How do you think about risk? What role has taking risks played in your life/career? Check out responses from hidden gems from our community below.

Devon Roof | Boutique Owner

I think risk taking plays a huge role in personal and professional development. It can lead to growth on a lot of levels but involves stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing uncertainty and facing challenges. For me personally, I took a huge risk leaving my corporate communications job to start a clothing boutique. I had a comfortable salary, 401k, insurance…all the things that don’t come with opening a small business. But taking risks builds resilience. When you face and overcome challenges you start developing an ability to adapt easier to unknown or changing circumstances. Those skills hold value in any aspect of life! Read more>>

Dr. Sydne Kasle | Human Communication Educator and Instructional Designer

It wasn’t long ago when one of my fellow UX@UM conference organizers called me a ‘risk taker’. At first, I thought this was a stigma that I should avoid. Then I realized it was a compliment and something to honor with pride. UX@UM was a student-led conference that I created in 2022 as a graduate student at UM. I saw a need for a professional development opportunity for my young classmates and followed my instincts to raise funds and create something engaging and worthwhile. I worked closely with two of my classmates, Xuechen and In Son, and for six months we worked to create a memorable experience for dozens of UM students and UX industry professionals in the form of a two-day hybrid conference covering all that is UX. Read more>>

Tamara Klida | Teacher and Director of One Week, One Street

Taking the first step in starting the One Week, One Street revitalization effort was a leap of faith. I felt certain that God was calling me to organize a volunteer effort in Saginaw while preparing to do a volunteer mission in Nashville TN with my son and some other youth and adults from my church. I had never done anything like that before so I prayed to God that if He really did want me to do this, I would need a sign. I would wait for confirmation. I prayed that I would meet a pastor in Saginaw that was already called to helping serve the east Saginaw community. I stayed open to all possible connections. I was invited to attend an informational grant meeting and said I would attend, knowing I had to stay open. When all 25 of us around the table introduced ourselves, when Pastor Roy Baldwin stood up, I knew it was him and practically ran over to him after the meeting to talk about partnering with a revitalization effort. Read more>>