Marvin Gardens

It’s hard to believe that all dogs share 99% of their DNA with wolves. You know, those fierce, majestic creatures of the wild, hunting in packs, howling at the moon? And then there’s my basset hound, Marvin, who recently had surgery to remove a rock from his small intestine. Yes, a rock.

Let’s just say he’s not exactly a strategic hunter.

Post-op, whenever Marvin needs to go outside, I’ve confined him to a patch of grass in the backyard using chicken wire, with the addition of a box-shaped rattan chair as a makeshift gate. This way, Marvin can get fresh air and do his business without feeling tempted by any of the delectable looking stones, twigs or mulch he usually finds near the back of the yard.

The moral of the story? Whenever you want to do something but feel tired or intimidated, remember: just 1% can be the difference between success and, well, rock eaters. In education, the smallest change—whether it’s in advising, marketing or program design—can seriously impact the student experience for the better.