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.

Edward Deshazer

The biggest lesson I learned in school is that the structures of school often struggle with a student’s super powers. Schools are structured to get students to comply and sit in rows. I was a student who needed to move around to be engaged. My report card often said, “he talks too much” and “he can’t sit still.” Those were actually my super powers. Read more>>

Kathryn Starke

As a former inner-city elementary school teacher and now as a national literacy consultant, I spend most of my days in schools around the country. I always learn something new. Interestingly enough, I didn’t go into the field of education because of any of my teachers, but because of my mom and her sisters (who were all teachers). Read more>>

Adam Coffey

When I entered college, I viewed myself to be quite smart. I had done well in high school, with not a whole lot of effort and time devoted to my academic success. However, I was not prepared for the challenges facing me in my undergraduate coursework. After my first semester, I chose to reassess my intended major, not only because I didn’t find it very interesting, but also due to my somewhat bleak grades. Read more>>