WHAT AND WHY
I’m a structural engineer. I love art. I like fast cars. I have a regular yoga practice. I find construction sites exhilarating. I can’t resist the temptation to talk to the person next to me on an airplane. There’s nothing quite like pulling together a great outfit. I car dance and sing all the time. I’m kinda funny. But usually it’s the awkward kind of funny.
So….what box does this put me in? It doesn’t all fit. I’m different; I don’t make sense. I see people struggle when I show up on a jobsite for the first time and the first impression doesn’t match the box that had already been created for me. It’s not uncommon for people to ask things like: “You’re an engineer?” “You do this?” “You’re not what I expected.” Yep, I am and I can and I’ve been trained to do it pretty dang well too. The unexpected attributes don’t detract from my skill set, they actually complement it quite well. And yours do too.
My guess is this happens to most all of us in some capacity. We are all so much more complex, interesting and unique than the boxes that we are put in. So, I started this interview series to explore differences and celebrate the unexpected. Also, being in the middle of an isolating global pandemic in a world filled with hate and division, I think we could all use a little inspiration, connection and laughter. The three overarching goals of this series are:
1. Break down stereotypical barriers within STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) fields. In an effort to not reinforce those stereotypes, we will purposely not address them but instead celebrate who these people actually are. You will notice a heavy emphasis on the “E”, at least at the beginning, but this is because that is where I reside and where many of my connections are. If you know of inspiring people that are part of the “S”, “T”, or “M”, send them my way!
2. Promote diversity. I truly believe once you get to know someone that you didn’t initially understand, you begin to see them for who they are instead of the boxes that they are put in. You begin to understand, empathize and love people that are different than you. We are equal humans. All of us. Everyone’s voice is just as important. And everyone deserves to feel safe enough to be their true self. We need this diversity to create the best world to live in. Different life experiences and passions yield a larger subset for all brainstorming so we can arrive at comprehensive and unique solutions.
3. Expose kids to STEM. Kids! Watch these interviews. Listen and see if anything resonates with you. I hope you see parts of yourself in some of these guests. You are unique, you will have your own individual path that will only make sense to you. Follow the things that spark drive in your life. Work as hard as you can at these things. Embrace all of yourself, even if some parts are different than your friends. I hope you are always brave enough to follow your truth.
They say when something lights your soul on fire, makes you feel alive, you should run right for it. Well, that’s exactly what The Unboxing Project is for me. These people, they are amazing, inspiring and I can’t wait for you to learn more about them. I hope you watch these segments and learn something new, see respective professions and these people in a new expansive light and find your own spark to follow what sets your soul on fire. As the great lyricist Eminem once said: You only get one shot.
