We connected with some of the most resilient folks in the community and one of the most insightful questions we had an opportunity to ask centered around whether there was ever a time they almost gave up. Highlighting some of the responses below.
Isaiah Vaughn
I’ve been on several auditions over the years, and no matter how prepared I am, I still get nervous. There was one audition in particular where I put in a lot of work on the script and built up confidence through practice, but when the moment came, I completely fell flat. Read more>>
Vlado Kolenic
I am an open book. What you see what you get. Giga tells me many, many times to be quiet but that’s not me. I don’t care what people think about me. Who cares? In the big picture nothing really matters but family and friends. Read more>>
Malia Good
Yes. Last year I was apprenticing to be a tattoo artist. I got into a car accident coming into the new year which altered my path of finishing my apprenticeship. It was such a challenge finding the right apprenticeship & although the journey was a challenge, I hate I didn’t finish. Read more>>
Al Scavelli
Too many to reference, but it’s a drive that comes from doing something I love & enjoy to get me through the tough times. Read more>>
Katie Tschida
Yes, there was a time I almost gave up. During my deployment, I felt restricted and isolated. I didn’t have close friends in my own unit, and it often felt like I was pushing uphill to get through the day. What helped me was reaching outside of my immediate circle and building friendships with people in other units on base. Read more>>
Edward Amey
Yes This was actually the turning point as well. I was 28 yrs old and I was sitting in prison for the 3rd time on Eastham Unit which is now called the Wainewright Unit in lovelady Tx working in the Hogbarn cleaning up hog mess as a job from 430am-230pm with 1 lunch break from 11am-12pm. Read more>>
Amber Simpson
Ha! I almost gave up before I even started. I had my very first “real job” interview of my aspiring career in social work field when I completed my bachelor’s and, starting my masters, social work program. I was applying to be an “after hours crisis clinician” at a local community mental health agency in Southern Illinois. Read more>>
Jamie McDonald
Absolutely. Probably as recent as last week! Haha… if you give me enough time I will certainly find room to question myself and my dreams. But my friends, the band, my partner, my community… they help me find purpose in my art every day. They keep me inspired and reassured that our world is better with expression in it. Read more>>
Tiffanie Walker
One of the biggest lies the wellness industry tells itself is that healing is quick, linear, or one-size-fits-all. There is often an expectation that a single session, a supplement, or a trendy practice will solve everything instantly. In reality, true wellness is a journey that involves patience, self-awareness, and consistent care for both body and mind. Read more>>
