Category: Uncategorized
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Building Bridges: A Day to Celebrate Perseverance and Progress
As I walked out of the ballroom today, I took a deep breath—a deep, satisfying breath. Not of relief, but of pride. Pride in my team, our partners, and the students who have entrusted us with their future. Today’s Building Bridges event was not just another day on the calendar. It was a milestone, a…
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Taking Accountability Without Blame: A Personal Journey
For years, I mastered the art of avoiding accountability. It was always someone else’s fault — my circumstances, the people around me, the situations that seemed out of my control. I had countless reasons to deflect blame, and while they all felt justified, they did little to move me forward, personally or professionally. It wasn’t…
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Overcoming the Enemy Within: How to Stop Standing in Your Own Way
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that our biggest obstacles lie outside of us—difficult circumstances, toxic relationships, a lack of opportunity. But what happens when you start to realize the true enemy is the one looking back at you in the mirror? This isn’t about being overly critical of yourself or dismissing…
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Navigating Life’s Chaos: Lessons from a Walk Through the Mall
Yesterday, as I walked through the mall, I was struck by the constant hum of life happening around me. The chatter of teenagers hanging out near the food court, the cries of restless toddlers as their parents attempted to soothe them, and the slow but steady steps of elderly shoppers making their way from store…
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The Weight of False Expectations: When We Expect Others to Do the Work We Aren’t Willing to Do
In the world of personal growth and community programs, there’s an underlying assumption that change is easy—that if we sign up for a program, attend a few workshops, or show up when it’s convenient, our lives will transform. It’s a tempting narrative. I’ve seen it time and time again in my work with nonprofits and…
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Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone: Facing Imposter Syndrome Head On
Stepping out of your comfort zone can feel like walking a tightrope—every step uncertain, every breeze threatening to knock you off balance. The unfamiliar territory is scary for anyone, but for those of us wrestling with imposter syndrome, it can feel like venturing into the storm completely unprepared, a fraud waiting to be exposed. I’ve…
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We Are Our Own Worst Critic: Embracing Mistakes and Moving Forward
I’ve made mistakes—plenty of them. Some were minor, and others were life-altering. Yet, through every misstep, I learned one thing that rings true time and time again: no one can be as hard on me as I am on myself. We all make mistakes, but the real challenge comes not from others judging us, but…
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Why Employers Need to Connect with Nonprofits Like Persevere
In today’s competitive and socially-conscious business environment, the connection between employers and nonprofits has become a powerful catalyst for change. For companies looking to make a significant impact, aligning with mission-driven organizations like Persevere offers a unique opportunity to contribute to society while building a skilled and dedicated workforce. Persevere is a nonprofit that provides…
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Suicide Prevention Month: A Time to Reflect on Personal Journeys
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time when awareness is raised, stories are shared, and lives are honored. Suicide affects so many of us—whether through the loss of a loved one, a personal struggle, or supporting someone through their darkest moments. For me, this month carries deep significance. It brings back memories of my own…
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Finding Yourself: A Journey Through Uncertainty and Growth
Finding yourself sounds like such a lofty goal, something we often hear in self-help books or during pivotal moments in movies. But what does it really mean? For most of us, the process of discovering who we truly are isn’t about a dramatic epiphany; it’s about a slow, sometimes messy, unraveling. It’s about sorting through…
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