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.
Samuel Oppong
I learned throughout my school life that the most significant successes come from having the freedom to fail hard. Ideas don’t come out fully formed, they only become more apparent as you work on them. You just must get started. Planning and creating more opportunities are the secret to life. Another thing I learned is the most interesting, accomplished people I know all have a vision for their lives. Read more>>
Daniela Perez-Reyes
Cooking is an art form and a passion that people love sharing with others. Those who typically choose to follow this career path go into culinary school with the idea of learning new techniques, recipes and ways to improve their talents, but rarely do they think about the business side of things. Many artists are stumped when they realize that if they want to make it in their industry, Read more>>
Simone McDowell
This question made me go all the way back to being a college senior at Bowie State University. I was picking classes for my last semester and I needed a general elective. I almost decided on a hard math class and my advisor asked me why didn’t I choose something else. After all, I only needed a general elective. There weren’t many classes available due to timing, my schedule, etc. but I revisited the options upon my advisor’s nudge. Read more>>
Leah Brower
As a full-time calligrapher, I am often asked I if I went to school for art and while I did go to a liberal arts school, I didn’t take any art classes. Instead I pursued my undergadin their psychology program and went on to their grad school for my masters in counseling and human development. In the last 8 years of owning my small business I have learned that it is just as important to understand people as it is to understand the art of calligraphy. Read more>>
Martinique Ilona
Picture it, Stone Mountain 1996, I was attending Redan High School and just made the varsity drill team. Dancing in front of The Blue Thunder marching band! I was so excited! Band Camp had just begun and if you have ever been apart of a show style band you know band camp is brutal! LOL. They broke us off into sectionals after the commands training and we began to learn choreography for the upcoming dance feature. Read more>>
Dr. Krisshundria James
The most important thing I learned is always put God first. Seek God, pray and thank God daily and stay in The Word of God(The Bible)! I learned God will never leave you nor forsake you! In middle school and high school I learned to never give up and push yourself to greatness even when no one believes in you. I also learned that no matter what pain you experience in life, God loves you no matter what and you are fearfully and wonderfully made! Read more>>