As a student, I majored in psychology, but I was interested in women’s studies and art, too. They might sound unrelated, but it all seemed to tie together. While I was learning about patterns in Color and Comp, I was also discovering optical illusions in Psychology. My courses always seemed to complement one another.
I’ve traveled pretty extensively—both for work and pleasure—and I love it. My most favorite place to travel is Italy. It’s a trip for the senses. The artist in me loves it, and the people are so warm.
One of the things I enjoy most about traveling is getting to experience all different kinds of cuisine. I love food. I’m not, but I probably should be, 500 lbs.
I was a freelancing graphic artist during the controversy about going digital in the 1980s. Though I’ve made my career in computers and technology, I am such a tactile artist that designing on a computer bored me. Instead, I went back to school and started studying textiles, like weaving and painting on silk.
I discovered feng shui in Hong Kong. The spirituality and art of it really appealed to me. I became a certified practitioner, and now people’s homes and offices are a canvas for my artistic expression.
The successes in my life have everything to do with HWS, so I am eager to give back. As President of the Alumnae Association, I help other alumnae reconnect and hopefully create a positive experience. I hope that HWS will be my legacy.
I am proud to have William Smith on my resume and to see the Colleges growing in such remarkable ways. I love connecting with smart, articulate students and reconnecting with amazing alums. For me, it is an honor to come back to campus. It feeds my soul.
At HWS, I was a swimmer, and I played squash and tennis. I was never really competitive about it, but nowadays I compete in triathlons. My goal is to complete a full distance iron man competition.
As a student, I so admired William Smith Dean Christine Young. I wanted to follow her footsteps, so I ended up in the Barnard College Office of Admission, where they were just starting to use computers. That’s how I discovered my aptitude for technology.
I’ve tried lots of different careers, from artist to teacher, but I’ve always been just on the next wave of technology. Currently, I work at JPMorgan Chase, creating technologies that support human resources. I ended up where I never thought I would.
When people gave me opportunities on the job, I excelled because I had the ability to learn quickly and be creative. Everything I did at HWS taught me to be that way. I attribute a lot of my successes to my education.
My life is constantly changing and growing. I’m in the process of building a Feng Shui house in Woodstock. And in 2007, I learned how to surf and golf. I’m always looking to try new things. Exploration has been a definite theme in my life.
My team at J. P. Morgan Chase set a company benchmark by creating a computer program that management uses to make salary and promotion recommendations. We’ve been invited to speak to other teams as an example of a best practice.
After attending Reunion with me, my boyfriend said he had a new understanding and appreciation for me as a person. He could easily see how HWS shaped me into who I am today. He really admired the campus and the people.
Check back each month for two new Experience Maps.
