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.

Marion Pugh

I learned that my purpose will always have more power than my profession and that a major is a direction and not a destination. People have been misguided and manipulated into going specific routes, whether it be college, trade, or military services. Nothing is wrong with each path, but people are not being honest about the reason why people are choosing these routes. Without purpose your profession could feel like a complete waste of time. Read more>>

Ryan Holland

In college, I spent every summer abroad. My longest stint was in Bolivia for a study abroad. I volunteered there working in a library. Living in La Paz and working with people from all walks of life opened my eyes to intricacies in the nonprofit world I had never seen before. I will never forget one chilly night, sitting in a downtown cafe. I watched as a group of wealthier women chatted outside. Another woman came up to ask for spare change. Read more>>

Celia Pickering

Distracted, lack of confidence and being a teenager. Sadly I didn’t listen to my art teachers and lectures at Art college, my lack of confidence and distractions stopped me completing my studies. Although I was asked to stay, work hard and they knew I could do well, I really didn’t appreciate the importance of what of sticking it out and on with my course work. Read more>>

Andrea Redic

Growing Up I never understood why my grandmother didn’t allow us to do everything our peers where doing at our ages. I thought she was just a mean granny. Hindsight, I now understand it made me who I am today. The ability to move alone the ability to do when no ones else thinks it can be done. The ability to to be stretched and not fold. The ability to make good decision in spite of outside influence. Now, as a business owner all of those abilities and characteristic traits has allow me to grow my business and Sustain my business through all types of obstacles even a pandemic! Read more>>