First Ascent Scholars recently came together for their Annual Fall Harvest event. No celebration is complete without a feast, and as students shared a harvest meal, they had the opportunity to hear David Stirling, the founder, CEO, and chairman of doTERRA, share his start-up story.

Program director, Victoria Cabal, started off the evening with a reflection on the origins of harvest festivals. Traditionally, the reaping and gathering of crops after seasons of hard work were accompanied by festivals, merriment, contests, music, and shared company. Likewise, wrapping up a semester of studies, the students gathered together in gratitude to usher in a time of joy as their dedicated persistence comes to fruition.

First Ascent Scholar, Eric Jara, remarked, “The fall harvest celebration is not just about coming together around gratitude, but more so to be thankful for being a part of First Ascent.” 

In this setting, Eccles School alumni, David Stirling, joined the stage to reflect on his story of growing doTERRA from a small start-up to a multibillion-dollar company. A Latin derivative meaning “Gift of the Earth,” doTERRA’s mission is the gift of wellness, cultivated through appreciation of the earth’s resources. Through its growth, doTERRA bloomed into a company that stands for wellness, healing, and hope. Students listened as Mr. Stirling shared his journey, incorporating gratitude into his business and personal life.

The First Ascent Scholars Program cultivates, encourages, and enables academically focused students with significant financial need to attend the Eccles School and connect with the University of Utah, local, and global community while reaching their full academic potential. For more information, visit Eccles.Link/first-ascent.