The conversation is sparked by something real and immediate: the kids are approaching college age. Child 1 just took the ACT and got his first recruitment email. Child 2 is right behind him. Keith and Laura sit down together in the studio to talk about the lessons their college years left behind. College has a way of shaping you in ways you don't fully appreciate until years later. Some of Keith’s favorite lessons weren’t written in any syllabus.

Finding the Energy & EffortKeith went to college because it was what people like him were supposed to do. His parents hadn't gone, he was told he was smart, and that was enough of a reason. He worked evenings throughout most of his college years, was off-campus from noon to 9pm most days, and spent a long time afterward feeling like he'd squandered the experience—like he'd missed out on some opportunities.

Looking back with what he calls "a father's eyes," he recognizes that graduating in spite of his circumstances was an accomplishment, not a failure. He also shares two pivotal lessons from his music advisor, Mr. Roy: first, don't exert maximum effort when it’s not required. Protect your energy for where it matters. Second, you have to know the rules before you can break them. Both of these lessons reshaped how Keith approaches work, creativity, and growth to this day.

When Plans Change, Trust the PivotLaura had a major declared, a career path in mind, and a clear sense of direction—until she didn't. A pivotal advisor opened a door she hadn't known existed, and she pivoted entirely. Far from seeing that as a failure, she views it as one of the best things that ever happened to her. The ability to make a new plan when the old one stops fitting is a skill in itself.

Laura also reflects on the difference between compliance and passion. In her own composition class with Mr. Roy, she followed every rule and he sent her work back anyway, asking for more. Simply checking the box, she realizes, produces something technically sound but uninspired. 

Curiosity and Courage Together, Keith and Laura aren't trying to map out their kids' futures. They want to instill curiosity, the courage to explore, and the confidence to keep moving even when the destination isn't clear yet. They want their kids to feel the pull toward adulthood not the pressure of being pushed into it.

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Passions, Pivots, Regrets and Reframes | College Ruled

00:00 - Welcome Back to In Residence
01:11 - Child 1 Takes the ACT
02:43 - A Place of Self-Discovery
03:44 - "People Like Me Should Go to College"
04:12 - Squandered Experience
11:33 - Parenting Teens Headed to College
14:16 - A Pivotal Mentor
17:31 - Great Connections
20:16 - “Put Your Energy Where It Counts”
25:38 - “Know the Rules Before You Break Them”
26:32 - Passion and Suffering
28:22 - Composition 
34:20 - The Pull vs. Pushed 
40:08 - How Keith and Laura Actually Met
46:28 - Leveling Up in What You Care About
48:13 - Outro
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The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.