As the air grows crisp and the leaves begin to change, we’re reflecting on the moments that defined our summer. From personal challenges to fun with family and friends, here’s how our team embraced the season.
The theme for my year, on a personal level, has been to seek experiences that enhance my sense of gratitude for being deeply and wholeheartedly alive. With that in mind, this summer, I have committed to running three or more days a week and swimming in the ocean once a week. Holding myself to those commitments has been challenging but incredibly rewarding! Both activities have enhanced my strength, willpower, and confidence, as well as adding dimension to my overall passion for life.
— Mary Mizera
A trip to Cancun, Mexico with my good friend and colleague provided an exceptional opportunity to both decompress from work and enhance our rapport. Exploring the beaches and cenotes, while savoring the local cuisine, facilitated a deeper personal and professional connection and trust. This experience has opened more meaningful conversations and strengthened our friendship.
— Kyla Orr
This summer has been a blend of intense focus and cherished moments with my loved ones. I took on the challenge of preparing for the Series 65 Securities Licensing exam, a crucial step in advancing my career as a financial advisor. While the exam preparation has been intense and demanding, I have also been embracing every chance to create joyful memories with my family, including fun trips to Ruth Lake and our local beaches and rivers.
— Teresa Sollom
This summer I challenged myself and my band to make a name for ourselves. We did a lot of hustling to book shows locally, created a social media account, and networked with other music acts in our area. I also got to learn about music recording and production. There is a lot to it, and I’ve always been intimidated by the electronics and computer software it requires. But I learned a lot and gained even more respect for the professional musicians who create records for a living. Having a metronome blasting in your headphones while you’re playing and recording multiple takes can squeeze the fun out of playing pretty quickly. But the end result is something I am truly proud of. We ultimately put our recording on the internet where it is enjoyed, critiqued, and judged on a daily basis.
— Jeremy Sorci
One thing that challenged me this summer was balancing summer classes while still having free time to enjoy the summer weather. What helped me unwind and relax was swimming in the Trinity River, eating a lot of fruit, and playing soccer on sunny beach days. I spent a lot of time this summer interviewing and applying for jobs that were related to my career path. By the end of the summer, I was lucky enough to be offered an internship position at Premier Financial Group. I hope to learn as much as possible from the people around me and not take this time for granted.
— Johnny Pacuraru
I embraced a new career path in May 2024 with Premier. I have been challenged to find new ways to learn, listen, and work because my status quo was not getting the desired results. I am still a work in progress, though I have acquired many new skills and new ways to achieve better outcomes.
— Jill Van Sickle
This summer was full of family adventures for us! We kicked off our summer by surprising our girls (8 and 10) with a trip to the water slides in Redding on the first day of summer break. We went on many day trips on the weekends to the river. And waited for summer to end so we could go on our family vacation to Hawaii in September! 😊
— Yarrow Mitchell
This summer, I had a great time at the Monterey Car Week with my girlfriend. We watched some thrilling races and checked out an amazing collection of classic cars. It was the perfect way to unwind and get ready for the new semester. I’m really grateful for the chance to visit a cool aquarium, a historic racetrack, and enjoy some great food!
— Blake Baddeley
The perfect day. This summer, our family celebrated the beautiful wedding of our son Wes and our new daughter-in-law Michelle in the stunning Trinity Alps. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, a lake, and nature’s tranquility, their special day was filled with love, joy, and unforgettable moments. It was a magical experience that we will always cherish.
— Francoise Crandell
My wife Georgia and I went on our first backpacking trip together this summer to the McKenzie River Trail. This was a fun and challenging experience that brought us closer together and allowed us to be away from the screens and stress of regular life. It also pushed my mental and physical fortitude and reinforced the concept that I need to take care of my body so I can do many more activities like this in the future!
— Robert Nordquist
This summer, I cherished the opportunity to spend time with my family during a camping road trip. I was able to enjoy nature and make unforgettable memories together.
— Thyme Francis
This summer, I took up golfing and joined the local golf and country club, which turned out to be an enriching experience in multiple ways. Not only did it push me out of my comfort zone by introducing a new and technically demanding activity, but it also became a fantastic way to unwind and build deeper connections with both old friends and new acquaintances. Spending weekends on the green offered a refreshing break while strengthening my ties to the community and advancing my social network in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
— Phoenix Arnold