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.

Tandis Esfandiari

I think being in an environment with like minded students can be a blessing and a curse. I had the privilege of graduating from SMU this May and it was the most challenging/best four years of my life. Going to the COX school of business, I learned how to think strategically and logically. Conquering the entrepreneurial iceberg is not an easy feat and I’m still working on it! One of the most impactful lessons I learned from school is to value your ideas and have integrity. Read more>>

Nikaylah Langston

In the realm of content creation and entrepreneurship, one of the most important lessons I learned came from a memorable experience during my high school years. It was a lesson about staying the course, which means not giving up when things get tough or don’t go according to plan. This lesson has had a profound impact on my journey as a content creator and entrepreneur, and I’d like to share the story behind it. Read more>>

Mariah Valencia

Hi everyone who’s is reading I’m so thankful today to say that I have completed all my test and hours for cosmetology school at Hollywood Institute of Beauty Careers. I had started about a year ago and five months. I was behind five months because I always had so much to do with being a full time mother and working during the mornings at an adult day care with patients with disabilities named, Gold Coast Loving Care. Read more>>

Courtney Petrin

I didn’t grow up thinking I was going to be a business owner. In fact I was a pretty creative somewhat introverted child. I didn’t have much confidence. Then in my teenage years I struggled even more with confidence. I was pretty shy and insecure as we all often are. It was all confounded by a lot of trauma and abuse that really followed me. Read more>>

Laura Wolff

I think the most important lesson anyone can learn is how to build/cultivate genuine relationships. The relationships you form as a child are the foundation of how you continue to build relationships throughout your adult life. I can remember being the girl who wasn’t a part of any particular group but could float from click to click, and get along with everyone. Growing up my mom instilled in us that you are to love all people no matter what. So my life has been about loving the people in my life the best I can. Read more>>

Stephan Durand

I think the most impactful lesson I learn from school came from one of my favorite Chef Instructors in Culinary School. He said to me that no matter how famous and successful I become in my career and in life, the most important thing I will ever do in my life is to share my knowledge with others. The impact you leave behind by helping others will be more meaningful to you than any accomplishment. Read more>>

Stina （Siqiong） Wen

One of the most important things I learned in grad school is to have the courage to try and face failure. During my graduate study period, there was a greater emphasis placed on cultivating our independent study skills and exercising autonomy in selecting research topics or directions, rather than solely adhering to the guidance of professors. This is the best stage of trial and error. You have enough space to try anything you want, such as various materials, techniques, or design styles. Read more>>