The Future of Higher Education
Today we honor Martin Luther King Jr. and the enduring impact of his profound legacy.
Also, big news—we decided to expand The Vibe by launching The Vibe Unplugged, a bi-weekly podcast now available on all your favorite platforms. Check out our first two episodes here.
Is college still the main course in the buffet of success, or just an overpriced appetizer in today's gig economy?
In my own career journey, transitioning from politics and teaching to entrepreneurship, I often reflect on the role my educational background played in my success. With an undergraduate degree in International Relations and a graduate degree in Education, I wonder, was this formal education a critical stepping stone, or could I have achieved similar success through alternate paths? This reflection becomes particularly pertinent in the context of today's skyrocketing college costs and evolving educational paradigms. While these degrees have undeniably enriched my life, providing cultural experiences and relationships that have shaped me into a more well-rounded individual, the financial return on these investments is a slower process, often spanning several years.
It's essential to acknowledge that the value of education extends beyond mere dollars and cents. The experiences, the broadening of perspectives, the cultural immersion— these are intangible benefits that have played a significant role in my personal and professional growth. Yet, when I consider the financial aspect and the time it takes to recoup this investment, the picture becomes more nuanced.
It’s a fact that the cost of higher education has risen exponentially, far outpacing inflation. A significant contributor to this surge is the substantial salaries drawn by hundreds of individuals at these institutions, often reaching six or seven figures. Massive campuses, stadiums and the infrastructure surrounding them add to the financial burden. The exclusivity of top schools also plays a role, as it creates a competitive landscape where the prestige of education often comes with an exorbitant price tag.
Looking ahead, the dilemma intensifies when thinking about my children’s future. In a decade, when it's time for them to consider higher education, will college be the right path? The traditional route to success—attending college, earning a degree, and then entering the workforce—is being challenged by the rapid evolution of AI and technology. These advancements are opening up new avenues for learning and skill acquisition, often at a fraction of the cost of a conventional college education.
The possibility of acquiring essential skills and experiences without a $300k price tag is not just financially appealing; it's a potential paradigm shift in how we perceive education and success. With online platforms, AI-driven personalized learning, and an increasing number of companies valuing skills over degrees, the landscape is changing. These alternatives to traditional college education might offer similar, if not superior, opportunities for my children to lead successful and fulfilling lives.
In essence, while I value my educational journey for the richness it has added to my life, I remain open to the idea that the path to success and fulfillment for the next generation might not necessarily lead through the gates of a traditional college campus. As the world evolves, so too must our perceptions of education, success, and how best to prepare our children for the future. This shift doesn't diminish the value of traditional education; rather, it expands the horizon of possibilities for acquiring knowledge, skills, and life experiences.
Artificial Imagination 🗑️
Each week, our kids, Avery and Ford, embark on the Herculean task of dragging the bulky trash can down our long driveway for the garbage collection. These episodes often morph into a blend of cuteness and comedy, with Avery lecturing Ford about not pulling his weight while he experiences his customary mid-mission meltdown. Despite the mini-dramas, they somehow pull it off every time. I gave MidJourney a whirl to recreate this triumphal march back to the house, capturing their tiny victories and sibling squabbles.
This is not an actual photo, but one that was totally A.I. generated using a prompt that I created with MidJourney 🤯
Vibe Challenge 🤖
AI Insights: This week, let's dive into the world of AI to enhance our learning and productivity! I challenge you to use ChatGPT to explore a new topic or skill. Whether it's understanding the basics of cryptocurrency, learning a new language phrase, or getting tips on effective time management, let ChatGPT be your guide. The goal is to pick a subject that interests you or aligns with your professional development, and see how AI can provide unique insights or perspectives. Let me know what you learn!
My Weekly Vibe
Protein Bars: I’m always on the hunt for a good protein bar to mix into my day, and Papa Steve's Apple Cinnamon Pecan Raw Protein Bars might be the best I’ve found. These bars are a delicious combination of dried apples, almonds, cashews, and pecans, and are a healthy alternative to conventional snacks. They have no added sugar, honey, or dates, with the sweetness derived entirely from natural apples. Plus, these bars are packed full of nutrients, providing a good balance of proteins, healthy fats, and fiber, making them a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. They make these bars fresh each week, so prepare for a little slower shipping process.
Documentary: I recently watched the documentary Becoming Warren Buffett, and it's fascinating. It delves into the life of the legendary investor, revealing both his incredible intellect and surprisingly modest lifestyle. The film traces his path from his early days to becoming the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, highlighting his unique investment philosophies. It truly deepened my appreciation for Buffett's genius and humility. Even if you're not into investing, it's an engaging and insightful story that’s worth the watch.
Playlist: I’m not really sure how to describe the genre of this mix, but it’s been my go-to this week. I put together a little bit of country, pop, and some cool covers. It’s a pretty random list of songs, but I like it and thought I’d share in case you want to mix up your music for the week. If you give it a try, let me know what you think!
AI: OpenAI just launched the GPT Store, allowing access to custom AI models created by independent developers. Users can discover tailored assistants for specific use cases like academic research, math tutoring, coding, and more. The store also enables creators to monetize AI tools based on usage. This represents a really cool advancement in democratized AI and a major new opportunity for both users and developers. I highly recommend browsing the models specialized for your needs. No matter the task, there’s probably a GPT for that.
📸 cred: Prime Video
Weekly Muse
"Adversity introduces a man to himself." – Albert Einstein
Real Estate
Painting your ceiling the same color as your walls is a simple yet transformative design choice that's gaining popularity. This approach creates a cohesive and expansive feel in any room, blurring the boundaries between the walls and ceiling. It's especially effective in rooms with lower ceilings, as the uniform color scheme helps to create an illusion of height and openness.
Whether you choose a bold color for a statement look or a soft hue for a more tranquil atmosphere, this technique offers endless possibilities for personalizing your space. The unified color palette can also enhance the room's lighting, as the lack of contrast allows light to flow smoothly, creating a harmonious and welcoming environment. This design strategy is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, especially in smaller spaces where you want to maximize the perception of size.
The sheen of the paint plays a crucial role in the aesthetic of a room where the ceiling and walls are the same color. A matte finish on walls can absorb light, providing a soft, sophisticated look, while a satin or semi-gloss finish on the ceiling can reflect light, enhancing the room's brightness and creating a subtle contrast. Experimenting with different sheens can add depth and character, making the space more dynamic. This approach allows for a refined and elegant atmosphere, making the room visually appealing and uniquely stylish.
So, if you're considering a room makeover, think about the impact of painting your ceiling the same color as your walls – it could be the change your space needs to feel fresh and modern.
In the unmistakable voice of the late Gilbert Gottfried…. “Oh this is a delightful listing in historic Georgetown! ahem What a dump! For a mere $15 million you too can live in this overpriced rat hole with its gaudy fireplaces and obnoxious skylights! Who needs two dishwashers? What a waste! Don't even get me started on the 29 foot closet with "built in fixtured walls"—oooh fancy! And a professional beauty salon? Pfft, just hook your blow dryer up to the 6 burner stove why don't ya! The heated salt water pool is probably filled with the tears of the homeowners once they realize what an airless money pit this place is! But hey, at least you get a view of the "amazing" backyard from the staircase—woohoo! So come on down to this little slice of hell and see for yourself! It's a real classy joint!” wheeze laugh* (courtesy of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.)
Disclaimer: this is a lovely listing and clearly just a bit of satire, so loosen up and enjoy*
Interesting Find
The BMind smart mirror, unveiled at CES 2024, is like having a fairy tale on your wall. It uses AI to read your mood and offers personalized affirmations and visuals to brighten your day. Recognized with a CES Innovation Award, it combines AI and NLP for sentiment analysis and adapts to uplift you with light therapy and meditations. Featuring a 4K camera, omnidirectional microphone, and Face ID, it also offers practical functions like guided teeth brushing and skin analysis. It's a blend of mental wellness and modern technology, set to be available for $500 to $1,000 by the end of 2024. Although, I’m not sure I want someone something else reminding me to wear sunscreen everyday 😂
📸 cred: baracoda.com
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