Stories about "What It Took"
What It Took: Love led Anthony Phillips ’10 to ask, ‘How can we make other people’s lives better?’

Thursday, April 4, 2024 10:00 am

For Anthony Phillips, what it took to find a life journey worth pursuing was the love, resolve, and faith his mother and grandmother passed on to him. Their example led him to the community-focused work he’s now doing as an elected member of the Philadelphia City Council.

What It Took: A childhood hobby creates community, a fun honors thesis, and me time for Grace Acton ’24

Friday, March 1, 2024 1:00 pm

At high risk for COVID, Grace Acton arrived at Bates during the height of the pandemic. By embracing a childhood hobby of sewing, she found mentors, community, and academic fulfillment.

What It Took: Whether happy or not, our personal stories can improve our well-being, says Jonathan Adler ’00

Friday, February 2, 2024 5:00 am

Storytelling is one of the oldest art forms. Adler, a clinical psychologist and researcher, tells us that our personal stories that don’t have to have a positive or happy ending. Difficult stories can offer a narrative option for how we make meaning.

What It Took: Erin Reed ’08 on a journey of compassion, community, and loving Lewiston

Friday, December 8, 2023 8:44 am

In challenging times, Erin Reed '08 is resolute in doing the important and life-changing work as executive director of Lewiston's Trinity Jubilee Center. Here's what it takes.

Lexi Inger’s ‘26 didn’t have the kind of first year she expected to have. But that disappointment led Inger to a daily meditation practice that gave her resilience, strength, a kickstart to her day, and a daily dose of joy. When Inger’s first-year roommate didn’t turn into an instant pal as she expected, she started taking a daily morning walk to give them each some space. She found herself calling her older brother, Joe Inger ‘21, for a pep talk. Inger poses for a portrait adjacent to Lake Andrews and then circles the Puddle, speaking with her brother Joe.
What It Took: Lexi Inger’s morning walk that became a pep talk

Friday, September 29, 2023 1:33 am

Inger didn’t have the kind of first year at Bates that she anticipated. But disappointment led Inger discover a daily meditation practice that gave her resilience, strength, and a daily dose of joy.