Persistence makes a big difference. People are busy and science is competitive. Even if you get rejected or your dream mentor doesn’t have time to meet with you, don’t let that stop you. Keep (respectfully) reaching out, attend talks and events where you can build real relationships with people, do your research and show people you care about their work. Putting real time, energy, and thought into the people and ideas you’re interested in can make you stand out amongst the masses.

Initially, I was interested in chasing the “cool” factor in terms of research. Over time, I’ve learned the importance of looking beyond the immediate trend and striving for lasting impact. Trends will come and go, but certain themes remain relevant and stand the test of time. Build skills, dispositions, and experiences that will keep you grounded and focused throughout your journey.

Imagination lets us dream up incredible things that don’t exist yet. It’s a powerful way to use your creativity to explore new discoveries, so figure out what sparks your mind. Go to places that make you feel inspired to be part of creating what happens next. The future of human flourishing is only limited by what we can imagine.