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.

Kia Todd

One of the most important lessons I learned in school was how to advocate for myself and later, how to advocate for others. I didn’t realize it at the time, but learning to speak up, ask questions, and navigate different personalities gave me the foundation I now use every day as a talent agent.
I also learned how much power there is in listening. In school, you’re surrounded by people with different stories, perspectives, and dreams and paying attention to those differences taught me empathy and intuition, which are both essential in this business. Whether I’m negotiating a deal or supporting a client through a tough moment, those early lessons still show up for me. Read more>>

Sheridonna Wilson

One of the most important lessons I learned in school is this: stay true to yourself, your passion, and your dreams—and the rest will follow.

Picture this: I was attending Bryant & Stratton College in Liverpool, upstate New York. In high school, I studied computer design—things like morphing images and creating digital homes so naturally, when it came time for college, I thought I’d pursue graphic design. But life took a turn. I got married in my early 20s, had two beautiful children, Joseph and Isabella, and moved to New York with my then husband. Still, something inside me knew I needed to go back to school not just to provide for my family, but to make myself proud. Read more>>

Carmen Gomez

I moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, from Puerto Rico at fifteen, not speaking English, and attended the Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School. The school is well known for its athletics, academics, innovation, and proximity to some of the best colleges in the country. I was nervous but ready to make friends and learn English to prepare for college. Two years passed, and it was time to start the college application process. By this time, I had significantly improved in learning the language, made many friends, and attended every possible school event and party within a five-mile radius. I met with my guidance counselor, who gave me a to-do list. Getting letters of recommendation was one of the items on the list, and one I thought would be simple to accomplish. I made an appointment with my English teacher as I worked the hardest on this class. I prepared for the meeting as best I could. Read more>>

Bethanne Knudson

When I was an undergraduate at the Kansas City Art Institute, friends would ask why I attended lectures sponsored by other departments when they weren’t required. My answer was simple: why wouldn’t I take advantage of them? I found them invaluable. They exposed me to a wide range of creative thinking. I learned more about being a professional artist from those artists lectures than from any other art school experience. Read more>>