Maurice Bouchard is an artist, caregiver, and stay at home parent based in Athens, Georgia. His path has been shaped by steady growth, continuous learning, and a deep commitment to both family and creative work. Born and raised in Watkinsville, Maurice learned early about discipline and focus through music, sports, and long hours spent exploring stories, games, and science fiction that sparked his imagination.
He graduated from OCHS and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia. Maurice was honored as a UGA Charter Scholar, which recognized his academic performance and potential. He later completed CNA training to expand his skill set and prepare for hands on roles in care settings.
Maurice built his early career through positions that required patience, problem solving, and attention to detail. He worked in memory care and hospital environments, supporting patients and medical staff. These experiences strengthened his ability to stay calm, communicate clearly, and adapt to fast moving situations.
Today, Maurice applies those same strengths to both his creative work and his home life. He focuses on watercolor painting, 3D printing, and miniature art, while balancing the daily responsibilities of being a stay at home dad. His interests in gaming, storytelling, and science fiction continue to influence his ideas and projects.
Maurice lives by a simple principle. Growth happens when you show up every day with curiosity, discipline, and heart.
Q&A with Maurice Bouchard on the Meaning of Success
You grew up in Watkinsville surrounded by music, sports, and a lot of creative interests. How did those early experiences shape your view of success?
Success started out as small wins for me. Making All-State on clarinet taught me that steady practice matters. Playing soccer showed me how good it feels to be part of a team and work toward a shared goal. Even reading manga and watching sci fi helped. Those stories were full of characters who kept going when things were tough. When you grow up with that, you start to believe success is something you build one step at a time.
You later earned your bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and were recognized as a UGA Charter Scholar. What did that milestone teach you?
It taught me that effort and curiosity pay off. Being named a Charter Scholar was unexpected for me. I was not the loudest or the fastest learner in the room, but I cared about understanding things deeply. That honor showed me that slow and steady effort can put you on a strong path. Success does not have to look flashy. Sometimes it is just consistent work that adds up.
You have worked in memory care. Many people find those environments challenging. What did you learn about success during that time?
I learned that success is not always about the result. Sometimes it is about how you show up. Working in memory care taught me to stay patient even when someone is confused or scared. Working as a patient care tech taught me to stay calm when a situation changes fast. I remember one morning when a patient became overwhelmed, and my only real success was helping them calm down. That moment did not make a headline, but it mattered. There are many days where success is simply being the steady person someone can count on.
You shifted into being a stay at home dad. How has that changed your definition of success?
It made success feel more personal. When you care for a child all day, you learn that the smallest actions can mean the most. You might not finish a painting or complete a big project, but you kept your child safe, fed, and happy. You created a calm environment. You gave someone your time. That is success in a very real sense. It forces you to accept that your value is not tied to big achievements. Sometimes success is a quiet day that goes smoothly.
You are also an artist who works with watercolor, 3D printing, and miniature painting. How does creativity influence your approach to success?
Creativity teaches you to be patient with the process. Watercolor can be unpredictable. Sometimes the paint moves in a way you did not expect, and you adjust. Miniature painting requires focus and tiny steps. 3D printing can fail if a setting is off. Someday the print looks perfect, and other days you have to fix it from scratch. Those moments teach you to see success as something flexible. You try again. You adjust. I think creativity keeps me humble and steady. It also reminds me that success is not a single finish line. It is the practice of showing up to create something, even a small piece at a time.
Your hobbies include Warhammer 40K, gaming, comics, and science fiction. What can these interests teach someone about success?
All of them teach strategy and long term thinking. Warhammer teaches patience, planning, and learning from losses. Video games like StarCraft show you how to adapt when your first plan fails. Playing Skyrim or Zelda reminds you that progress often comes from exploring, trying new paths, and paying attention. Even shows like Stargate and Star Trek teach you that problems usually take teamwork, creativity, and resilience. These lessons may come from fictional worlds, but they apply to real life success more than people think.
What is one small, practical habit that has helped you succeed in daily life?
Maurice: I break everything into simple checkpoints. If I want to paint, I set out the brushes first. If I want to clean, I start with one small area. When I worked in hospitals, I used the same method to manage tasks during long shifts. It prevents overwhelm. Most people fail because they try to tackle everything at once. Success often comes from making the starting point as easy as possible.
How do faith and community influence your understanding of success?
Faith helps me stay grounded. It reminds me that success is not only about what you achieve, but how you treat people around you. Community gives you support when life gets hectic. When you know you are part of something bigger, it becomes easier to stay patient, honest, and consistent. Those qualities lead to real success over time.