I was forced to write my fair share of boring papers and essays during my time at school. But, while there were instances when doing anything else in the world seemed preferable (cleaning the bathroom, answering calls from telemarketers, and sometimes even shoving hot pokers into my eyeballs), I can honestly say it never once crossed my mind to steal (or buy) someone else’s words.

Maybe it’s due to the fact that I am someone who always has and always will have a strong passion for writing, and I was—at that time in my life—working hard to reach a point where I could build a career on the written word.

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Reality is often stranger than fiction. When it is, I tend to wonder if I'm just part of someone's big cosmic joke (think Candid Camera on hallucinogenic steroids). One ongoing reality in particular—a war that shouldn't exist—makes me feel this way: evolution vs. creationism in public schools.

We live in the 21st century. But you wouldn't know it by all the efforts still aimed at removing the teaching of evolution in public school science classrooms or introducing creationism as a valid alternative to it. Those who advocate teaching "creation science" or "intelligent design" in America's schools are part of a decades-old movement. Yet, despite failing numerous times—even in the highest courts—they continue their bizarre quest. Why?

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Are you feeling like your best (and most productive) years are behind you—but are still craving the chance to go back to school for a fresh start, or to take care of unfinished business? Well, rest easy that you’re not alone. These nagging thoughts are common. But, the truth is many individuals are not jumping into college right out of high school, and even if they are, many come back in later years to complete their post-secondary education, or gain further skills and credentials.

This dilemma is close to my own heart. I followed the typical path out of high school: moving right on to college. However, thanks to all of life’s little twists and turns, I’ve never completed my degree, and am haunted by the fact that I didn’t. I want to show myself that I can do it, and I feel strongly that accomplishing my goal will help my children to understand that with hard work and dedication, they can achieve their own goals.

My friends often make fun of me for being a “Teeth Nazi.” I have a strict daily teeth cleaning regimen, am one of those mistrusted freaks who actually likes going to the dentist for cleanings, and have even been known to whip out my “purse floss” in some seriously unconventional locations. Hey, when you have to floss, you have to floss—especially when you are a black pepper fiend.

I think the root cause of my clean teeth obsession stems from my childhood. Being a hardcore apple juice addict led to more “baby teeth” cavities than I could count (probably literally at that age). But while I may enjoy visits to the dentist that involve leaving with blissfully clean teeth, when it comes to getting my face frozen beyond recognition, and my teeth drilled into, there is absolutely no love involved.

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Yes, I know: A Hollywood actor would probably not be anyone’s first choice for learning about an issue of critical importance to society. I mean, the world is full of actual experts, people who stake their entire lives and reputations on their deep knowledge of a single issue. And, really, most of us prefer celebrities to stay within their box of acting or music or whatever it is they are famous for. So, when Matt Damon and teacher tenure hooked up, many people—especially those on the right of the political spectrum—cried foul. “What does this rich, cursing Hollywood star understand about teacher tenure, anyway?”

Well, he seems to understand plenty.

Whether they just give you a good laugh, or if they inspire you to start down a new career path, one thing is certain — CDI College wants to brighten up your day! CDI College has produced a video that creatively shows the journey students take from their first day of classes to the day they step out into their chosen careers. But don’t be mistaken into thinking that this is a boring, educational video—CDI College rocked it out of the park. Set to LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem,” students dance—and even breakdance—their way through a glimpse into their daily lives. Some instructors even got into the mix (everyday they’re shufflin’!)

“CDI Rocks the Party” already has over 450,000 views on YouTube—it’s time to get in on the action and check it out!

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My best friend recently realized one of her lifelong goals: becoming an entrepreneur. Kate’s path to opening a small business started as a dream when she was a kid and followed her through high school, college, and various experience-gathering jobs. It finally became a reality in the summer of 2011. Together with her sister, Beth, she created Panache, a ladies’ accessories store featuring everything from scarves to bags to jewelry and even handmade clothing from an in-house designer.

Like any infant entrepreneurial venture, Panache has had its ups and downs, but, overall, it has been both a financial and a personal success for Kate and Beth. I can honestly say I’ve never seen either of them so happy.

I also strongly believe that this happiness stems from something far beyond simply achieving a goal. Ask any entrepreneur, and I think you’ll find that, for them, opening a business is much more than just a way to earn a living. I think most of them are born with something in their very core that drives them to make their mark on the world on their own terms and in their own way. No matter how great a job they might find, if it means working for someone else, they will never truly be satisfied. They need to put their talent, effort, blood, sweat, and tears into their own creation, and whether it succeeds or fails, the true gratification is in the fact that it existed—and to me, that is what the true meaning of “entrepreneurial spirit” is.

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It’s that time of year again. The time when I start making lists of all the things I will and won’t do this coming year. Here are a couple of my typical goals:

I will lose ten pounds (because I ate too many Christmas goodies).

I will save more money (because I spent too much money on Christmas presents).

I think you can see where this is going.

Okay, so some of my not-so-unique resolutions may or may not happen, but the concept of a new year, where we can all start fresh is invigorating—like a field of untouched snow. It’s our chance to write exactly what we want on a blank slate.

This can be an ideal time to get proactive about the future, especially by tackling bigger goals—such as going back to school—which can be a struggle to get off the ground. This type of resolution can seem insurmountable, but with the push of a new year behind you, the momentum can help put your goals within reach.

The student debt crisis is here. Some people might argue that it is merely a curiosity, that to call it a “crisis” is to exaggerate matters. For those it affects, however, there is no debate; it is very real. And it’s no fun. Many college graduates (and dropouts) experience this crisis everyday—in quiet desperation.

In a bad economy, it’s easy to feel hopeless—especially if you’re heavily indebted and underemployed (or without any job at all). But you know you truly have a problem when the thought of a full-scale collapse of civilization gives you goosebumps—of the good kind.

Before struggling to repay my own student loans, I never thought I would tingle with delight at the prospect of society’s institutions crumbling. With the Y2K computer bug threatening to send humanity back to the Dark Ages at the end of the 1990s, I worried about my personal safety (along with that of my friends and family), but I also secretly wished for widespread havoc. My thoughts became twisted. Student debt can do that to you.

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Freedom versus security. That’s typically the debate when it comes to considering freelance work over an in-house position. It’s also a reason why many individuals shy away from careers in design, writing, and other fields known for favoring contract work. However, as our global community continues to grow smaller, the door is opening to new ways of connecting with potential employers and clients.

Lugging your portfolio from firm to firm is no longer the only option for obtaining work in contract-based industries. Sites, such as Elance or 99designs are aggregating available projects from across various fields, and providing a practical solution for freelance professionals.

This is how it works:

Businesses and individuals post projects related to everything from computer programming and web design to administration and finance, allowing them to connect with talented professionals that are ready, willing, and able to complete the work.

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