Never give up. It’s advice that is thrown around daily – but is it always right? We asked some folks we admire about their thoughts around how to know when to give up and when to keep trying

Jaleccia Ates | Wedding Photographer

If you have tried to give up and throw in the towel when the going got tough but life, purpose, and passion through the towel right back, that’s how you know you have to keep going. Our gifts and passions make room for us and although the road isn’t always easy, if we were created for it, we’re built to see it through. Read more>>

Dr. Sheryl Smith | Business Administration Department Chair, Business/Management/Marketing/Economics

One thing that I have learned in life is that giving up is not always an option. No matter how difficult the path may seem, no matter how easy it is to retreat back to what seems to be the familiar, we must continue the journey for the greater good. I often tell my students, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” If the task at hand is going to be beneficial to you or add value to an organization, the community, or the world, then it is worth not giving up. Read more>>

Kat Dent | Artist

Truthfully, I think my main motivator to keep creating is the drive to create itself. I genuinely love creating, whether it be for myself or for others, and I think falling in love with the process of creation rather than the outcome of it is what keeps me going. Read more>>

Elaine Madej | Artist & Art/Gift Shop Owner

Through out my life giving up was never an option. Sometimes I had to change my course to obtain my goal, but in the end I achieved what I set out to do. The year 2020 made me question a lot of things, as it did with so many. There was a point that I was done, beaten, and ready to give up. I went to the store with all intent to pack everything up and start the shutdown process. When I got to the store one of our artists who does prayer flags had hung above the door a set of flags with a dancing bear saying EWBOK- Everything Will Be OK. Read more>>