This July I had the great good fortune to visit the Dorrance Scholars at the University of Arizona Ellers School of Management in Tucson. What’s cool about this group of fine young folks is that they are the first in their families to ever attend college. Cool.

The students received an advanced copy of my book Rules for Renegades, which they critiqued (read: tore to shreds) in my three hour session with them (note to self: NEVER, EVER subject yourself to a three hour critique again). After licking my wounds, I decided that their raw, honest, and at times harsh feedback did have merit. Pleasure followed the pain.

The program is lead by Don Piper, who helps the students to learn about sustainable entrepreneurship and provides them with a structured process for creating an entrepreneurial venture. Kudos to the Dorrance family for funding this program–financial independence via entrepreneurship is THE American Dream.

Why They’re Senseis to me:

The Dorrance Scholars reminded me to have a beginner’s mind (be coachable), and to remember gratitude. Many of us take higher education for granted (I dropped out of high school, negotiated my way into UC San Diego, then dropped out 2 years later). These kids get that they have a great deal. They sure as heck aren’t going to blow it.

Who’s Who in the photo:

Front row (left to right): James Worden, Amarone Thach, Brook Jonquil, Daniel Rodriguez
 2nd row: Pepe Pedrego, Maria Contreras
 3rd row: Evelyn Bustillos, Danielle Finney, Me, Charity Reynolds, Connie Chau, Ezzy Angel