Another impactful day of learning and growth from Things I Wish I Knew Yesterday!

Mariana and Arie led us through the powerful reminder that it matters how you say it. They challenged us to be mindful not just of what we say, but how we communicate whether verbally, through text, or email. Sometimes our words can be interpreted in ways we never intended. Arie made it personal by sharing a story from her own family, reflecting on how she’s learning to be more thoughtful in both her words and her delivery.

Josie followed with a message we all needed: control what you can control. She reminded us that our responsibility isn’t the outcome it’s our effort. Through a heartfelt personal story, she showed how she chose to move forward instead of staying stuck in disappointment. Her activity brought it all together as we drew two circles an inner circle for what we can control, and an outer circle for what we cannot. A simple but powerful visual we won’t forget.

We wrapped up with a special guest, Erik Galu from Saluki Entrepreneurship Corp at SIU. Through his work with the Center for Innovation, Small Business Development Center, and the Southern Illinois Entrepreneurship Center, he is helping to inform, support, and inspire college students to pursue entrepreneurship and create opportunities of their own.

Grateful for voices that challenge us to communicate better, think deeper, and grow stronger every day. #JacksonCEO