I am very excited to have the first guest of Mindful Morsels: Brandon Wu. He has a weekly internship bulletin board for open positions across government, think tanks, progressive non-profits, and firms. You can check him out on LinkedIn, Substack, and major social media platforms.Want more tips and advice on how to do more with less? Subscribe now!I was lucky enough to have some of Brandon’s time (he is both a student and working) where we discuss his latest bulletin board postings. I also talk about my latest Notion template, “Job seeking as a student” as a way to organize the job search as a student. Know someone who would benefit from this post? Share it with them!We end with a new segment: “In and out.” Brandon and I take turns describing one trend with job searching that’s “in” as in good as in hot, etc. and one trend that it “out”…so not good. Timestamps00:00 Intro03:26 Brandon’s latest job postings14:24 Sam’s new Notion template walkthrough22:02 “In and out” segment38:59 OutroThanks so much for listening to this episode of Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li. I hope you found some Notion tip, budgeting advice, or other insight helpful to make your life slightly less stressful! if you want to see more of Mindful Morsels, feel free to like and subscribe on Substack, where you can find me by searching Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li, and also on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. if you would like to have some input on episode ideas, feel free to vote in polls I put out on my YouTube and Instagram. Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

I have had a really good education experience, which is important since I have spent most of my life up until this point in school. But I didn’t always feel that way. In fact, I used to assign a lot of my self-worth to the grades I got. And when I didn’t get the grades I wanted…it was hard for me to get over it.In this episode, I discuss improving my outlook on education and introduce a new Notion template for students seeking jobs during school - a crucial part of my educational journey.Get my “Job seeking as a student” Notion template here.Make your life a little easier by subscribing below for consistent Notion tips!Timestamps00:00 Intro00:50 Journey through school02:11 High school04:31 College05:31 Fulfillment outside of class10:29 From college to career13:27 Notion template walkthrough!Like this podcast episode? Share it with someone who might like it too!Listen to the episode or read the transcript on my Substack and let me know what you think!Thanks so much for listening to this episode of Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li. I hope you found some Notion tip, budgeting advice, or other insight helpful to make your life slightly less stressful! if you want to see more of Mindful Morsels, feel free to like and subscribe on Substack, where you can find me by searching Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li, and also on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. if you would like to have some input on episode ideas, feel free to vote in polls I put out on my YouTube and Instagram. Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

“People who use Notion spend more time making their Notion pretty instead of actually being productive.”“Notion doesn’t work.”“Notion is fake productivity.”Make your life a little easier by subscribing below for consistent Notion tips!These are just three of the many quotes I have seen or heard about Notion in the past few years. And I get it! Notion as a productivity software can definitely get confusing. In this latest podcast episode, I want to break down three key points as a response:* 01:34 —> What my personal ups and downs with Notion have been (spoiler: I have quit using Notion a couple of times in the past!)* 03:30 —> Notion represents a system that can never fully reflect life* 06:31 —> A system just needs to work well enough Like this podcast episode? Share it with someone who might like it too!Listen to the episode or read the transcript here and let me know what you think!Thanks so much for listening to this episode of Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li. I hope you found some Notion tip, budgeting advice, or other insight helpful to make your life slightly less stressful! if you want to see more of Mindful Morsels, feel free to like and subscribe on Substack, where you can find me by searching Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li, and also on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. if you would like to have some input on episode ideas, feel free to vote in polls i put out on my YouTube. Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

So, I decided to start this podcast here a couple of weeks ago. Because apparently, I hate free time! Uploading a podcast is kind of like watching paint dry... if the paint kept crashing and needed to be restarted every five minutes.🎙️ Let's get into it.First, you've got to export your audio. Sounds simple, right? Wrong. It's like trying to fold a fitted sheet. You start off confident, but by the end, you're left with a lumpy mess and questioning your life choices.Then comes the uploading process. I swear, time moves differently when you're uploading a podcast. Einstein should've included this in his theory of relativity. "Time is relative, especially when you're staring at a progress bar that seems to be moving backwards."What Einstein definitely would think of the podcast uploading process: "Time is relative, especially when you're staring at a progress bar that seems to be moving backwards."Of course, just when you think it's done, boom! Error message. "Upload failed." Why? Who knows! It's like the internet gods are sitting up there going, "Nah, let's mess with this guy a little more."But the best part? When it finally uploads, and you realize you forgot to add the intro music. Time to start all over! It's like a fun game of digital Snakes and Ladders, except all the ladders are actually snakes in disguise.🎭 Upping the dramatics by 50%…I've aged ten years since I started this podcast. My hair's gone gray, I've developed arthritis from clicking "retry" so many times, and I'm pretty sure my computer's developed sentience and is now plotting against me.💡 Ok enough of that…so how did I make this process slightly more bearable? Notion.First, there's the whole exporting process. It used to be like trying to squeeze an elephant through a keyhole. "File too large," it would say. Well, excuse me for having a conversation longer than a TikTok video! But now, with my Notion workflow, I've got a checklist that reminds me to compress that audio file before I even think about exporting. It's like having a tiny, organized assistant in my computer that doesn't judge me for my file sizes.Then comes the actual upload. Now, I've got a Notion database tracking my upload progress. I can actually do other things while it's uploading, and Notion keeps tabs on it for me. It's like having a personal upload babysitter, minus the hourly rate.And when I get that sweet error message, "Upload failed due to unexpected error." (Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize my upload was supposed to expect the Spanish Inquisition!) I've got a handy error log in Notion. Each time something goes wrong, I document it. It's like building my own personal "How to Avoid Screwing Up Your Podcast Upload" encyclopedia. Future me is going to be so grateful... if I ever finish this upload, that is.🎓 Moral of the story: podcast uploading requires patience and…a little NotionSo if you're thinking of starting a podcast, my advice is this: Get Notion, set up your workflow, and then start your upload. By the time you're done optimizing your workspace, your podcast might actually be ready to go live. Maybe.Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go check on my upload. It's been three days, and I think it's finally hit 50%... oh wait, no, that's just a smudge on my screen. But at least Notion knows exactly where we left off! Wish me luck!Hey! Thanks so much for checking out a bit of my life. I’ll be posting more consistently (a neverending goal!) so if you want to feel a bit less stressed about young adult life, follow for more :)📝Substack: samhli.substack.com/subscribe📽️YouTube: youtube.com/@samhli Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li, your go-to source for doing more. With less! In this episode, we dive into a simple yet powerful daily habit: writing 1000 words in Notion. Discover how this practice can transform your mornings and unlock your creativity.🔔Like what you are seeing? Subscribe and let me know what would be helpful to watch next!Ready to level up your Notion game? Here's what you'll find in our show notes:* 🔗 Subscribe and share what type of content you would like to see on my podcast and Substack* 📝 By viewing this episode, click here for a brief step-by-step guide on implementing the 1000-word routine in Notion* 🎥 Watch this beginner-friendly YouTube tutorial on getting started with Notion if needed* 🍽️ Get my latest Notion template on Gumroad: Meal Planner template🚨Know someone who would benefit from this post? Share it with them!Follow me on Instagram (@samhli_) and YouTube (@samhli) for daily productivity tips and insights on living in Washington D.C. Let's make our lives a little less stressful! Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

📖 Storytime!👩‍💼 Meet "Sarah", a busy professional yearning for healthier eating habits and less meal-related stress. Despite her best intentions, poor planning and limited time often led her to unhealthy food choices. She struggled to find the motivation to plan meals in advance, caught in the eternal dilemma between convenience and healthy eating.🦸‍♂️ Enter Sam (me!), a meal-planning enthusiast who once faced the same challenges. Now, he creates Notion templates for a thriving community of 4,000+ users. Sam introduces Sarah to his latest Notion creation: 🍽️Meal Planner Template.🗒️ The plan is simple yet effective:* 📱 Use the Notion meal planner template* 📅 Plan meals weekly* 🛒 Shop efficiently* 👨‍🍳 Cook with ease🎉 Sarah decides to give it a try for a month. The results? Healthier eating habits, reduced meal-related stress, and no more wasted groceries. She successfully avoids the pitfalls of unhealthy food choices and finds a balance between convenience and nutrition.🚀 Sound like a (somewhat) familiar story? Give my Meal Planner Template a try and see if it helps your meal habits!Know someone who uses Notion or wants to learn how to use it? Share this post!🔍 Go deeper with the template* 📊 How It Is Used: Users can plan meals for each day of the week, along with ingredient lists and recipes. This helps in efficient grocery shopping and ensures a balanced diet.🛠️ Notion AI Integration* 🧠 Meal Idea Generation: AI suggests meal ideas based on dietary preferences, available ingredients, and nutritional goals.* 🛍️ Smart Shopping List: AI creates shopping lists from planned meals, considering pantry inventory.🎨 Notion Formulas* 🧮 Nutritional Value Calculator: This formula allows a user to see how many nutrients they are getting per meal.* ⏱️ Meal Prep Time Estimator: This formula converts prep time from minutes to a more readable format🌟 Notion Charts* 🥧 Calories Balance Chart: A pie chart showing the distribution of macronutrients like calories in planned meals.* 📊 Weekly Meal Variety Chart: A bar chart displaying the frequency of different meal types (breakfast, lunch, dinner) throughout the week.🤔 How did we get here?🙏 Thank you to those who voted on my Substack and LinkedIn polls to get this template created! Please enjoy it and leave feedback below or on Gumroad.👋 See you on Tuesday where we vote for our next Notion template! Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

Cultural Challenges and AdaptationReturning to China stirs a bewildering array of emotions. Imagine having to filter every word and gesture, navigating a labyrinth of cultural subtleties. Direct translations often fall short, leaving you to reconstruct sentences and ideas in your mind to ensure they're understood. This mental gymnastics can be draining, yet it also unveils deeper layers of language and cultural intricacies. But why does this cultural dance feel both alien and familiar at the same time?Advocacy and Identity in CollegeDuring college, I spent a lot of time advocating for Chinese Americans. I even helped lead Georgetown's Chinese Student Alliance as Co-President, where we organized cultural events, educational workshops, and community service projects. But who are Chinese Americans? From those I've met in college and beyond, we tend to lean more American than Chinese. Generally speaking (and this isn't a full representation of the group), Gen Z Chinese Americans have usually lived in America for most of their childhood and prefer using English over Mandarin (just in my experience). From what I have seen, there is a clear distinction between Chinese Americans and Chinese international students, both in terms of language proficiency and understanding of Chinese society. This distinction often manifests in social circles, academic preferences, and even dining choices on campus.Rediscovering Chinese RootsI've generally considered myself more American than Chinese due to my upbringing and cultural experiences in the United States. However, during my latest trip to China, I was surprised at how quickly I could adapt to the local norms and customs. For instance, I embraced the practice of supporting and respecting the elderly, which is deeply ingrained in Chinese society. I found myself offering my seat on public transport and engaging in polite small talk with elders, actions that felt second nature in that environment. Additionally, I became comfortable initiating conversations and engaging with people in Mandarin, which helped me integrate into communities. I managed to navigate local markets and order food, which made me realize that I could blend into Chinese culture more easily than I thought.Language Learning StrugglesSo where does that leave me? To be honest, I tried using Duolingo to brush up on my Cantonese skills, but I quickly lost momentum. I found it difficult to keep up with the daily practice at this point. The app's repetitive exercises felt monotonous, and I struggled to stay motivated without a conversational partner. Right now, it's still undetermined if I will pick it back up and give it another shot. I might need to find new strategies or tools, such as language exchange programs or immersive courses, to help me stay consistent and make the learning process more engaging. Below is a night shot of Foshan.Balancing Dual CulturesI want to make a better effort to balance American and Chinese cultures at this stage of my life. It's important for me to embrace both identities and integrate them into my daily experiences. This might include celebrating both American and Chinese holidays, engaging with Chinese media, and participating in community events. Although I don't know when I'll have the chance to go back, I aspire to return with a better understanding of the language and culture. By doing so, I hope to enrich my life and foster a deeper connection to my roots. This balanced approach could help me navigate the complexities of my dual identity and create a more harmonious sense of self.💡 If you would like to watch the full China trip, I filmed a recap!⬇️How do you view your ethnic/cultural identity? Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

Evolution of Chinese SocietyWow, Chinese society has undergone a remarkable transformation in the past nine years. It's almost as if the changes have been happening in the shadows, gradually reshaping everyday life. Take, for example, the way people handle money. Physical cash, once a staple, has become increasingly cumbersome for many. The swift shift towards a predominantly cashless society is truly astonishing, even though it's hard to pinpoint the exact pace of this change. While no place outright denied us the use of cash, it became noticeably more challenging to use in daily transactions. Instead, I found myself relying on WeChat Pay and Alipay. How has this quiet revolution in payment methods impacted the broader culture and daily life in China?Like what you are reading? Subscribe for full access to content!Consumerism CultureSimply put, the consumerism culture is crazy. Every gigantic shopping mall we visited was bustling with people of all ages, from young children to the elderly, enthusiastically flooding through the doors and crowding the stores. Malls like DNA and Nova Plaza in Foshan were packed with shoppers. This phenomenon reflects a stark contrast to what we are used to in America, where mall culture is supposedly on the decline, with many shopping centers experiencing dwindling foot traffic and closures. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, retail sales of consumer goods in the country reached nearly 44 trillion yuan in 2022, showing the significant spending power of Chinese citizens. It was amazing to witness such a vibrant and thriving consumer environment. Below is a video of an H&M store in Foshan, China.Technological MarvelsOther technological marvels include cleaning robots in hotels that efficiently handle housekeeping tasks, a high-speed rail system that connects cities like Beijing and Shanghai with remarkable speed and convenience, and a self-driving bus currently in its beta testing phase in cities like Guangzhou. China's high-speed rail network is the largest in the world, with over 37,900 kilometers of track as of 2022. The autonomous features of these innovations, especially their ability to operate with minimal human intervention, stood out to me the most. These technologies represent significant advancements in automation and transportation, promising to transform the way Chinese citizens live and travel. Below is a video of the high-speed rail between Guangzhou and Shenzhen.A Personal Perspective on China's Global InfluenceGrowing up, I visited China a few times, with the last visit being in seventh grade in 2015. My mother’s family is from the Guangdong province, and my father’s family is from Hainan island. Both areas are in southern China and have unique cultures and ways of life, different from other regions in the country. Guangdong is known for its Cantonese cuisine, while Hainan is famous for its tropical climate and seafood.I somewhat remember that trip, but visiting China as a child is very different from visiting as an adult. After studying business and global affairs in college, my perspective on Chinese culture has changed dramatically. In my studies, China often came up in discussions about geopolitical rivalries and economic competition, rather than just being a place associated with my extended family and serene visits. This shift in perspective has deepened my understanding of China's complex role in the world. Below is a video of a restaurant on the 37th floor of a building in Foshan.For instance, China is a major player in global economics and a critical influencer in international politics. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) exemplifies its expansive economic strategy. It aims to enhance global trade routes and infrastructure across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Additionally, China's advancements in technology, like 5G networks and artificial intelligence, have positioned it as a tech industry leader, often competing with the United States. These technological strides are coupled with China’s growing military capabilities, which impact regional security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region. Understanding these aspects has allowed me to see China not just as a personal heritage site but as a nation with policies and innovations that affect global stability and progress.Cultural ObservationsFrom what I observed, Chinese people tend to move quickly and efficiently in their daily activities. They also do not use polite expressions like "excuse me" or "thank you" as often when passing by others in public spaces. This behavior might be influenced by cultural norms that prioritize directness in everyday interactions. For example, in busy markets and subway stations, people navigate crowds with minimal verbal interaction. Chinese culture tends to emphasize collectivism and efficiency, which helps to explain these observed behaviors.When it comes to cultural symbols, it doesn’t get more iconic than the lazy susan, a rotating tray often found in the center of dining tables. Its name, though curious, reflects its function—facilitating the easy sharing of dishes among diners. This simple yet ingenious device is central to many communal dining customs, where gestures of hospitality and respect come into play. For example, at a family dinner, it is common to see diners refill each other’s tea cups and place food on each other’s plates. This cooperative effort creates a harmonious environment where everyone at the table can enjoy the meal together.ConclusionAs I wrap up this edition of the newsletter, I hope my experiences and insights have offered you a glimpse into the dynamic interplay between technology and culture in China, as well as the complex nature of cultural identity. I look forward to sharing more stories and reflections with you in the next issue. Until then, stay curious and keep exploring the world around you!💡 If you would like to watch the full China trip, I filmed a recap!⬇️How do you view technology and culture in your country? Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

4-7.21.24Hi everyone,I just came back from China after securing a full-time job. I primarily visited family in Foshan (a city in the Guangdong province in Southern China) but also had the chance to visit other cities in the province, including Guangzhou and Shenzhen.As anyone who has been to Asia can probably relate to, it’s a lot of feelings and experiences at once that are hard to fully describe. Therefore, I have decided to split up this week’s edition of the newsletter into three parts to better articulate the experience. Each part will have a theme which is as follows:1. Family → “Navigating Emotions: Rediscovering Family Ties on My Return to China”2. Technology → “Modern Marvels: Tech Transformations in China”3. Identity → “Balancing Dual Identities: The Chinese American Experience”Notion Tips and Templates:* Notion Tip: Use Linked Databases for Better Organization: Instead of managing multiple databases separately, link them together. This allows you to view and update information across different databases in one place, keeping your workspace organized and efficient. For example, link your task database with your project database to see all relevant tasks and their statuses in a single view.* Featured Notion Template: contact list* A contact list is for important contacts such as professors, classmates, and advisors. It’s crucial for staying connected and having all necessary information at hand.Here is Part 1 of 3: “Family → ‘Navigating Emotions: Rediscovering Family Ties on My Return to China’”Visiting Extended FamilyVisiting extended family in a country where your primary language isn't spoken is a journey filled with intrigue and unexpected challenges. It’s a blend of excitement and unease, offering rewarding and daunting experiences. Growing up in the U.S., with roots in Ohio, I learned both English and Mandarin Chinese, which kept me connected to my heritage. Yet, my extended family in China, fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin, presents a linguistic puzzle that adds a layer of complexity to our interactions. This enigmatic divide in language complicates communication in the verbal sense but makes nonverbal communication even more meaningful. How do these dynamics shape family connections?Past Visits to ChinaI haven’t been back to China in 9 years, since 2015, and honestly, I don’t remember much from that trip. During that visit, I stayed in Foshan for two weeks and spent time with my grandparents in their apartment before going to Hainan to see my dad’s side of the family. Before that, my last visit was in 2012, which feels like a lifetime ago. In 2012, I traveled to Beijing and Shanghai, where I visited the Great Wall. During that earlier trip, I had a chance to see more and experience the culture for a longer period of time, including attending a local festival and trying traditional street foods. However, as time has passed, those memories have also started to fade.Enjoying this post? Subscribe for more content!Growing Up ApartI grew up apart from my extended family since most of them stayed in China while my parents lived in the U.S. My parents moved to the U.S. in the late 1980s for better job opportunities and settled in Ohio. My grandparents visited the U.S. a few times when they were younger, specifically in the early 2000s. But it was when I was very little, around 2 or 3 years old, and I personally don’t remember them coming. They stayed with us, helping my parents take care of me, but those visits became less frequent as they aged and travel became more challenging for them.Becoming a Stronger TravelerThis time seeing my extended family was different because, even though we mostly speak different languages, I have had many language and travel experiences that have made me a stronger traveler. Specifically, I took five semesters of Chinese at Georgetown University, where I not only learned the language but also gained insights into Chinese culture and history, ultimately becoming proficient enough to graduate (yay!). In the past two years, I traveled to various countries including the Dominican Republic, where I saw the Dominican-Haitian border; India, where I marveled at the Taj Mahal in Agra; South Africa, where I went on a safari; Ireland, where I enjoyed the vibrant city of Dublin; and Ghana, where I visited the historic Cape Coast Castle. These experiences improved my ability to communicate with people from different cultures and taught me how to travel effectively (always have Advil and Dramamine ready!).Overcoming FearThe first full day of the China trip, I felt an irrational fear of asking my cousin if we could go somewhere fun, perhaps to explore a new place that I hadn’t seen before. This feeling was hard to shake off in the moment. I vividly recall several other moments during the trip where this sense of hesitation crept in, particularly when I had to use Mandarin. For example, during my hotel stay in Foshan, I wanted to ask the cleaning lady for more towels and tissues but hesitated because I was unsure of my pronunciation. Despite having a reasonably good command of the language and being able to get by in most situations, I still found myself holding back. Below is a moment of exploring in Foshan.Family's SignificanceThat feeling makes the actions of my family that much more significant to me. Sometimes, I feel their care and affection through kind and thoughtful words, like when my aunt in Foshan complimented my Chinese speaking abilities me. Other times, it's through considerate and warm gestures, such as my uncle taking me to insanely good restaurants across Foshan, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Each expression, whether verbal or physical, reflects their genuine concern and love. Amidst all these varied expressions, the one constant is the care they consistently show. Below is a moment during one dinner where the smoke from the food is intense enough to reach the ceiling.Reflections on Family DynamicsI feel incredibly fortunate to have a family like this. I was especially struck by this feeling after reading a New York Times article about a therapy approach that encourages people to cut ties with their family members. While I neither support nor reject this method, I find it difficult to relate to because my family has always been a significant source of support in my life. For example, my parents have always been there for me during challenging times, like when they drove to D.C. to support me during a stressful time at Georgetown. Unlike the experiences described in the article, my family dynamics are positive and nurturing. I am endlessly grateful for the love and support they provide.Future VisitsIt makes me sad and wistful that I can’t visit my extended family more often, but this feeling also fuels my motivation to work hard. I aspire to create opportunities to return, not just during family trips, but independently as well. For instance, I hope to save enough money to visit them every summer. Everyone is growing up and evolving at different stages and paces, making these moments of connection even more precious and significant. My cousin, who was barely in middle school during my last visit, is close to being done with college and figuring out her next steps. These aspirations bring a sense of purpose to my efforts, reminding me of the importance of family ties.Finding TranquilityI think some of the best moments have been when we are just silently together, each engrossed in our own activities. For instance, sitting with my grandparents in their living room in Guangzhou, sipping tea and reading a book while they watch TV. These times create a rare sense of tranquility and comfort for me, especially at this stage of my life. As a recent graduate starting to navigate the professional world, these peaceful moments provide a much-needed break from the busyness and stress of this transitional period. It's in these quiet moments that I find solace and a deeper connection with my family, no matter how often or rare we get to see each other.💡 If you would like to watch the full China trip, I filmed a recap!⬇️How do you view family dynamics? Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

3-7.7.24Hi everyone,Welcome to the third edition of the Mindful Morsels, a newsletter focused on mindful content consumption!What is Mindful Morsels?This newsletter focuses on making the most of our time and attention. Specifically, that means consuming content with purpose, focusing on quality over quantity, and fostering a healthy information diet.What can you expect from this newsletter?* Actionable Notion tips and featured Notion templates: Learn practical strategies and use templates to become a more mindful content consumer.* Curated tech resources: Discover tech-focused articles, podcasts, and tools to enhance your mindful consumption journey.* Personal updates: From a 22-year-old college graduate who is trying to figure out life.Notion Tips and Templates:* Notion Tip: Use Ctrl + Shift + N (or Cmd + Shift + N on Mac) to quickly open a new Notion window to seamlessly work on two window screens!* Featured Notion Template: “Travel planner” by Notion* I’m literally using this template right now for my current trip out of the country. Watch me break down this template and more in my latest YouTube video below! “Travel planning can be a fragmented mess with different documents and information scattered across email, files, websites, and more. This template puts all the essential details about your travel plans into one spot.”Latest Articles:* “This is Big Tech’s playbook for swallowing the AI industry” - The Verge* “Scientists Create Robot Controlled by Blob of Human Brain Cells” - Futurism* “Supreme Court Protects the Future of Content Moderation” - The VergeBook Recommendation: “Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgement” by Daniel Kahneman, Oliver Sibony & Cass SunsteinI’m going to be honest. A lot of this book’s content flew over my head the first time I read through it. It’s a book that definitely deserves a second, maybe even a third read. The authors expertly break down this concept of “noise” that influences the judgement of important societal decision makers. The scenarios the authors use highlight judges, doctors, business leaders, government officials, and more. A fascinating read, if you are ready to think critically for 521 pages (Kindle edition). Read more about the book HERE.Personal Updates → securing a jobAfter about a year of searching, I have finally secured a full-time job. It’s been a long journey but I am glad to have made it to the other side.I think there are three key takeaways from this experience for college student:* It’s never too early or late to find an opportunity at this stage of a college student's career.* The process will likely be challenging if you’re interested in industries like consulting or tech. It’s important to have a few people you can consistently rely on, who accept both the best and worst parts of you.* Using organization tools like Notion can be very helpful. I’m happy to share more either through my platforms or by booking a call with me.🛋️BackgroundFor some context, I graduated this past May from Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Global Affairs. When I started at Georgetown, I was pretty sure I would pursue consulting because of the university's resources for that career path. I joined a consulting club on campus, gained experience working with clients, and felt ready for recruiting by the summer of 2022, between my sophomore and junior year.🌀Initial StrugglesAnd then, things went south. I spent the summer of 2022 rigorously preparing for interviews and doing casework to put my best foot forward for the consulting company interviews. These interviews were for a junior summer internship, which I wanted to achieve. However, during June, July, August, and September, I did not receive an offer I wanted. This situation was very disappointing to me. I felt like I had worked really hard to be the best candidate possible. Even though these rejections and missed opportunities did not define me, they obviously hurt at that point.🥣Changing CourseIn September 2022, I thought there were two clear paths to proceed. First, I could continue looking for consulting opportunities, whether big, small, or far away. Alternatively, I could pursue other interests as part of the class of 2024.I realized my first year of college at Georgetown was highly unusual because it was virtual. I felt like I had missed out on much of the professional and career exploration that typically happens in college, especially in the first few years as a student. After considering the option of continuing to apply for consulting opportunities, I decided to instead expand my horizons.🧢Studying Abroad & Cool InternshipsFirst, I wanted to see if there were study abroad opportunities because I had not yet studied abroad. My first year was virtual, and the pandemic made it hard to travel. I continued to apply for various internships and summer 2023 opportunities. Finally, in February 2023, I was awarded a fellowship with the CIEE to be part of their Frederick Douglass Fellowship program. The experience of having a fully funded trip to South Africa and Ireland was amazing, but I'll save that story for another time.The second area of exploration I wanted to pursue was technology, specifically tech ethics concerning privacy and misinformation. In the fall of 2022, I did an internship at the U.S. Library of Congress, studying how the first modern information infrastructure networks, like those set up by the CIA, were established.🖌️Continuing the Job SearchHowever, that meant that at the conclusion of this fellowship in August 2023, I still did not have a clear path forward for my post-grad career, unlike some of my peers who had summer internships at organizations where they would return full-time. This situation does not just for consulting and banking opportunities, but for opportunities in general.I didn't have that situation, so I did what many people would do in my position: I started thinking about my opportunities and skills over the past three or four years and how I could apply them moving forward. It was hard to pinpoint because my major in business and global affairs and my experiences in tech, business, nonprofit, and government seemed good for a college experience but not easy to translate onto a résumé.🦋Applying to Tech and EthicsGoing into fall 2023, the main two industries I applied to were tech consulting and tech ethics. There were opportunities in both fields, but unfortunately, neither led anywhere. The hardest part of the application process in fall 2023 was definitely getting interviews.At a certain point, after applying to numerous places, I got into a rhythm of recognizing how to send applications and network well to get referrals. However, the problem was that these referrals were not leading to many interviews. Despite feeling like I was a strong candidate for positions, I selfishly felt like the effort I put into sharpening my résumé, networking, and interview prep was not paying off as it should have.📘Shifting Focus to StartupsIn the spring of 2024, my job search shifted due to a fellowship I was awarded. I started applying to smaller companies, specifically startups. In this environment, I found it easier to get interviews because of my fellowship status. However, the positions were often either very vague and uncertain about their future needs or extremely specific, which seemed a bit challenging for a college student to meet such precise requirements in their career.🚙Looking ForwardSo, which opportunity ended up actually working out? That will be for another post once I start working! I'm super excited to be working in D.C. starting at the end of next month, and that experience will definitely be part of these newsletters. I will detail what that experience is like as well. That's been the job process for me. Thank you so much for reading, and I will see you next time.Stay tuned!The next issue will cover the differences between Notion and other similar platforms like Obsidian, Asana, monday.com, and more indirect competitors like Google and Microsoft.Thanks for reading!-SamAbout the CreatorSam H Li is an entrepreneurial technologist on a mission to bridge the gap between innovation and responsibility. He is particularly passionate about tackling major technological challenges like disinformation and user privacy breaches. His focus lies in analyzing how organizations (both private and public) handle data ethics and sustainability as they scale.Podcast Timestamps* 00:00 Intro + Overview* 01:16 Notion Tips, Latest YouTube Video, Latest Articles, Book Recommendation* 04:05 Personal Updates: Job Search Process* 19:18 Conclusion + Next Issue Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

Source: Reuters (left) & iNews (right)From the author: “Hi everyone! As I am getting used to Substack and its podcasting feature, I wanted to release a quick podcast article about the start of the Wimbledon 2024 Championships, the most prestigious tennis tournament. I will be uploading the third edition of “Mindful Morsels” on Sunday evening as scheduled. Enjoy this piece! Thanks. -Sam.”Coming into Wimbledon 2024, there are the usual favorites on both the men's and women's side. On the men's, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz (ESP), seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic (SER), and world no. 1 Jannik Sinner (ITA) are all predicted to go far. On the women's, 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina (KAZ) and two-time finalist Ons Jabeur (TUN) are favored to make deep runs.But for tennis fans who are invested in comeback stories, it doesn’t get much better than two players who won their first-round matches on Centre Court and Court No. 2 respectively: Emma Raducanu (GBR) and Naomi Osaka (JPN). Both are former Grand Slam champions (the highest-ranking tournaments in tennis) and burst onto the scene by winning the U.S. Open in 2021 and 2018 respectively.For context, here are some statistics that define the two players’ careers that no other player has accomplished:With Raducanu:* Won a Grand Slam singles title as a qualifier (U.S. Open 2021)* Won a Grand Slam singles title with two or fewer major main-draw appearances (U.S. Open 2021)* Won a singles title in first U.S. Open main-draw appearance (U.S. Open 2021)With Osaka:* First Asian player to be ranked world no. 1 in singles by the Women’s Tennis Association* Was ranked the highest-earning female athlete of all time by annual income in 2020* Was the first tennis player to light the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony of the 2020 Tokyo OlympicsIn recent years, both stars have struggled with various situations that have kept them off the court. For Raducanu, she has dealt with multiple wrist and ankle injuries that forced her to call off the rest of her 2023 season starting in April 2023. For Osaka, she pulled out of the 2021 French Open citing mental health struggles and then took off the 2023 season as she was expecting her first child.In 2024, Raducanu and Osaka have made promising returns before the start of Wimbledon today. The former made the quarterfinals at the Stuttgart Open to make her first quarterfinal since 2022. The latter pushed world no. 1 and three-time French Open winner Iga Swiatek to the brink in three sets in the 2024 French Open second round, before bowing out.But at Wimbledon, arguably the most important and distinguished tennis tournament, both of these stars have a chance to make statement wins as they continue their comebacks. For Raducanu, playing at Wimbledon is like playing at home. For Osaka, playing at Wimbledon is a chance for millions of adoring fans to see her grace the grass courts once again.So while both players still have many matches ahead of them (six to be exact) before they can lift the Venus Rosewater Dish (the trophy given to the women's singles champion), they have made promising starts with their wins today. With their electrifying groundstrokes and competitive energy, the sport of tennis has dearly missed them.First Round:* E. Raducanu (GBR) def. R. Zarazúa (MEX) | 7-6(0) 6-3* N. Osaka (JPN) def. D. Parry (FRA) | 6-1 1-6 6-4About the CreatorSam H Li is an entrepreneurial technologist on a mission to bridge the gap between innovation and responsibility. He is particularly passionate about tackling major technological challenges like disinformation and user privacy breaches. His focus lies in analyzing how organizations (both private and public) handle data ethics and sustainability as they scale. Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

Join Macalester senior Hufsa as she explains her experience as a 2023 Frederick Douglass Global Fellow (FDGF). As the flagship program of the Council on International Educational Exchange, FDGF selects a small cohort of undergraduate students of color to embark on an international experience. This most recent cohort (that Hufsa and I both had the privilege to be a part of) traveled from D.C. to South Africa to Ireland, examining different leadership and social justice strategies. Students studied the legacies of influential leaders like Frederick Douglass, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Daniel O'Connell, and more. "College Conscience" is a podcast created by Georgetown senior Sam Li. He initially wanted to start this series as a way to record meaningful conversations he and his friends have on a regular basis. On this podcast, listen to Sam and his friends talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to college. No topic is off limits and Sam hopes to share experiences and insights for people entering college, in college, or curious to reminisce about their college days! Enjoy! Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

Join Harvard first-year Praveen as he takes us through his first year of college. Praveen talks about the difficulties and triumphs he experienced as he adjusted to life away from home. Tune in to see how he manages his time and what advice he has for incoming freshmen who will be going to college in just under 2 months."College Conscience" is a podcast created by Georgetown senior Sam Li. He initially wanted to start this series as a way to record meaningful conversations he and his friends have on a regular basis. On this podcast, listen to Sam and his friends talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to college. No topic is off limits and Sam hopes to share experiences and insights for people entering college, in college, or curious to reminisce about their college days! Enjoy! Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

Join Stanford senior Daania as she explores how her definitions of success have changed from high school to college. Daania also weaves creativity with her learning in order to create more fulfilling experiences while at school. Enjoy!"College Conscience" is a podcast created by Georgetown senior Sam Li. He initially wanted to start this series as a way to record meaningful conversations he and his friends have on a regular basis. On this podcast, listen to Sam and his friends talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to college. No topic is off limits and Sam hopes to share experiences and insights for people entering college, in college, or curious to reminisce about their college days! Enjoy! Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

Join University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC) student Rebecca Lin and learn about her journey through UMKC's BA/MD program! Rebecca talks about the different paths life has taken her and why she enjoys patient interactions so much. Enjoy!"College Conscience" is a podcast created by Georgetown senior Sam Li. He initially wanted to start this series as a way to record meaningful conversations he and his friends have on a regular basis. On this podcast, listen to Sam and his friends talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to college. No topic is off limits and Sam hopes to share experiences and insights for people entering college, in college, or curious to reminisce about their college days! Enjoy! Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

Join Georgetown alum Sonya as she reflects on the past four years at Georgetown. Sonya gives great insight into post-college life and how she manages the "work-life balance" that college students so often hear about."College Conscience" is a podcast created by Georgetown senior Sam Li. He initially wanted to start this series as a way to record meaningful conversations he and his friends have on a regular basis. On this podcast, listen to Sam and his friends talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to college. No topic is off limits and Sam hopes to share experiences and insights for people entering college, in college, or curious to reminisce about their college days! Enjoy! Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

Join Georgetown junior Jon (School of Foreign Service) as he discusses feeling burnout at various stages of his academic career and how he was able to come back stronger every time. "College Conscience" is a podcast created by Georgetown senior Sam Li. He initially wanted to start this series as a way to record meaningful conversations he and his friends have on a regular basis. On this podcast, listen to Sam and his friends talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to college. No topic is off limits and Sam hopes to share experiences and insights for people entering college, in college, or curious to reminisce about their college days! Enjoy! Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

Join Georgetown senior Alex (School of Foreign Service) in understanding the SFS education system a bit better! In this episode, Alex talks about how he chose his major (International Politics) as well as his potential minors (French and Statistics) before concluding with how he found his research opportunities."College Conscience" is a podcast created by Georgetown senior Sam Li. He initially wanted to start this series as a way to record meaningful conversations he and his friends have on a regular basis. On this podcast, listen to Sam and his friends talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to college. No topic is off limits and Sam hopes to share experiences and insights for people entering college, in college, or curious to reminisce about their college days! Enjoy! Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

Join Yale undergrad student Allie in her journey through social environments at Yale. Allie talks about her living situations (including her awesome roommates), learning about club dynamics, and more! "College Conscience" is a podcast created by Georgetown senior Sam Li. He initially wanted to start this series as a way to record meaningful conversations he and his friends have on a regular basis. On this podcast, listen to Sam and his friends talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to college. No topic is off limits and Sam hopes to share experiences and insights for people entering college, in college, or curious to reminisce about their college days! Enjoy! Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

Join Georgetown junior Aryaman in discussing the difficult and interesting transition from high school to college. As someone who started college online due to the pandemic, Aryaman describes his journey from North Dakota to D.C., and what he has learned along the way."College Conscience" is a podcast created by Georgetown senior Sam Li. He initially wanted to start this series as a way to record meaningful conversations he and his friends have on a regular basis. On this podcast, listen to Sam and his friends talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to college. No topic is off limits and Sam hopes to share experiences and insights for people entering college, in college, or curious to reminisce about their college days! Enjoy! Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

Join Georgetown junior Maggie and explore the world of reading! Hear how Maggie got her start with reading books, why reading is so important in challenging our existing systems, and how to build reading communities in life.  "College Conscience" is a podcast created by Georgetown junior Sam Li. He initially wanted to start this series as a way to record meaningful conversations he and his friends have on a regular basis. On this podcast, listen to Sam and his friends talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to college. No topic is off limits and Sam hopes to share experiences and insights for people entering college, in college, or curious to reminisce about their college days! Enjoy! Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

Join Georgetown junior Kailey (Georgetown College) to discuss how to deal with the highs and lows of college professional, academic, and personal life. Through this topic, Kailey guides us through how to pick ourselves back up after experiencing failure, whether that's in a club, a relationship, and more. Additionally, she talks about her personal experiences with iterations and why they are so crucial to success in college."College Conscience" is a podcast created by Georgetown junior Sam Li. He initially wanted to start this series as a way to record meaningful conversations he and his friends have on a regular basis. On this podcast, listen to Sam and his friends talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to college. No topic is off limits and Sam hopes to share experiences and insights for people entering college, in college, or curious to reminisce about their college days! Enjoy! Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

Join Georgetown junior Tyler (Georgetown College) and dive into the world of self-care! Tyler takes us through his journey with self-care, from learning its definition to making his own. Tyler also talks about how entering college in a virtual setting forced him to adapt his self-care routines and why it is so important for everyone to have their own methods. Lastly, Tyler leaves us with some tips on how to improve our own self-care!"College Conscience" is a podcast created by Georgetown junior Sam Li. He initially wanted to start this series as a way to record meaningful conversations he and his friends have on a regular basis. On this podcast, listen to Sam and his friends talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to college. No topic is off limits and Sam hopes to share experiences and insights for people entering college, in college, or curious to reminisce about their college days! Enjoy!TW: Depression, Anxiety. Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

Hear Georgetown sophomore Anjali (School of Foreign Service) describe her experience with friend groups at Georgetown and how to continue finding new ones. Anjali delves into the unique friend culture at her high school and what that meant for her initial experiences at Georgetown. She brings us to the present and future with her insights on Georgetown friends throughout the underclassmen years and where to go from here."College Conscience" is a podcast created by Georgetown junior Sam Li. He initially wanted to start this series as a way to record meaningful conversations he and his friends have on a regular basis. On this podcast, listen to Sam and his friends talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to college. No topic is off limits and Sam hopes to share experiences and insights for people entering college, in college, or curious to reminisce about their college days! Enjoy! Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

Georgetown junior Aditya (McDonough School of Business) as he delves into the world of professional development at Georgetown! Aditya gives helpful advice on getting involved with business clubs and seeking out opportunities around campus and off campus. Additionally, Aditya provides an introduction to finance recruiting, which is perfect timing for next semester's cycle. Hear him "make cents"!"College Conscience" is a podcast created by Georgetown junior Sam Li. He initially wanted to start this series as a way to record meaningful conversations he and his friends have on a regular basis. On this podcast, listen to Sam and his friends talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to college. No topic is off limits and Sam hopes to share experiences and insights for people entering college, in college, or curious to reminisce about their college days! Enjoy! Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

Join Georgetown junior Amanda (Georgetown College) and dive deep with us into the exciting and scary world of friendship and relationship building. In this episode, Amanda touches on various topics including how she made her first friends at Georgetown, how she maintains a close-knit of friends, and the importance of communication at all levels as relationships grow and change. "College Conscience" is a podcast created by Georgetown junior Sam Li. He initially wanted to start this series as a way to record meaningful conversations he and his friends have on a regular basis. On this podcast, listen to Sam and his friends talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to college. No topic is off limits and Sam hopes to share experiences and insights for people entering college, in college, or curious to reminisce about their college days! Enjoy! Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

Join Georgetown junior Eri (School of Foreign Service) to hear her perspective on what it is like to successfully lead clubs. Eri has held several leadership positions in both the cultural and political spaces at Georgetown (The Japan Network - President, BridgeUSA - Director of Events) and definitely has many great insights to share. Listen in on these tips and experiences Eri has to offer as you go forth with your own organizations and passions!"College Conscience" is a podcast created by Georgetown junior Sam Li. He initially wanted to start this series as a way to record meaningful conversations he and his friends have on a regular basis. On this podcast, listen to Sam and his friends talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to college. No topic is off limits and Sam hopes to share experiences and insights for people entering college, in college, or curious to reminisce about their college days! Enjoy! Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

Tune in to hear Georgetown junior Brandon (School of Foreign Service) discuss important aspects of club culture at Georgetown. Brandon helps us understand how to navigate the ins and outs of clubs as well as how to build effective communities within these organizations. In addition, Brandon talks about how to begin addressing potential problems with clubs and how it is never too late to find and join clubs one might be interested in!"College Conscience" is a podcast created by Georgetown junior Sam Li. He initially wanted to start this series as a way to record meaningful conversations he and his friends have on a regular basis. On this podcast, listen to Sam and his friends talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to college. No topic is off limits and Sam hopes to share experiences and insights for people entering college, in college, or curious to reminisce about their college days! Enjoy! Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

Join Georgetown junior Hillary (School of Foreign Service + McDonough School of Business) to break into the world of creativity and dance. Hillary is a very accomplished dancer dating back to her early years of childhood. While dancing has taken a bit of a backseat in college, Hillary continues to find new ways to use what she has learned from dance to be more creative and fearless than ever. Learn how Hillary plans to continue being creative and listen til the end to see what her future plans with dance entail."College Conscience" is a podcast created by Georgetown junior Sam Li. He initially wanted to start this series as a way to record meaningful conversations he and his friends have on a regular basis. On this podcast, listen to Sam and his friends talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to college. No topic is off limits and Sam hopes to share experiences and insights for people entering college, in college, or curious to reminisce about their college days! Enjoy! Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe

Join Georgetown junior Erica (School of Foreign Service) to learn about networking in a variety of different fields. Over the past year, Erica has had substantial experience in networking that she would love to share! In this episode, you will learn about timing, message content, and getting the most out of your networking calls. Enjoy!"College Conscience" is a podcast created by Georgetown junior Sam Li. He initially wanted to start this series as a way to record meaningful conversations he and his friends have on a regular basis. On this podcast, listen to Sam and his friends talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to college. No topic is off limits and Sam hopes to share experiences and insights for people entering college, in college, or curious to reminisce about their college days! Enjoy! Get full access to Mindful Morsels by Sam H Li at samhli.substack.com/subscribe