Enthusiasm

I took a quick run across town from our “Total Immersion” course in San Diego this week to speak to the members of the University of California at San Diego Pre-dental Society. This group of 200 college students, mentored by Dr. Irv Silverstein, manages and staffs three charity dental clinics in San Diego with a $0 budget. All supplies, facilities, and staffing are donated. The group just surpassed the $2 million mark in donated dental services for the year.

What impressed me most about the group was their energy, determination, and focus. We talked together until 10:30 PM and they would have stayed longer! They are ambitious, goal-oriented, and highly motivated. You won’t find it surprising that all but 6 students in the room were first or second generation immigrants to this country.

It has long been said that you have a 4 times better chance of becoming successful in this country if you weren’t born here. It was easy to see why this week. I don’t think I have ever been with a group of more motivated, enthusiastic college students anywhere. (And I have spoken to a lot of them over the last 16 years.)

So take a chapter out of these student’s lives and live yours with more energy, enthusiasm, and focus this week. There’s no question that these students will get a lot out of life because they are and we all can too.