recreation Center, spin instructor Aidan and I are hosting a “Rage Spin Class” on May 1st at 5:30pm. During this class, Aidan will not only guide you through the fundamentals of spin, but also introduce an engaging and enjoyable twist to the activity.

Here is how it will go:

  1. Arrive at the Campus Recreation Center. 
  2. Go to the second floor and find the room.
  3. Get settled and pick up a balloon.
  4. Write something on the balloon you want to let go of. It can be an emotion, memory, experience, etc.
  5. Partake in the spin class, feeling the emotions.
  6. When the class is done, pop your balloon and relieve yourself from any built-up stress or negative emotions.

This project is not only a take on physical health but also emotional health, allowing you to hold yourself accountable for your feelings. Being able to be angry, happy, upset, etc., are all valid emotions that need to be expressed, and having a safe outlet to do this can help with processing them over time. I hope to see you all there in May! 

– Sai

Managing the End-of-Semester Load

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By: Adriana Mendez, Manning School of Business Well-being Leader 

The last few weeks of the semester are known for being extremely stressful due to the combination of a ton of papers, a mountain of tests, and a severe lack of sleep. You’re not the only one who feels overburdened. The pressure can be exhausting, and this is a typical occurrence. But you’re almost there, and you can overcome this time without losing your hold if you have a strong mentality and clever techniques. 

Below, I have listed some tips for managing your stress and taking care of your well-being as we approach the end of the semester:

1. Organize Your Priorities 

Make a list of everything that has to be done and then divide large tasks into smaller, easier-to-manage tasks. This provides you with a clear roadmap and can help lessen tension.  

2. Get (Some) Sleep 

Although it may seem like a luxury, getting enough sleep is actually essential, particularly when you’re under pressure. Sleep deprivation can impair your capacity for rational thought, memory, and emotional control, so it’s important to prioritize proper rest.  

3. Eat and Hydrate 

Fuel is necessary for your body and brain to work. Drink plenty of water and, if at all feasible, choose meals that are balanced. An attentive mind is supported by a healthy body.  

4. Take Movement Breaks 

Exercise doesn’t have to mean a full gym session. Short walks, stretching, or even dancing to your favorite playlist can release stress and boost your mood.   

5. Step Away—Then Come Back 

Allow yourself to rest for brief periods of time. Take a break, have a snack, or talk to a friend during that period. Breaks allow you to recharge and come back more focused.  

6. Ask for Help 

It is not necessary for you to do all your work alone. Tutors, professors, classmates, campus counseling services, and Well-being Leaders are all there for a reason. Get in touch if you’re having trouble. 

Remember, we are almost there!! The semester’s end is tough, but temporary. By prioritizing important tasks, taking care of yourself, and seeking help, you can navigate the stress. Rely on available resources and remember resilience will get you through it! 

Sources:

National College Health Assessment – ACHA 

Exercise for Stress and Anxiety | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA The Jed Foundation

Finding Purpose Through Work

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By: Kuldeep Derola, Francis College of Engineering Well-being Leader

When we think about wellness, we often picture hitting the gym, eating greens, or taking mental health days. While all of these are essential to our well-being, there’s one dimension of wellness we often overlook: occupational wellness.

As a college student balancing coursework, jobs, and future plans, I’ve come to realize how much our work, whether academic, professional, or volunteer, shapes our overall well-being. It’s about more than just doing a job; it’s about finding purpose and satisfaction in what we do.

What is Occupational Wellness?

Occupational wellness is about feeling fulfilled in your work or studies. It’s knowing that your daily efforts align with your values, strengths, and future goals. It’s not necessarily about loving every task, but it is about finding meaning, maintaining balance, and continuously growing in your chosen path.

Why It Matters (Especially in College)

College is a unique time where your academic life is usually your main occupation. You’re learning, building a foundation, and discovering what kind of impact you want to make. When we neglect this dimension of wellness, burnout can creep in, motivation can fade, and stress can take over.

When we nurture our occupational wellness, however, it can help us feel:

  • More motivated to learn
  • Proud of our progress
  • Curious to grow
  • Connected to our long-term purpose

My Personal Take

As a Well-being Leader, I’ve seen firsthand how students thrive when they find the “why” behind what they’re doing. It could be a mechanical engineering student who lights up in the machine shop, or someone in business who gets excited about a startup pitch. That moment of connection — that “this is what I’m meant to do” feeling — that’s occupational wellness.

For me, I found fulfillment not just through academics but also by helping others, whether it was through tutoring, community outreach, or collaborating on student initiatives. These experiences weren’t just resume-builders; they gave me a real sense of purpose.

How to Cultivate Occupational Wellness

Here are a few simple ways you can build on this pillar of wellness:

  1.  Reflect Regularly: What parts of your work excite you? What feels draining? Journaling or talking to a mentor can help you gain clarity.
  2.  Set Meaningful Goals: Whether it’s acing a class, leading a project, or landing an internship, make sure your goals align with what matters to you.
  3.  Seek Balance: Work hard, but don’t forget to rest. Balance fuels sustainability.
  4.  Celebrate Progress: Big or small, your wins count. Acknowledge your growth.
  5.  Stay Curious: Try new roles, clubs, or internships. You might discover strengths you never knew you had.

Final Thoughts

Occupational wellness isn’t about having your whole career figured out today. It’s about being engaged, open to growth, and connected to something bigger than a paycheck or GPA. Whether you’re discovering a passion or refining a skill, know that every step you take brings you closer to becoming the best version of yourself.

Let’s support each other as we build not just our careers, but meaningful lives.

I’m available at Falmouth-203A every Monday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM to offer a safe space for you to express your challenges.

Citations: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2016). Wellness Initiative: Eight Dimensions of Wellness. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov

Satellite Serenity Center

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By: Madelyn Archambault, Francis College of Engineering Well-Being Leader

In the past month, I have been working towards opening a Serenity Center-like space on North Campus geared towards engineering and science students. This space was created with the support of the Office of Student Life & Well-being and the Francis College of Engineering. I am extremely excited to announce that the Satellite Serenity Center is now officially open! It is located in Falmouth 203-B (the conference room where the mechanical engineering adjunct professors are located). Each semester, the hours will be slightly different, but until the end of the Spring 2025 semester, this space will be open Mondays from 2-4 PM and Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9-11 AM. 

So, what exactly is this new Satellite Serenity Center? After talking with many students, I realized that a lot of people don’t know about the Serenity Center, located on the 3rd floor of University Crossing. This space offers fidget toys, brain teasers, affirmation cards, coloring, and other activities to help support student well-being. The new Satellite Serenity Center on North campus, inspired by the Serenity Center, contains a lot of similar items, as well as study materials and formula sheets for a variety of foundational STEM classes at UML. 

Currently, the Satellite Serenity Center offers:

  • Coloring
  • Journaling 
  • Mind teasers
  • Fidget toys
  • Affirmation cards
  • Diffuser
  • Friendship bracelet kits
  • Study materials

The ultimate goal of the space is to support the well-being of students as best we can, using student input. For example, during the opening event for the space, we hosted Bounce the corgi, one of UML’s campus therapy dogs. We received lots of positive feedback from the event, and we are hoping to make these types of events a more regular occurrence on North Campus. If there is anything you would like to see added to the space, or if you have any ideas you’d like to share about what the space could become, please fill out this feedback survey: https://forms.gle/N6gYC41T1BumAyYk6.

For more information on the serenity center, visit  https://www.uml.edu/wellbeing/serenity-center/.

We hope to see you at the Satellite Serenity Center!

Is Your Brain a Smooth Bagel or a Jumbled Mess?

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By: Shaili Patel, Kennedy College of Sciences Well-Being Leader 

Hey River Hawks! Shaili here, back again with another brain-boosting chat. Today, we’re  diving into a hot topic: multitasking. Is it the ultimate productivity hack or just a recipe for  mental chaos? Let’s break it down with a delicious bagel and cream cheese analogy. Stay  with me on this one. 

The Great Bagel Balancing Act 

Imagine your brain is a warm, toasty, perfectly golden bagel, and your thoughts and tasks  are all the toppings you want to spread on it. Now, multitasking is like trying to spread  cream cheese on five bagels at once. Instead of getting a smooth, delicious bite, you end  up with a messy, uneven layer with clumps in some spots, and bare patches in others. 

The Pros: When Multitasking Kinda Works 

Let’s be real, sometimes, multitasking can be a lifesaver. Here’s when it actually helps: 

• Quick, Low-Effort Tasks: Listening to music while folding laundry? Absolutely.  Watching a lecture while meal prepping? Maybe. Your brain can handle one passive  task alongside an active one. 

• Boosting Creativity: Ever had a brilliant idea while doodling in class? Sometimes,  doing something mindless lets your brain wander and make unexpected  connections. 

• Maximizing Downtime: If you’re waiting in line or on a treadmill, listening to a  podcast can make the time fly while learning something new. 

The Cons: When Multitasking Turns Your Brain into a Crumbly Bagel 

Here’s the not-so-fun part; multitasking doesn’t always work the way we hope. 

• Divided Attention = Sloppy Work: Just like a poorly spread bagel, when your focus is  all over the place, things can get messy. Studies show multitasking can reduce  efficiency and lead to more mistakes 

• Brain Burnout: Constantly switching between tasks is like making a bagel sandwich,  taking it apart, and starting over again and again. Exhausting, right? Your brain needs  time to transition between tasks, and too much switching can leave you drained.

• Fake Productivity: Answering emails while studying might ‘feel’ productive, but in  reality, neither task gets your full attention. It’s like biting into a bagel and realizing  you forgot the cream cheese altogether. Oof. 

The Better Approach: Smarter Spreading 

Instead of juggling five bagels at once, focus on one and give it the cream cheese love it  deserves. 

• The 25-Minute Rule: Try the Pomodoro technique, which means working on one task  for 25 minutes, then taking a break. Your brain will thank you. 

• Batch Similar Tasks: Complete similar tasks together like responding to emails,  reading assignments, or brainstorming ideas instead of bouncing between different  tasks. 

• Mindful Multitasking: If you ‘must’ multitask, pair a passive task (like listening to  instrumental music) with an active one (like studying). 

Final Takeaway: Toast Wisely! 

Your brain, like a bagel, has limited surface area. Spread your focus wisely so each task  gets the attention it deserves. The next time you think about juggling five things at once, ask  yourself: Do I want a satisfying, perfectly layered bagel, or a chaotic, cream-cheese  catastrophe? 

Stay sharp, stay fabulous, and as always hydrate! (Yes, even bagels taste better with a sip  of water.) 

Your friend, 

Shaili 

P.S. What’s your go-to bagel order? (Mine is Asiago bagel with jalapeño cream cheese)

Life Lessons from Little Ones

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By: Fahad Alden, College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Well-Being Leader

I think out of everything I have done, working with kids is one of my proudest achievements. Throughout my career, I have worked as a group leader, substitute teacher, creative arts coordinator, and now as a theatre and creative movement teacher. People often tell me how I must be a good role model or how I must teach kids so much. I often chuckle when they say this because, in reality, the kids are the ones who teach me so much. 

One of the biggest lessons kids have taught me is to always have hope. About a year ago, I was going through a really difficult period in my life when I felt more alone than ever. There were some days when getting out of bed was hard, but my biggest motivator to start my day was the kids. During these difficult times, I would think to myself how lucky I am to have kids to work with. They have so much strength; they can get into a fight with a friend, talk it out, and make up. They can have a small injury and still be ready to play pickle the next hour. You can give a kid a paper bag, and they will somehow find a way to make a puppet out of it. I always find it ironic when adults criticize kids. Kids go to school for 8 hours, participate in multiple sports, and play instruments, all while dealing with hormones and ever-changing social circles. Kids have taught me that even when you are distraught, in pain, and feel alone, you can get through it, and it will be okay. You will make it through the rain, as they have proven to me. 

I would also say that kids have a great deal of confidence. They are like an unblemished white shirt, but as they get older, this shirt can become stained like a coffee ring on a table. During work, I play silly games with kids where we act out being pirates or aliens at disco parties. I always emphasize to them that no choice is too weird or too bold when acting, and this helps them really get into their characters. As I get older, I fear many things: losing my Arabian locks and, most importantly, losing my spirit. As people age, they often get stuck in patterns regarding whom they choose to be friends with, what hobbies they pursue, and the places they go. 

Seeing how resilient kids are and their ability to go with the flow motivates me to explore my life. Every month, I have a goal to try something new, whether it is axe throwing, going to a Brazilian lounge, or disappearing to Alaska for two weeks. Humility is also important. Let me say this: in my 22 years in this universe, I have met more rude adults than I have children. I have seen grown adults belittle other adults without ever apologizing, or even worse, spread rumors about one another. I think that as adults, our pride often imprisons us in a golden cage. We tend to believe that our way of thinking about politics, relationships, and social class is the only way. Children, on the other hand, have a natural curiosity to understand others.

So, next time you are judging someone, approach them with childlike curiosity. Ask yourself: Why might they be doing this? What did their mom or dad teach them that led them to be this way? Are they having a bad day? Should I give them a hug? Kids will fight each other, but they also forgive each other. Overall, I ask you to approach your life with the same level of curiosity and love that kids do, because the difference it makes might be greater than you ever imagined.