Start. Stay. Grow. University: Own Your Path Event Recap
“I am lucky enough to work with student entrepreneurs every day, and through them, I have learned the importance of empowering your entrepreneurial mindset.”
By Lindsey Smith
PSL’s Start Stay Grow University hosted an event titled Owning Your Path, a panel and workshop for student leaders across the city. Students from Penn, Drexel, Temple, and the University of Delaware came out to learn about owning their entrepreneurial path and resources available to them in Philly’s startup community. The excitement was written across their faces throughout the night.
The panel featured Ritu Jadwani (Social entrepreneur), Julia Ross (Admissions at the Close School of Entrepreneurship), and Reid Moncada (Founder & CEO of Chute Laundry); and was moderated by Brian Helfman (Co-Founder, Startup Island). Owning Your Path provided an opportunity for students to dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship and hear what it's like to be an entrepreneur. From the ups and downs of creating a business, students were able to gain insight into the day-to-day expectations and challenges.
For the students who are ready to jump in and pursue their ideas, the event provided invaluable insight into what the journey will take. For students still looking for their passion, it showed that even the most experienced entrepreneurs have to start somewhere.. In talking about these more in-depth topics, our panelists helped to create a sense of community.
After the panel discussion wrapped up, there was tangible excitement in the room surrounding the ideas and experiences that the panelists brought to the table. Immediately after the panel ended, attendees dove into conversation with each other about what it means to own their path. Brian from Startup Island led a workshop that was built around diving deeper into finding true fulfillment in the work that one does, where Startup Island's programming is rooted.
The night was a healthy exploration into what it means to be a college student presented with an entire life ahead full of choices that will shape you forever, while also keeping the flexibility in your path top of mind. The conversations were not about picking a single path and following it rigidly; they were instead about owning one's journey and understanding that although the road may be winding -- it's worth the trip.
