To the Ones Who’ve Shaped Me

While thinking about Women’s History Month, many women come to mind who have greatly impacted my life. As I reflect on these extraordinary individuals, I also wanted to take a moment to share my gratitude for them with others. The following sections of this quick essay highlight the women who have helped me become the person I am today. Happy Women’s History Month and thank you to the following.

Mrs. Pryor, my first-grade teacher.

The years that came with elementary school were paired with having extreme anxiety towards going to school. Many mornings came with arguments and tears before slipping my backpack over my shoulders. First grade would be the first time I would learn to cope with my anxiety and would strategize to help ease the panic. Mrs. Pryor, a kind to the core person who never winced or shied away from sitting with me on those rough mornings. She would always have something to focus on whether that was just talking or playing with one of the many pig toys on her desk. On the topic of pigs, she even created a game where every time I would arrive to class ready to start the day she would gift me a little plastic pig; and when I collected 10 of them I could redeem them for a small prize. I don’t remember what exactly the prizes were but I don’t think it was the prize that kept me motivated to show up to school. I think it was due to her daily affirmations that I could do it and WAS doing it. It is very easy to say that cannot express my appreciation towards Mrs. Pryor and I do not know who I would have been without having her patience, joy, guidance, and heart within my upbringing.

Thank you, Mrs. Pryor, for helping me navigate anxiety and to find my grounding.

Meghan, my college advisor.

Meghan is the type of person who is straight to the point and would much rather address the elephant in the room rather than even catch a small whiff of bullshit. This served to be a good trait since she was my graphic design professor and advisor throughout my undergrad degree. As anyone who works within a creative profession, you know that critique is a vital part of the process. Meghan always gave clear and concise feedback on our student work, this would also become apparent as our advisor/student relationship would evolve more into a mentor/mentee one. She always found ways to push my thinking on projects to level up the work. Even when I thought something was good, she would encourage me to find the great. From the many laughs, hard conversations, and pep talks; Meghan was the person I needed in college. She provided me with how to think which only strengthened my creative practice.

Thank you, Meghan, I wouldn’t be half the creative without you.

Lisa, my supervisor/mentor at Swanson Russell.

Working at an advertising agency comes with a number of challenges, obstacles, relations, processes, and learning curves. Working as an Art Director at Swanson Russell has been by far the most difficult job I have taken on in my career thus far. But what comes with that difficulty is also resulting in the most rewarding job in my career. A great number of those rewards are credited to someone who has coached me, pushed me, and encouraged me to be the best team member I can be. Upon meeting Lisa for the first time, I knew right off the bat that she was a creative powerhouse that was built on knowledge, talent, and charisma. Soon after I started at Swanson Russell, I recognized that Lisa would be the best boss I have ever had in a full-time workplace. Lisa strikes a perfect balance of showing you that she genuinely cares and believes in your abilities but also isn’t afraid to be a hard-ass when necessary. Every time she provides a piece of advice, whether it was or wasn’t what I wanted to hear at the time, has benefitted me as an Art Director and team player. It is easy to recognize that her mentorship extends beyond the confines of Swanson Russell and I am a better person because of it.

Thank you, Lisa, you have allowed me to dial into untapped potential I hadn’t seen before.

Tami, my Mom.

I wasn’t an easy child. As I mentioned before I had a lot of anxiety and wasn’t afraid to find ways to get out of things that caused me distress. My mom was and is someone who has the patience of Job. Mom was quick to see the things I was naturally drawn to and used that as a tool to allow me to express myself. Whether it was building things out of cardboard or drawing; Mom found ways to celebrate those hobbies and interests. Now as an adult, I know that being creative is a lifeline for myself. It brings me joy and centers me. I am grateful that I had a mom who recognized that in me at such a young age.

Thank you, Mom, I don’t know where I would be today without you.

Annie, my Wife.

This is by far the hardest person to capture in words the impact she has made on my life. Annie is a person who naturally presents herself with empathy and awareness. I have a strong belief that anyone who interacts with her leaves that interaction with a feeling of belonging as she is one to listen and be present in small talk or big conversations. Annie is incredibly aware of herself and others which has benefitted me to understand more about who I am and who I want to become. I wouldn’t change any chapter of our story together. Every high and low point, change and transition, certainty and uncertainty has only strengthened my love for who she is. Til body bags and toe tags, baby!

Thank you, Annie, for being the best part of me.

We often don’t realize how little time it takes to express appreciation to others. I encourage you to reach out to the women who have impacted your life and let them know. It is a very small gift to return for the priceless gift of their efforts.

Happy Women’s History Month!