On Thursday, 10 April, we launched AUC’s Career Orientation Week with Failing Forward - an inspiring evening where alumni and staff shared their personal journeys and the lessons they've learned from failure. The message was clear: failure isn't the end, but a stepping stone for growth.
The event opened with a thought-provoking pitch by AUC tutor and lecturer Daniel Pinéu, setting the tone for the evening. He was followed by three alumni who returned to campus to share what "failing forward" means to them:
Khaled Tamimy (Class of 2018)
Founder & CEO of Social Technology LabMick ter Reehorst (Class of 2014)
Creative Director & Co-Founder of Awe StudioHermijntje Drenth (Class of 2015)
Professional Rower and Olympic Gold Medalist
They each shared stories and fresh perspectives on encountering failure - whether it was chasing love across the country, navigating the uncertainty of launching a start-up with design-thinking principles, or rebuilding an athletic identity after rejection from teammates. Their honesty sparked meaningful reflection and sparked new conversations, ultimately reminding students, alumni, and staff alike that failure isn’t the end of the road, but often the beginning of something far more powerful.
Get a glimpse of the event below:
