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.

Taylor Watkins

Every day……. All jokes aside, it is a thought that goes through every artists head. I have always said that I will play music no matter what happens in life. It is the only certainty. That being said, it is a struggle to try to make your name as an artist. Read More>>

Kedar Karkare PhD

More times than I care to count. Honestly, nearly every day. Every day feels like getting up from the mat—physically, emotionally, spiritually. The weight of the unknown, the loneliness of the path, the sheer exhaustion of building something meaningful… it adds up. And yet, we persist. Not because it’s easy. But because something deeper keeps calling. So I rise. Again and again. Read More>>

Anthony Scalabrino

Always, however, I have NEVER given up. I always press on and rebound immediately after a set back. Example: after my latest layoff, I was on the streets selling amaretto that very next day. I have never accepted complete failure and never will. We are certainly defined by our challenges and struggles but most importantly the character we exhibit during and after those trials. Read More>>

TaKenya

Several, honestly. But there are two moments that really shaped me. The first was in college. I graduated high school and went to college at 17 as a first-generation student. My mom insisted I go, but she didn’t have the tools to guide me through getting there and being successful once I was in. Read More>>