Three professional women who were interviewed independently all listed one thing in common: each said a passion for people inspired them to pursue the career they're in today.
But before digging in and asking their perspectives, already on the surface was a commonality. This specific group of millennials was selected because of the proficiency each woman displays in her respective field and in her seeming ability to keep life in order despite a demanding work schedule and family commitments.
The women weighed in on their passions and how their careers feed them emotionally. They also offered advice to young women hoping to one day accomplish their dreams.
Stephanie Hillis
When she entered college, Stephanie Hillis planned to become a pharmacist. It wasn't long, however, until her desire to teach prompted her to make a major change.
"I changed my major, became a teacher and a coach and never looked back," she said. "It was the best decision for me and for my desire to interact and hopefully make a difference and help someone along the way."
Hillis said each year at Poplar Bluff High School, she has approximately 150 students whose lives she hopes to impact.
"Some I reach and I am able to help make big life choices, help them through hard times, help them realize their potential," Hillis said. "Through coaching, it is much the same but on a smaller scale. That smaller scale helps to build relationships that I still have with former cheerleaders."
Hillis said every day in the classroom is different, which can be exciting. But, she added, things come up "that you never expect."
"The challenge isn't teaching, the challenge is helping students overcome whatever is going on in their lives right at that moment," she said.
Hillis predominately teaches juniors and seniors. She said it can be interesting because her students often double as her server at a restaurant or her cashier at the grocery store.
"They live in 'my world' and I see them in the community for more than 'just my student.' They play a role in PB," she said. "How I can influence them while in my class is a challenge, but probably the most important part of my job!"
Focus and hard work, she said, are the keys to success.
"Knowing what you truly want, you will be amazed how hard you can work to achieve your goal," Hillis said. "Short-term goals are good to keep you focused, but you also need that bigger picture so you know what is ahead."
Hillis' words come from experience, as she earned her college degrees in non-traditional ways.
"To accomplish graduating with two degrees, both after being married and both of them I was pregnant with one of my children, I had to stick with working hard and wanting my goal accomplished.
"It's all about goals and hard work," she added.
Rosalie Marion
Capturing the way people look at each other and feed off their love's energy is a really beautiful thing to behold, said wedding photographer Rosalie Marion.
"I see photographs as real pieces of art, especially when the subjects are two people committing to forever," she explained. "To create tangible, physical memories that you can hold in your hand 60 years after your wedding day is really something I'm proud to make possible."
Marion said a challenge of her career is encouraging people to dig deeper into their relationships and to be completely present on their wedding day, "or any other day, really."
"We live in a time now where you can take a photo on your mobile phone and post it online for billions of people to see," she said. "Where guests block the aisle to photograph the bride as she walks to meet her groom, who, sadly, may not be able to see her (until) she reaches the alter.
"Look up, open your eyes and ears to moments all around you that you might have missed if you were staring at your phone."
Marion said women trying to find their place in the world should start small.
"Find something that you're passionate about and make that your side hustle," she said. "It took more than one or two years before I was flying coast to coast to shoot weddings. Work that 9-5, but don't just day dream about what you wish to do or accomplish."
She also recommends finding a mentor who works in the desired profession.
"You know what? Find a woman who works where you want to be in five years and ask her to mentor you. She will know the struggles, the injustice and the inequality that you very well may face. You're not in this alone. A rising tide lifts all boats," Marion said.
Her personal philosophy, Marion said, is simply to work hard.
"That's it really," she explained. "Work hard, be empathetic to others and most of all be humble. Never believe you are better than others because you are more successful or have a title."
Christa McBroom
At the end of the day, Christa McBroom said being a good person and finding fulfilment in your career are among life's most important aspects.
"I learned the philosophy that I live by very early in life from none other than a warthog and a meerkat; Hakuna Matata," McBroom said. "You don't have to tell me, I already know it's an extremely sophisticated philosophy."
A source of knowledge and comfort is how McBroom describes her role as a community pharmacist. She said some days, her passion for helping people is both a blessing and a curse.
"My career is based on serving my patients and it's something I'm highly passionate about," she said. "Don't get me wrong, all jobs come with challenges and mine is no exception. Most days I come into contact with people who are suffering; some who are ill themselves and some who are losing a loved one to a disease such as cancer or Alzheimer's."
Yet day in and day out, McBroom finds herself relying on those famous words from "The Lion King" to get her through.
"Something didn't go so well at work that day? No worries, there will be another chance tomorrow. Do you want to try something new, but fear of failure is keeping you in your comfort zone? No worries, do it anyway," she said.
McBroom said her goal at work is to leave a positive impact on her patients and to have a career she can be proud of.
She said during her journey through life, she has taken her share of tumbles. Through it all, keeping her head up and maintaining a positive attitude are what made the difference.
"Throughout college and pharmacy school, I took many steps to achieve success," she said. "I also took many stumbles, blunders, and absolute face plants. The key to reaching a goal is to get back up when the face plants happen."
McBroom said she relies heavily on a strong support system of family and friends, who always give her encouragement when she needs it and tough love when necessary.
"Lastly, I will say that even when you reach your goal, you will still have difficult moments or days," she added. "When those happen... Jesus and wine girl, Jesus and wine."