Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than we realize. With the benefit of hindsight, we asked some wise and experienced members of our community whether they think they are doing what they were meant to do or told to do.

Melanie Stimmell (Van Latum)

I’ve always known I was meant to be a creative and I wanted to travel — I just wasn’t set on the specifics. I worked hard, learned all I could and let opportunities guide me. I just made sure to choose wisely along the way. Read More>>

Francis Peña

I truly believe I’m doing what I was born to do. I’ve been drumming since I was two years old, and no one in my family was a musician before me, not my mom or my dad. Without sounding arrogant, it feels like this path chose me as much as I chose it, and I can’t imagine doing anything else. Read More>>

Alan Mercer

I am most definitely doing what I as born to do. I was told to do so many other things and I just couldn’t relate. Also, my profession is so difficult, you can only do it if you feel you have no other choice. Read More>>

Anthony Giallanzo

I’m doing what I was born to do. It wasn’t always a straight path, and there were times when I felt the pressure to follow more traditional expectations. But over time, I realized my passion lies in building something meaningful from the ground up—something that brings people joy, confidence, and connection. A quote that really resonates with me is from P.T. Read More>>

Foluke Houston-Gaddis

Man, listen… If my parents had their way, I would’ve been Dr. Houston right now. I was pre-med at Jackson State University, thinking I was gonna save lives one stethoscope at a time—until I hit those labs. That was my humbling season. I realized I had the passion for impact, but not for blood and petri dishes. Read More>>

Toby Kearton

I feel like I’m doing what I was meant to do because filmmaking gives me the chance to create situations where people can connect with their own emotions in a deeper way. Ever since I started, I’ve been drawn to stories that sit with you afterwards and linger in your subconscious, prompting you to reflect on yourself and the world we live in. Read More>>