Ron Stetson: Viola Davis Recalls Her Acting Mentor

A drama instructor, seen from behind in silhouette, in a theatre

How did Ron Stetson impact Viola Davis’s life? What role did the Upward Bound program play in her journey? Ron Stetson, Viola Davis’s acting instructor during her formative years, became a pivotal figure in her life. He taught her acting fundamentals and instilled a sense of self-belief. The Upward Bound program provided Davis with opportunities to explore her talents and connect with supportive mentors. Keep reading to discover how these early experiences shaped the acclaimed actress’s path to success.

Who Is Jennifer Doudna? Her Life & Career (Walter Isaacson)

An image of Jennifer Doudna at the World Economic Forum

Who is Jennifer Doudna? How did she develop CRISPR technology, and how did the breakthrough launch her career? Jennifer Doudna’s journey from a curious child in Hawaii to a Nobel Prize-winning scientist is nothing short of inspiring. Her work on CRISPR, alongside colleague Emmanuelle Charpentier, has transformed the field of gene editing and opened up new possibilities in medicine and biotechnology. Read on to discover how Doudna’s early experiences shaped her career, the challenges she faced as a woman in STEM, and the intense competition that surrounded the development of CRISPR technology.

Mahatma Gandhi: England Unexpectedly Shaped His Lifestyle

Law school photo of Mahatma Gandhi in England in 1890

What challenges did Mahatma Gandhi face before leaving India for England? How did his experiences in London shape his future lifestyle? Gandhi’s journey to England was a pivotal moment in his life. He encountered obstacles from his family and community but persevered. His time in London presented new challenges, including maintaining his diet and living frugally. Keep reading to discover how Mahatma Gandhi’s England years laid the foundation for his future leadership and simple living philosophy.

The Psychology of Change: Why It’s So Scary (Dr. Robert Maurer)

A cartoon of a sign that says "CHANGE" and a brain running away from it illustrates the psychology of change

Do you want to make changes in your life but keep running into roadblocks? Do you wonder why it’s so hard to break old habits and form new ones? In One Small Step Can Change Your Life, Dr. Robert Maurer explains the psychology of change, revealing fascinating insights into our brain’s resistance to new behaviors. Understanding how our minds perceive and react to change can help us overcome obstacles and achieve our goals more effectively. Keep reading to learn why change is so hard.

You Are Not a Machine: A Healthy View of Time Management

A man with a large clock behind him illustrates it's crucial to remember that, when managing your time, you are not a machine

Are you feeling overwhelmed by your daily tasks? Do you struggle to find time for activities you truly enjoy? Time management isn’t just about productivity; it’s about enhancing your quality of life. After all, you are not a machine. We’ll explore modern attitudes about time scarcity, making room for enjoyable activities, and accepting that time isn’t entirely controllable. Keep reading to discover how to balance productivity with personal fulfillment and find a healthier approach to managing your time.

Viola Davis at Juilliard: An Education She Didn’t Expect

A black woman, seen in silhouette from behind, on a theatre stage looking into the spotlight

How did Viola Davis’s journey to Juilliard begin? What challenges did she face as a Black student at the prestigious institution? Viola Davis’s time at Juilliard was a pivotal moment in her acting career. Her experience there shaped her perspective on art and identity, leading to a transformative trip to Gambia and a breakthrough performance. Read on to discover how Davis’s Juilliard experience influenced her growth as an artist and her views on representation in the arts.

Who Invented CRISPR Technology? A Tale of Partners & Rivals

A microscope in a lab illustrates who invented CRISPR technology

Who invented CRISPR technology? Was it a solo effort or a collaborative achievement? The development of CRISPR gene editing technology involved multiple scientists, each contributing crucial elements. Jennifer Doudna, Emmanuelle Charpentier, and Feng Zhang played significant roles in transforming CRISPR from a natural process into a powerful gene editing tool. Read on for the fascinating story of scientific discovery, collaboration, and competition that led to one of the most revolutionary breakthroughs in modern biology.

The Early Life of Mahatma Gandhi (From His Autobiography)

The early life of Mahatma Gandhi illustrated by a picture of him as a teenager in 1886

What shaped Mahatma Gandhi’s early years? How did his childhood experiences influence his future leadership? The early life of Mahatma Gandhi was filled with formative events. From his religious upbringing to his marriage at 13, Gandhi’s youth laid the foundation for his later activism. His parents’ faith, early encounters with honesty and duty, and personal struggles all played a role in shaping his character. Read on for the story of a young Mohandas and discover how a shy boy from Porbandar grew into one of history’s most influential leaders.

How to Stay on Task: Tackling Distraction & Procrastination

A woman focused on her work in a home office while her husband works in the background illustrates how to stay on task

Do you struggle to stay focused on your tasks? Are you looking for effective strategies to combat procrastination and boost productivity? Learning how to stay on task is crucial in today’s world of constant distractions. We’ll review various techniques to manage external interruptions and overcome internal emotional hurdles that lead to procrastination. Keep reading to discover ways to transform your relationship with time and make it work for you.

Mahatma Gandhi: South Africa Put Him on a Path to Resistance

A photo of Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa in 1909

How did Mahatma Gandhi’s journey as a civil rights leader begin in South Africa? What steered him toward a fight against discrimination? For Mahatma Gandhi, South Africa offered a transformative experience. He encountered racism firsthand and became an advocate for Indian rights. His time there laid the foundation for his later work in India. Keep reading to discover how Gandhi’s South African years molded him into the leader we remember today.