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.

Jonnisa Ware

In my small business management class my instructor, Laura Manyweather, told us “Every customer is not your customer”, and that has always stuck with me. In business, a lot of times we get stuck on getting as many customers as possible because of course the goal is to get your name & brand out there. However, knowing that some customers don’t fit your brand and vision wether it’s due to budgets, personality or otherwise is so important Read more>>

Vicki Dillard

As an elementary child, I won numerous awards for academic achievement, as well as being the Quietest Student. One day, my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Ivy, put the quietest student before the class to impersonate a weather person. I stunned her. So much so, she called in another teacher to watch me in action. From that point on she put in me in our school plays with leading roles. Read more>>

Peyton Dochterman

I’ve found myself in reflection of my undergraduate schooling a lot recently- probably because I just graduated from my university. I think one of the most impactful lessons I have taken away is that you really can look to mentors in the industry for advice and career help. I decided to take advantage of these relationships early on in my four-year program. Read more>>

Chelsey Anderson

The most important lesson that I learned in school was during my pursuit of a Master’s in Fine Arts (MFA), Studio Art (2018-2022), where I learned to unapologetically trust and believe in myself. Growing up, I was always the quiet, reliable, hardworking, straight-A student that thrived under other people’s praise. In grade school, I could have easily taken that motivation and pursued a role as class president, head a student committee or club, etc. Read more>>