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.

Briana Ellis Hoag

The most important lesson I have learned is that designers are valued for our thought process and not just our technical skillset. Architecture school taught me how to think like a designer, not to draft buildings. “Design Thinking” means you see opportunities where others see problems. You are able to visualize the solution and articulate it, whether that’s via word or sketch. Read more>>

Aiden Santino

Amidst the world of football, I discovered a vital life lesson – the art of goal setting, unwavering perseverance, and pushing the limits of personal boundaries. The football field served as the canvas for this revelation, each play a testament to self-discipline and the rewards of stepping beyond comfort zones. Read more>>

Maria Fournier

This isn’t necessarily about school, but I learned a lot about rejection and resilience from a young age, thanks to music. Read more>>

Margo Huntley

I would say that the most important lesson I learned in school, which is also widely applicable, was on fortitude as it relates to success. Read more>>

Stella Golden

While I was in school I started off studying concept design but always felt like there was an element to concept design that was lacking. I always have loved writing and storytelling and even though storytelling is very important in concept design, I wanted to express story even more in my work. I then was approached by a few of my teachers who saw that I could write and make interesting stories and encouraged me to try storyboarding. Read more>>