Meet Dawson!

ANGELES DAWSON AGE 19 Business Developer

Major/School: Business Administration (Finance) Economics Lyon College Years in EAST: Six

Contact info: dawson.angeles@gmail.com

Q: First memory of EAST? A: My first memory of EAST was entering the EAST classroom on the first day of seventh grade and glancing around at all the technology. I was overwhelmed by all the neat gadgets. I remember thinking to myself, “I want to learn how to use all of this.” My first software to work with was Photoshop which I continued to use heavily throughout my EAST career.

Q: Why did you decide to participate in EAST? A: I decided to participate in EAST because I received a pamphlet describing the program in the sixth grade. The pamphlet described the community outreach and all the awesome resources EAST provided you with. This was something I wanted to be a part of. I didn’t have the opportunity to learn about any of the equipment or programs outside of school. This was an opportunity for me to gain the knowledge I knew would help me out in the long run. I was always interested in learning about technology, and this was my chance to.

Q: Memorable project in EAST you’d like to share? A: “Global Classroom” is a project I will never forget. My EAST program was fortunate enough to be able to connect with a classroom in Romania via Skype. Romania is a dry area and agriculture doesn’t prosper there. It was our goal to figure out how we could help students grow a sustainable food source. We were able to ship 3D printers over to a small Romanian village, Sighișoara, Romania. We then taught students how to 3D print all the parts necessary to create a hydroponic drip system. The students would then be able to use these growing systems to grow vegetables. The students in Romania were very thankful for this opportunity and

were able to teach us more about their country and community. This was an experience where I was able to learn and teach more than just technological skills. I was inspired to complete and follow through with this project because I was able to make a difference and help out a community across the world.

Q: What technology did you use in EAST then, and how has it changed today? A: I was able to use a wide variety of technology in EAST. I worked with DSLR cameras throughout my years in EAST and still do. As I moved through my EAST career, I noticed how the quality improved and the different devices and attachments were more available. Computers evolved greatly and continue to as well. Computers are producing better graphics and are more mobile than ever. The GPS plotting devices have become a lot smaller over the years and easier to use than ever before.

Q: Anything you learned in EAST that you still apply today? A: I have learned so many skills and valuable life lessons in EAST that I could not have learned anywhere else. The graphic design skills I was able to learn through EAST have helped me greatly in life, I have been able to transfer those skills from the classroom to my job. The soft skills I learned such as teamwork, critical thinking, leadership, time-management, communication, and self-confidence are all skills I still apply to everyday life.

Q: How do you serve or give back today? A: I am interning at the Little Rock Compassion Center. The Little Rock Compassion Center is an inner-city mission focused on a ministry of hope to the homeless, transient, displaced and disadvantaged people in the Little Rock area.

Q: If you could partner with an EAST program to complete a project what would it be? A: I would love to partner with an EAST program who is working towards helping the homeless community. There is a lot of work to be done and the desire to help others starts at a young age. I would like to see an EAST program partner with homeless shelters and see how they can benefit their clients.

RANDOM FACT ABOUT YOU: I was involved in rodeos throughout High School.

I am able to provide many services to the center. I am building a program to help the homeless reenter the workforce. I am teaching clients how to utilize technology. I am teaching the founders how to utilize social media to benefit everyone. The best way I have been able to give back is by helping those who need it the most. I have been able to restructure many lives. I have been able to help so many unemployed homeless clients and work towards having housing. I am able to help turn their lives around. The work I have been able to complete in my internship has been so rewarding and something I will cherish forever.

Q: What would you like to see happen with EAST in the future? A: I would like to see EAST continue expanding. I would like to see an EAST conference in multiple locations.

Q: What advice would you give to EAST students that are graduating soon? A: I would tell graduating students to stay involved. Use the skills they were able to obtain in the classroom in the work world. Use the skills you learned to keep serving the community. Never be afraid to pursue your dream.