How do we, as educators, make academic material relevant? How can we translate the immense value held in considered and empirically-relevant theory in a way that not only makes sense to our students, but empowers them to improve their ability to reason and act?

Authentic experience is the key.

Below you will find an authentic, uncut, un-edited, and unscripted reflection of the first time I took a group of students to Silicon Valley. Please excuse its rough nature: I wish to share it in all its unpolished reality. I was exhausted, mentally and physically: it was day 5 and a concept I had dreamed of had come to fruition and was coming to a close.

This is why we do what we do.