On Strength

I need people. That's why I go to libraries, to be surrounded by them. They keep me accountable. My friends keep me sane.

But when it comes to projects that I am passionate about, I move alone (or with 1-2 other people). And I do a lot of these projects.

I have tried to work with other people; I have led large teams in the past (robotics). But in college, there have been too few people who can share the same obsession for a problem/sense of urgency.

I never think about how hard a project can be when I go into it. Turns out optimists are rare in the world. Going beyond that, the ability to learn fast, a willingness to spend exorbitant amounts of time asking AI for help, and moving independently are even rarer.

I recently tweeted: "its good to know a lot of people, but dont think for a second they will come save your ass; your place in the world will be made using your ability and that alone!"

What I mean is that many come into college trying to find companionship. They network and develop the ability to put face-to-name/strike up conversations with past acquaintences. I did this.

But I quickly realized while it is fun and enjoyable, there is one thing more valuable: your own ability. How well do you understand the problem? Have you spent 10x the time of your team scouring the web for solutions? How willing are you to learn what is outside of your comfort zone? How well can you communicate, inspire, and lead a team?

How strong are you?