1. In response to another student, the student practicing tai chi says, "Fear is as strong as the mind allows.” Is that true for you? Does this statement suggest we ignore fear, suppress it, or transcend it? Are there differences among these three choices?

2. One student bombed an exam and fears she will lose her scholarship. Another student froze during an oral report and now hates himself. One has just had it with the stress. What do their responses say about the expectations these students have of themselves? How do they deal with the possibility of failure?

3. One student says she is going to forget the problem and skip the rest of her classes for the semester. Is that a good way to cope? Is she "sticking her head in the sand"? What might be the benefit of temporarily "forgetting" a problem? Do you think ignoring a problem—hoping it will go away—is a common practice among students?

4. In the end, the student practicing tai chi and dispensing unsolicited advice has a pillow swung at him for his efforts. Why? For you, when does heartfelt advice go too far and start feeling like the person is being preachy or morally superior?

5. Have you exercised more control over your emotions since you have arrived at college? How did you achieve that? Who are some of your role models in this regard?