What Thrifting Taught Me About Instructional Design

As I was growing up, my mother would take me shopping. Not the typical kind of shopping, but the kind where you'd stumble upon hidden treasures. We'd wanter through yard sales, antique malls, flea markets, and small-town vintage shops. Then we'd "touch stuff"--as she called it--digging through booths, aisles, adn shelves to uncover gems that others might have overlooked.

What I didn't realize then was how much this experience shaped the way I approach learning and development today.

In many ways, professional growth is just like "touching stuff." It's about curiosity, exploration, and the willingness to dig a little deeper to uncover skills, strengths, and passions.

Those treasure hunts with Mom taught me to look for value where others might not, to enjoy the process of discovery, and to see purpose in the unexpected. It showed me that passion often reveals itself when we’re willing to get curious and explore beyond the surface.

Now, as a learning & development specialist, I bring that same mindset to the people and organizations I support. Helping others “find their hidden gems” is at the core of my purpose.

✨ Passion is discovered in exploration.

✨ Purpose is revealed in the process.

✨ Growth happens when we’re willing to “touch stuff” and see what’s possible.

What hidden gems have you discovered in your own journey?