Tech’s Top Picks For this issue of Indiana Tech Magazine, we asked our faculty and staff: What is your hobby and why does it resonate with you? Here are some of their replies: Sports! I love being part of a team and competing in any way possible. I don’t enjoy working out in the general sense, but make it a competition, and I’m all for it. They’re also a great stress reliever, and rec leagues are an excellent way to meet new people. Kristin Conley, Director of Ph.D. Admissions One hobby I picked up in the last year is printmaking. This involves carving a design into pieces of wood or linoleum that is then inked and impressed onto paper in layers. The main reason I like printmaking is that it forces you to really consider the subject of the print. I often take pictures with my phone that I never look at again, but if I’m making a print by hand—I will sit with that image for several hours. It reminds me to appreciate the things I see around me, particularly nature. Brett Williams, Technical Services Librarian A
I combine several of my hobbies — World of Warcraft, cooking/baking, gardening and food photography — to create and photograph video-game-inspired foods garnished with edible flowers. I jump between hobbies frequently (thanks ADHD) and it’s nice to do something like this that brings in many different aspects of things I enjoy. In the photo is a Smoky Hazelnut Romesco Sauce, enjoyed by the Night Elves of Azeroth. Jessica Pena, Alumna, MBA 2018, Financial Analyst, Risk Manager B
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I am an international hedgehog breeder and I have babies in more than half of the lower 48 states and in five foreign countries. Breeding hedgehogs is a hobby and passion of mine because they are the international mascots for anxiety. Just like us, when they are scared or threatened, they go into a ball to get away from the danger or fear. They can be overstimulated easily just like those of us with anxiety. But in reality, they just want to be loved and given a hug. I take them to schools, hospitals and events in the community, and have them on standby to help with therapy sessions for facilities that do therapy with children with autism, veterans and domestic violence victims that have PTSD, as well as those who have trouble overcoming anxiety. Holly Young, Admissions Representative
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I live on a llama farm. We breed, raise, train and show a purebred type of llama—Argentine llamas. They are known for their dense fiber, large bone structure, intelligence and sweet dispositions. After a long day, I like to come home, sit in the pasture and spend a relaxing time with these beautiful creatures. Their wonderfully soft and hypoallergenic fiber helps to feed my knitting addiction also! Dr. Dawn E. Anderson, Professor of Exercise Science D
I love to golf. When I am on the golf course, I am able to forget all my woes. Chasing a little white ball, along with the fresh air, is food for the soul! Judy Roy, Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration
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