They have a lot of colleges and universities (in Michigan), ... but they don't have a lot of jobs.

It is much easier to be accepted if you play like everyone else, and you will get more jobs. It depends on where your values lie.

These buildings are a tangible sign to me that this community cares about its young people, ... And that is what matters most in the whole scheme of things.

The island is a one-stop shop for wilderness and outdoor adventure. You can get your feet dirty by day and be pampered at night.

(The students) have room numbers on their schedules that they haven't seen before, ... but they seem to be getting to their classes OK.

Pessimistic" is a word for "realistic" that optimists use to make themselves feel better (about their unrealisticness).