Goal-setting is essential for anyone who wants to succeed in life. It doesn't matter what your goals are--they could involve bettering yourself in health or fitness, completing a project, learning a new language, or getting a good job or college acceptance. Unfortunately, most of us run into obstacles along the way that make the end seem impossible to reach. One of those barriers is perfectionism. Though I'm project-oriented (versus study-oriented), I've always been somebody

You never know to what extent your personal hobbies may affect your career. Flash back to sophomore year of college. Inspired after researching them for a class (and also needing something to put on my resume), I sent an email to a local nonprofit called Friends of Grand Rapids Parks. Intending only to volunteer, I met one of their staff members at Global Infusion for coffee. We discussed volunteer opportunities and my availability over chai, and we were almost finished with

Words, words, words. Whether I'm typing them out, writing them down, thinking of the best ones, or doubting if I spelled one right, words have seemed to be my lifeblood from the beginning. I always say I've been writing since I could pick up a crayon, and that's pretty much true. I remember my aunt Kris sending my mom home with boxes full of colored scrap paper because they both knew I'd go through it all. I'd write stories about a horse named Whisper or about my playground d