With the approach of Mother's and Father's Days, we asked EDCUtah staff to tell us “What's the best advice either or both of your parents ever gave you?”

Always respect the administrative assistant! (My mom was one.) It was really about respecting people's knowledge, talents, and human experience regardless of their job title. – Sara Adelman, Marketing

"If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." In practice, it's more complicated than that, but we'd live in a better world if people treated others with more dignity and respect. – Michael Stachitus, Research

“An interesting person is interested.” Great advice from my mom on the power of asking questions and actively listening to people. – Stephanie Pack, Business Development 

My dad was a surgeon and spent a lot of time in the emergency ward. "No toboggans and no motorcycles." Good quality of life advice. My mom's favorite expression was, "While you're resting, go chop some wood." Good career advice. – Michael O’Malley, Marketing

“None of these decisions are irreversible.” My dad’s take on taking risks and trying new things, particularly related to careers, but with giant exceptions for tattoos and childbirth. – Stephanie Frohman, Strategy & Partnerships

"There are cows to milk!" On a dairy farm, bovines need to be milked twice daily, every day. There are no days off. There were no excuses for not being able to work. My dad gave me many examples of his work and service ethic, as a professional educator and part-time farmer. He taught me to not be afraid of work. – Alan Rindlisbacher, Community Strategy

“Enjoy the journey!” I always tend to become focused on the destination and what I am working for and tend to forget to enjoy the path that takes me there. My parents were always there to remind me to enjoy the journey, both the ups and the downs. – Gerritt Vander Linden, Intern

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