I - EXCELLENCE FIRST

Each and every thing that you do has the potential to be seen. You alone get to decide if what you create reflects who you truly think you are. Even in a world where you are the bottom of the totem pole, you have a chance to shine out and to be the foundation for everyone else to build off of. Be your best self, because there is no one else you can truly be. 

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II - CAPRE DIEM

Odds are, no matter what you do, it'll never be what you expect. Those in between moments that may seem inconsequential may end up being the most pivotal of all. The half-offered advice or the quietly whispered opportunity may be just the one thing that launches you into the next chapter. Seize each moment, and value them for all that they are worth. You'll never have them again. 

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III - COMMUNICATE & CONNECT

People are what make the world go round. The more you can branch out, the more you can connect yourself to the web of life. Collect the little stories, the shared laughs, the weird cringes. Allow people to be themselves and enjoy them for that. In the end, they are what the job worth it. 

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IV - STAY SUNNY

Everything depends on perspective. If you struggle against every task you're given and rebel against every 'inconvenience' you perceive, you'll never make it to the stuff you're actually passionate about. And yes, there will be bad days. The bright side of life is always the easier place to thrive, and it'll make you more approachable to your peers as well. 

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V - SURVIVAL SKILLS

This is what John Mulaney would call 'STREET SMARTS!". It's important, though, to know at least the basics of navigating where you are, from avoiding the more dangerous characters to being polite to the more peaceful ones. Even something like knowing how to change trains is a good skill to understand.