We asked folks a question that led to many surprising answers – some sad, some thought-provoking and some funny. We’ve highlighted a cross section of those responses below.
Maude Favre
As a child, I grew up with parents who believed that I wasn’t smart enough and that academic degrees weren’t very important. The focus in my environment was mostly on learning practical skills, so I didn’t immediately recognize the value of my own intelligence and potential. As I grew older, my outlook began to change in wonderful ways. Read more>>
Summer Butler
Growing up, I believed it was my responsibility to manage the emotions of others. As a child of divorce, I often found myself caught in the middle of two homes. I quickly learned to read rooms for safety and stability, stepping into a parental role at a very young age. I thought I had to be the glue that held everything together. Read more>>
Avery Sennin
When I was a kid I used to believe that you had to be certain someone to be successful, that you were just born ‘that guy’. I learned later in life that anyone can be great as long as you believe that you are great right now and put in the work to match that mindset. Read more>>
Natasha Norris
As a child, I believed my voice didn’t matter. I grew up being told to be seen and not heard, so I learned to shrink myself; to stay quiet, even when I had something to say. But now, I know my voice holds power, purpose, and the ability to inspire change. I’ve learned that speaking up isn’t just brave, it’s necessary. Read more>>
