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.

Autumn & Marcus Mohon

Textiles, textiles, textiles! This was by far the most practical course and we often refer back to what was learned when faced with choosing fabrics. In order to create a certain impact or bring together desired tones, it’s essential to understand how textiles complement one another. Our ultimate goal is to use fabrics and other design elements to curate warm, welcoming homes that invite joy and celebration into each and every one of our client’s lives. Read more>>

Givini Vega

One the first lessons I can remember is from one of my instructors in college. I attended my local technical college to obtain my master cosmetology license. As student and in my profession, I can definitely be a bit of a perfectionist. This can be helpful but also be a hinderance due to over thinking, over analyzation and comparing myself to others. This turns into a spiral of self-doubt. Of course, as we were all beauty students, you would think that it would be common sense that we wouldn’t always be successful at the task at hand. Read more>>

Briana Boddie

One of the most important lessons that I have learned in college was: time management and planning. This was significant to me because it helped shape the person that I am today. If I did not learn this important tactic in my marketing classes, I’m not sure where I would be in my life. Read more>>

Genna Espinoza

I always wanted a career to help others. Personally feel like occupational therapy found me and then I feel like working in Pediatrics found me as well. Initially was a physical therapy major and the more I learned about occupational therapy the more I grew to love the scope of practice. I applied to a dual degree program where I would earn my Masters of Occupational Therapy Degree and later my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. While on my first internship at the University of North Carolina I fell more in love with the profession of occupational therapy and decided to drop the DPT and focus on occupational therapy. Read more>>

Gerald Thomas

I never would’ve imagined back in 2008 during freshmen orientation at Philander Smith College in Little Rock, AR that the commitment I made to graduate as an academically accomplished student, grounded as an advocate for social justice, determined to change the world for the better would come full circle almost 15 years later. Read more>>

Krista Lea

There is this philosophy that I heard once. All situations are considered a blessing or a lesson. It really stuck in my mind. In that sense, it is hard to differentiate a specific lesson as more substantial or transformative. I learned so much about life from growing up with sports and athletics. Alan Watts says that experience is the best teacher. Honestly, it was the comradery of soccer that made me love sports and competition. Competitive golf is so different. You literally make a friend or two and that is who you see for four plus hours every day at practice. Read more>>