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.

Sara Torres

During my undergrad at Kennesaw State University, I had a professor who constantly preached to “adapt and overcome.” I honestly didn’t spend too much time thinking about that concept at first but it finally hit me about halfway through the semester. This professor liked to have us come prepared with 3×5 index cards that we would use to submit quiz answers on. One day there were a few of us who didn’t have cards for whatever reason and we were all panicking. Read more>>

Elisa Sintjago

I really learned what true friendship and true love meant..before you are an adult and you have responsibilities, you can tell who truly loves you and who doesn’t! that was the most valuable lesson I have learned, although I tend to be naive at times, I learned to see straight through the bullshit, that’s why my circle is nice and small, and id like to keep it that way! Read more>>

Gabrielle Monroe

it was early 2017 when i decided to go to trade school to be a nail technician. i was a few years out of high school and going to community college while simultaneously working miscellaneous, soul-crushing jobs, and just missing the point of it all. I decided that i wanted to be paid for something i was actually good at and started looking into nail tech/beauty schools in and around Phoenix. Read more>>

Nicole Middendorf

I learned so many things growing up from my parents. As an only child, first generation to go to college, December bday, and a figure skater being type a, overachiever and perfectionist came natural to me. My figure skating coach worked with me with the power of my mind. I believed if I could vision and believe it I could achieve it. One day I said the word “can’t”. She said it didn’t exist in the dictionary. If I used it I would have to pay her 1.00 I stopped using the word. Read more>>

Katie Swatland

Please see attached PDFs in email titled: 1a_Swatland_Important Lessons 1b_Swatland_Important Lessons_Brushwork_and_the_Breath I have been giving this quite a bit of thought lately. Those formative student years are some of They shape you into the person you are, how you approach solving problems, how you pursue creative ventures, how you treat others, and generally how you move through the world as you grow as a person. the most groundbreaking, exciting, and inspiring times. Read more>>