We asked some of the brightest folks from within the community to reflect back on their days in school and to share with us a story of when they learned a particularly important or impactful lesson. We’ve shared highlights below.
Esperanza Garcia

The most important lesson I learned while I attended UHCL is to take criticism/constructive criticism/feedback with grace. As a designer, you sometimes get attached to your work and it’s your baby. When anybody comes back with feedback it may feel like a personal attack. It is important to understand that feedback can help you grow as a designer. A new set of eyes can help immensely and it will teach you to communicate why you did what you did and to stand up for your work as well. Read more>>
Ashley Schenkein

The most important lesson I learned at the Revere Jewelry Academy was the importance of having a strong pulse on how to design and make jewelry regardless of whether I planned on making jewelry versus having a production team in the future. This has been invaluable and has informed my designs largely due to understanding what is in the realm of possibility, what is functional and having a keen eye for quality control. Read more>>
Melanie Rae Perez

In school I learned a myriad of things, however some of the most potent lessons that I have taken from my school experience have happened beyond the classroom. My main takeaway from my years of studies is to trust myself and my abilities. Trusting myself and my path has been a lesson I continually learn but in the past year I have rooted down into what it is to trust fully. For years I doubted myself, my intelligence, and my ability to take on unique opportunities. Read more>>
Denise Trio

In college, I studied architecture. The studio was where I spent so many hours a week with my fellow students. In all of my design courses, I was given a design brief, specifications, and a deadline to meet. One of my first projects, I thought would take me no time at all, until I began and realized that I did not give myself enough time. I didn’t understand all that was involved. I rushed through and squeaked by the finish line, but I was exhausted at the end of it, and I didn’t do as well as I know that I could have. Read more>>