Notes on Becoming
01/07/2026
I have been many iterations of my Self. Partially because I've had to "try on" identities to find my own, and partially because I thoroughly enjoy the act of creating my Self. I believe we (humans) are malleable, relational, context-dependent beings–shaping oneself intentionally is one of the finest acts of self-actualization (to me).
All this makes me wonder: how much responsibility do I hold for the narrative I tell myself, about myself? How has my self-narrative evolved throughout my life? In what ways has that authored my behavior, aspirations, and more?
***
Today I met with the Vice President of my division at UVU. I scheduled the meeting with his administrator (a lovely person, by the way), in hopes to "Discuss how digital design can drive clearer, more meaningful engagement with high-level donors, Utah businesses, communities, and other key audiences post-EverGREEN campaign.” We had a passionate 30-minute conversation about fostering community and driving campaigns with an exceptionally human touch. He said he’s extremely proud of the work our team has done so far, and excited for what's to come.
We both know there’s more work to be done. So we talked about storytelling, collaborating with teams and communities, and (most importantly) making sure people know: just because our inaugural campaign is over, does not mean that fundraising is over.
Winds of change are blowing with the new year. Our team–MarCom–will be more integrated with the rest of the division than ever, by the end of the year. In the end it’s a good thing, and a chance to organize ourselves to better serve donors for the benefit of students and education.
When our conversation came to a close he offered me a copy of his book Lenses of Humanity: How Reflection Connection, and Empathy Can Heal Our World. I’ve read half in a few hours! It’s an incredibly engaging and thoughtful read. He blends a socially-aware, scientific framework with grassroots examples beautifully. Genuinely a great read!
***
I’ve always been passionate about having a meaningful career. I wanted to study Life via paleontology before anything, but school was difficult for me. My father, an artist, web designer and marketer encouraged me to have an entrepreneurial perspective while maintaining artistic integrity. The narrative my father created allowed me to create options other than college to pursue. In my senior year of high school I started working full time as a video editor, and said yes to any opportunity I could to freelance.
Though the narrative began with my father, I’ve continued it: My career (and design generally) is a way in which I can contribute to the people around me, and the world. I may be one designer of many, but we designers are impactful. A designer who cares can make an even bigger difference, by engaging people in more authentic ways. Ways that bring people together in real life. Design–to me– is less about entrepreneurship, and more about connecting people for mutual benefit.
I suppose ‘the narrative’ is an interconnected web, generated and maintained by all of us, together.