“People with high self-esteem do esteemable things.” It was after she spoke those words that I knew I had to get Shallon Lester on The Catalyst. Shallon has developed a niche for herself on YouTube that’s not only refreshing but impactful. Pulling from her background in celebrity journalism, she packages her high level analysis of celebrities--their dramas and antics--to present her audience with tangible, easy-to-implement truths and facts that are life-changing. It may sound far-fetched, but she wouldn’t have been crowned ‘The 21st Century Carrie Bradshaw’ by Penguin Random House (with whom she’s a published author) if it wasn’t true. For more, visit the-catalyst.net.

When I first met Evan Wesley, I was running an election to become an International Trustee for Key Club International—the world largest and oldest high school service organization. It was during my time in Key Club International that Evan and I bonded over our mutual love and passion for public service and activism. In this episode, I sat down with my old friend, Evan Wesley, to discuss the incredible work and impact he's helped catalyzed while at the helm of the Thirst Project, the world’s leading youth water activism organization—a nonprofit that exclusively tackles the water crisis. To learn more visit the thirstproject.org and the-catalyst.net.

Before the start of my second semester, I participated in a mindfulness program with fellow Harvard classmates where the dean of our college, Dean Rakesh Khurana, spoke to us during an intimate group conversation. A moment that stuck out to me the most from the conversation was when Dean Khurana said, “focus on doing things that will lead to a worthy obituary rather than resume-building.” Upon hearing Dean Khurana’s comment, I instantly recognized that I’m guilty of doing exactly what Dean Khurana warns students not to do. His comment, my experience during the wellness program, and several impactful moments during my freshman year inspired me to interview Dean Khurana as my first guest for The Catalyst. In my first episode we spoke of Harvard’s subculture, having a meaningful college experience, and his advice to students. For more, visit http://www.the-catalyst.net.