ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author looks at her personal story, to see the challenges she faced growing up and the many lessons learned as a young professional leader. She highlights the challenges of young alumni giving and how millennials give in diverse ways. Academically in middle school, the author stayed committed to the author grades and made the honor roll the first semester. The program established monthly workshops and summer sessions dedicated to preparing for a life in college. After successfully finishing S.T.E.P. She was accepted into the University of Akron’s Upward Bound Classic program. While academics were the critical focus for students, learning to work in groups and build relationships with others was also an important piece of the program. Working in the Development office, a fast-paced environment, the author learned how vital fundraising is to higher education institutions and not-for-profits.
