There are so many factors that affect how our lives turn out, but one of the most interesting is how our backgrounds give us unique strengths and perspectives that affect who we are as adults. We asked rising stars from the community to tell us about their background and upbringing and how they feel it’s impacted who they are today.

Zhiling Trowbridge | Family Medicine Physician, Fellowship trained in Integrative Medicine and Acupuncture

I’m originally from Alma, MI and am a 2nd generation Chinese-Cambodian. My family owned a local Chinese restaurant for over 30 years in Central Michigan. They came to this country as refugees from Cambodia in the late 1970’s. They basically only had what they could carry in hand and had to come to a new country and depend on the support of their local church community and government services to start their lives again. My parents had a hard work ethic and worked Mon-Saturday with not much time off. I think this taught me a lot about being driven and knowing the importance of working hard and knowing how to survive as material wealth is transient. Read more>>

Stephanie Crider | Community Activist & Lifelong Learner

Growing up as a child on the westside of Detroit is one of the many reasons I am who I am today. I learned the value of education, the impact of teachers in the community, having a real neighborhood and playing with friends outside, and how to overcome bullying and violence around me. Being from a large family also helped me become assertive, find my own voice, and navigate interacting with so many personalities. Life was fun, even in the midst of our struggles. After our home was burglarized several times and my mother was robbed in a neighborhood store, my mother left Detroit and we moved to Southfield. At that time, it was culture shock for me. Read more>>

MARGARET M. MCGUINNESS | Artist & retired Board Certified Art Therapist.

I grew up in Detroit, Michigan, USA., the sixth of twelve siblings in a strict Catholic household. We had to care for our younger siblings. I recall changing diapers, walking my younger siblings around the block so our mom could get dinner ready. I was not cooperative, as I had other ideas and goals. One of my early memories was the nun in first grade accused me of soiling my underpants, when it was the student sitting in front of me who left a puddle. From then on, Another memory was the nun shamed me in front of the class for a Valentine card I made, as she declared it was horrid! My mom and dad at times told me they didn’t understand me. Read more>>

David Campbell | Mental health advocate, content creator, motivational speaker & artist

I was born and raised in Canada. Growing up I had many struggles. I was diagnosed with ADHD and OCD and battled depression. Through it all, I was never on any medication. The doctors told me I would never get better. Fortunately, I found God and dedicated my life to Him. After finding God, I was determined to overcome my struggles. Through endurance and strength, I overcame every mental struggle with God’s help. He healed me. I have dedicated my life to show the mentally ill, the broken hearted, and the emotionally damaged that they can be healed. My goal is to convey to the mentally ill that they are more than what the psychiatrist labels them as. They are overcomers. They can overcome any situation or illness as long as they believe they can and persevere. I am a living testimony of a miracle. Read more>>