‘Bath’ like ‘shower’
After spending my childhood in a small town called Bath, Michigan, I proudly became the first person in my family to graduate from a four-year university.
Michigan is a polarized state in a few ways, but none so much as college allegiances. “Michigan or Michigan State?” is a common introductory question, and with MSU campus being just a few miles down the road, convention was to root for the home team. I however, have been known to challenge conventions. I remember being six years old when deciding my team, and future alma mater was going to be The University of Michigan. From that moment I owe hard work, a supportive network, and a lot of luck to getting where I am today.
2020…
was rough for everyone. I feel incredibly fortunate for the experiences I was able to have and the people I had to bear through it with, even if for many we were only virtually together. This video captures my year in one second clips, a ritual I started in 2017.
What I’m…
reading.
At any given moment I’m working my way through at least three books. Minor Feelings is the current book I’m reading as part of a book club I facilitate at my workplace focused on inclusion and diversity. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari, and Accidental Presidents: Eight Men Who Changed America by Jared Cohen are two other non fictions I peruse on my own time. When I need a break from reality, the Kingsbridge series by Ken Follet has been my recent escape.
listening to.
I’m a proud news and current events junkie. Having awareness of public policy, and how it shapes our lives is a responsibility I take seriously in my role as a designer and researcher, which The Weeds helps with tremendously. I try to diversify my news sources to develop a better understanding for folks from all walks of life and am always open to any recommendations! My taste in music isn’t nearly as sophisticated. An eclectic mix of 90s R&B, bands with a strong female vocalist, 00s emo rock, lo-fi beats, or anything Spotify recommends will do.
making.
Find and photo by @sarahwaldostories
A hobby I took on while quarantining has been upholstery. It started with an impulse purchase of a sofa covered in a mustard tweed fabric. You could tell what it smelled like just by looking at the picture. The form factor was too classic to pass up so I decided rather than purchasing new furniture I would give this mid-century gem a glow-up. I’m telling myself the emotional bond I’m developing will make it worth more than the Blue Dot sectional I was eyeing.
Positivity
People exceptionally talented in the Positivity theme have contagious enthusiasm. They are upbeat and can get others excited about what they are going to do.
Futuristic
People exceptionally talented in the Futuristic theme are inspired by the future and what could be. They energize others with their visions of the future.
Connectedness
People exceptionally talented in the Connectedness theme have faith in the links among all things. They believe there are few coincidences and that almost every event has meaning.
Strategic
People exceptionally talented in the Strategic theme create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues.
Bonjour Détroit
I became acquainted with Detroit as an architecture student at The University of Michigan. At the time I took the learnings for granted, owing it to proximity rather than the city being a true marvel in the world of urbanism and design. After distancing myself I came to appreciate not only the architecture, but the unique spirit of the community. I since purchased and renovated a $1000 abandoned house from BuildingDetroit.org, officially calling both Chicago and Detroit my home.