- Campus:
- IU Bloomington
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I always wanted to be a journalist. When I was little, probably in 6th grade, I once made a newspaper about all the pets in the neighborhood! Writing, publishing and creativity fascinated me. I actually went to college to become a journalist. My first few jobs were as a copy editor, and I worked and did research in Washington, D.C. However, over time I became disillusioned with the negativity around national politics. Also, there were fewer and fewer jobs for copy editors.
How did you end up in the role you are currently in?
It may be a silver lining as I look back, but I got laid off. Even though copy desks were being eliminated, the skill set I developed was still invaluable. I got a teaching job in higher education. Through several experiences and exposure, I learned that I enjoyed working with the tech side of teaching. Now I work on faculty development- which is essentially teaching faculty the art of teaching. I am very proud to be an instructional designer.
In moments of self-doubt/adversity how do you build yourself back up?
I try to focus on the positive. I think about what is going really well. I try to shift from complaining, to being grateful. When stuff is going bad, I know have a list of people who have my back. I have a friend who started a business called Using Words for Good. She has these cards for instance: Shine and show up for you. She sent me this card, and this network of people uplifts me.
Is there a woman, past or present, who you admire or look up to?
My boss- Anna Greene. She has given me so much opportunity and autonomy. I have sat in on meetings just watching the way she interacts with people and the way she models positivity. If you share a meme that is culturally insensitive, she will gently pull you aside, educate you and encourage you to apologize openly. She is very active in anti-racist causes. She has moved us to be more inclusive in our workplace. She has definitely been my sponsor and pushed me to do better.
What's your go to stressbuster/ something you do to relax?
In slack, we have an #offtopic-petpics channel where you can look at pictures of other people’s cute animals! Whenever, I am having a rough day, or I need a break, I can just go there and look at pictures of cute animals. I also love looking at pictures of my kids!
What does the world need more of?
Empathy. If we can see each other’s feelings and actions as valid we can live in more harmony. We can uplift one another On second thought, we can have more cats or furry friends and more hugs.
What does the world need less of?
Less pollution! Climate change. What are we doing to other countries? To the next generations?