Unlike other historic, yet revolutionary discoveries and inventions – like fertilizer, air conditioning, or aviation – oil and gas has not been able to quietly age into an unsung hero of modern life. Instead, the industry and its nearly 11 million American workers have been villainized and rejected by the very people who reap the benefits of oil and gas.

As college students, we study for our exams and prepare for presentations. Next time you get lunch with a longtime friend, recall the previous conversation you shared. Is there anything you can draw from to strengthen this meeting? Just like an exam, you’ll see how much better things turn out if you prepare.

Many of us struggle with anxiety because we do not give ourselves time to breathe. When was the last time you took a day to yourself? When was the last time you spent your morning solely on journaling or working through a devotional? When was the last time you intentionally reflected on what areas of life you need growth in or what you’re most thankful for?

When describing overthinkers, their thought process can be compared to a scribble on a piece of paper, whereas lateral thinking follows a more direct path from A to B. The benefit of overthinking is how many observations and conclusions one can make when they aren’t thinking laterally. It’s truly a gift when overthinkers can pick up small details that others wouldn’t have thought of.

While tabling still needs attention-grabbing methods to attract new people, there is no need to yell, scream or rope people into conversation to do so. No one should leave Fountain Mall feeling as if they were ambushed, bamboozled or forced to have a conversation. Instead, recruiting efforts should be focused on attracting students through quality conversation, eye-catching graphics and students genuinely wanting to join.

We all know gossip isn’t going away anytime soon. And that’s okay. When we wield the power of our words wisely, we can significantly help build our relationships and communities. Being intentional with what we say can help us protect and connect with our peers.