On a sunny afternoon in late March, two of our reporters — Ella and Jolie — took to the streets of downtown Palo Alto with one goal in mind: to receive real and raw advice from community members coming from all walks of life. Their answers — personal, insightful and a little political — include words they hope to share to young audiences. 

Just outside Bell’s Books on Emerson Street, we ran into Steve and Beth Armstrong, a couple who generously answered our questions. They’ve been together for fifty-eight years and shared a few of their favorite life lessons, with sprinkles of political spice.

Shortly after, we spoke to Chris and Tranquila near the Palo Alto City Hall. We learned about their unique names and stories through their responses.

1. What is one piece of advice you have for young kids?

Steve: Make sure you have fun every day to the fullest. I don’t never look back. I think back, but I always look forward to the next day. You never know what’s gonna happen, [so] experience it. Don’t be afraid to do things that are different, or expose yourself to stuff that’s different.

Beth: Listen to the people around you, no matter who they are. You’ll gain a wider knowledge of the world because listening is important.

Chris: Life is gonna kick you in the teeth. It does quite a lot, even if you don’t think it does. But, if you just look on the positive side. Also, a very, very important thing, because it helped me a lot, is if you’re in a position to help people, help always. If you see someone on the floor, pick them up, don’t just kick them.

2. What is a core lesson that you’ve learned?

Steve: I’d say, any mistakes you made, just forget them and move on. You don’t have to deny them like Donald Trump does, but don’t dwell in the past, and just put it behind.

Beth: Live a day at a time. Get as much out of it as you can.

Chris: Just be kind. Be kind.

Tranquila: Do not be envious or jealous of no one. You are unique.

All responses are direct transcriptions from our interviews.