Sometimes a key moment can make a world of difference in our lives. Those moments are deeply underrepresented in our conversations relative to the importance they play in our lives. We hope to begin to remedy that below.
Abriam Brown
Losing my parents and all of my grandparents shaped how I see the world. It taught me the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. That experience inspired me to help others through their most difficult times with compassion, care, and understanding. Read more>>
Fehia Tangitau
A moment that really changed how I see the world was the first time I got someone ready for their final viewing. Coming from the beauty and film world, I was used to helping people look good for the camera. But in the funeral industry, it felt completely different. I realized that my work was helping a family say goodbye and find a little peace. Read more>>
Jamie Seward
The moment that profoundly shaped how I see the world happened on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. At the time of the climb, I was going through an intensely difficult personal period, and the physical challenge of the ascent mirrored the emotional struggle I was facing. It was truly humbling, incredibly difficult, and there were many times I wanted to quit. Read more>>
Felicia Jackson
One of the most defining moments in my life was realizing I had aged out of the fashion industry. I had spent more than two decades building a career I loved, and after taking a break to raise my kids, I assumed I would step right back into it. But that’s not what happened. Read more>>
Chris Osuch
I wouldn’t say there’s 1 light bulb moment, but there are definitely some things I’ve learned, which drive me. No ones coming to save you. Whether the goal you have is to be: rich/successful, own a business, be a full time artist, or even just to have a family and a quiet life. No one is going to make that happen for you, except you. Read more>>
Jimmia Davis
A moment that really shaped how I see the world was leaving home to join the military. Stepping away from everything familiar—my family, my routines, and even my identity as a dancer—to take on something completely different forced me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. Being in the Army taught me resilience, leadership, and how to stay grounded when life becomes unpredictable. Read more>>
Yashwanth Iragattapu
One moment that truly changed how I see the world was my first solo trip to Germany when I was nineteen. It was the first time I had stepped so far outside my comfort zone. I remember walking through the streets of Cologne, feeling both nervous and excited, and being surprised by how warmly people greeted me. Read more>>
Khalilah Washington
When I realized I am the first African American Muslim woman to own and operate a Hip Hop record label, it hit me how much responsibility comes with that. History has always been shaped in pockets of the past, and I know the impact I’m making has to be documented, protected, and kept alive. Read more>>
Mohammed Widdi
A moment that shaped how I see the world happened when I was very young. I don’t remember my exact age, but I remember being small; looking up at the world, not fully understanding it yet. I was with my mother, and she got into a confrontation with someone who became aggressive toward her. I can still see it clearly, even after all these years. Read more>>
Mai Akdeniz
Visiting a friend in New York in my twenties changed my life forever. Growing up in a small, quiet town in Japan, I was taught to do well in school, finish college, and get a stable 9–5 job to live a good life. I tried to follow that path but always felt like I didn’t quite fit the mold. Read more>>
Kuei-Pi LI
When the world stopped feeling flat and started becoming a sphere—when the two farthest points suddenly connected right in front of me—I realized how much my path had changed. After finishing my MFA degree in Taiwan and start my artist life, I went through a long period of uncertainty and self-doubt. Read more>>
Frank Juárezg
From 2008 – 2010, I participated in a program called TICA (Teacher Institute in Contemporary Art), founded by Phil Baranowski. TICA was such an impactful program that put high school art educators back into the studio. Read more>>
Damian Raven
The moment I became a father. I was 17 and I had just received a full football scholarship to college. Once my son was born, I dedicated myself to raising him. Read more>>
Filip Barbalić
A moment that really shaped how I see the world was my trip to Yucatán, Mexico – especially the time I spent in Valladolid and Playa del Carmen. Being there opened my eyes in a way I didn’t expect. You realize very quickly that we all live on the same planet, yet our realities can be completely different. Read more>>
Liz Pritchard
My surgery took place on June 9th, 2025, to remove my cancer and this was a huge catalyst for helping me reframe how I see myself. Everything was so fast that this specific experience still feels like a dream to me and I’m still processing that I was so close to death. Read more>>
Nicolas Désilus
COVID-19 was very eye opening for me. I realized that we could drop dead at any moment and for that, life need to be lived, fully. Create memories, tell your close ones you love them, try new things, travel, take risk, etc It changed me for the better Read more>>
Sil Azevedo
Nine years ago, after a home fire, my wife and I decided to take a “reset trip” around the world. That journey changed everything for me. Traveling across continents, cultures, and languages, I saw firsthand how deeply interconnected we all are. Read more>>
Amerika Young
I don’t think there was one single moment that shaped how I see the world. It’s something that’s unfolded over time through designing spaces and paying attention to what people live with every day. When you’re growing up, people hand you their version of the world. Read more>>
Brian Belefant
These moments happen a lot. Every few years my entire worldview is shaken. This happens so much that it’s hard for me to use the words “never” and “always” and if you want to call me out of this, yes, I used the words “never” and “always” more than five times already in this interview. Anyway. Most recently was less than a month ago. Read more>>
Lenny Meriño
Having the opportunity to live in a country as diverse and unequal as Brazil gave me many experiences where I could see both sides of the coin, both playing my guitar in public squares and at events where other social spheres were present. Read more>>
Brandy Cooper
I believe it was my first trip outside of the United States. My maternal immediate family took a vacation to Cancun Mexico! I was 16 years old and as you can imagine I am super excited about going out of the country! Read more>>
Ted Chin
One of the biggest moments that shaped how I see the world was the first time I discovered surrealism. I remember realizing that art didn’t have to follow the rules of reality — you could bend it, twist it, reimagine it, and create something completely new. That idea changed everything for me. Read more>>
Kendall Robinson
I believe the privilege and opportunity to travel the world extensively has shaped the way I view myself and the world. I am 25 years old and I’ve been to 37 countries. I started traveling with my family at a very young age but the bulk of my international travel happened after I graduated college. Read more>>
Chinen Gau
I think it’s when I see the world is divided Read more>>
