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Photographer • GE Anderson

Contributors >> Mikki Moscara Marilyn Pellini

Liz Crowe Emily Drier Jennifer DeGregorio

Lisa Profera Maria Sylvester Marji Wisniewski

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CONTENTS 6

The Joy of Liqueur

Making Michigan Courts Accessible for All with Chief Justice McCormack

Neighborly Caretaking

Safely Supporting Dexter

Your Endocannabinoid System: The Steward of Your Body

A Nurse's Story

Caretaker of Your Thoughts

Stepping Up

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Welcome to Booze 101 with

Liz

The Joy of Liqueur

by Liz Crowe Photo by Olya Kobruseva

6 | The Brick Magazine

h, February… there you are with your hearts, flowers, chocolates, expensive dinner dates, and fancy, overthought cocktails. I see you. And I’m about to teach the loyal Booze 101 readers what kind of extras to have on hand in order to make you — the cocktails, that is. Not the hearts, flowers, chocolates, or dinner dates. I’m not here with recipes, but I can recommend a few sites for that later. First, let’s talk about those fancy bottles sitting at the bar that only get used every now and then, and why you should consider keeping one or five of them in your home bar arsenal. Some of these names you will recognize, some you won’t. Some are both beautifully packaged and contain something necessary inside, while some of the options I’ll share with you are too beautifully packaged not to have around. We’re going to break them down by flavor, since that’s the only real reason to have any of these in your home bar. But what, exactly, IS a “liqueur” and why is it spelled so funny? A “liqueur” is a liquor, but a “liquor” is not a liqueur. That’s not terribly helpful, is it? Allow me to explain. “Liquor” is a word used to describe any distilled beverage. A “liqueur” (which took me a while to spell right!) is a sweetened version of a liquor. Liqueurs are flavored with oil or via another method, and are primarily used as mixers, unless you’re like me and prefer your Bailey’s poured over ice cream. (Did I say that out loud? Not sure I meant to). I don’t know why it’s spelled that way other than it’s French for “liquor,” which means “dissolved” or “liquified.” Or, in my case, “That which sweetens the drink so much you forget it’s liquor and then you’re sad the next day. See also: Mint Juleps.” But enough etymology. Let’s talk flavors. Liqueurs can be broken down into a few basic profiles, coffee being one of the most popular. This encompasses several old favorites, including Kahlúa and the ever-popular Jägermeister. Me? I still have scent-induced nightmares over that last one, vis á vis a college experience gone wrong. Jäger (for short) is technically an herbal digestif, meant to be consumed in small amounts after a giant, meat-filled meal. But you won’t catch me using it for that. There are a couple of new options out there now that are worth a try if coffee-flavored, sweetened liquor

is your bag. Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur may sound like the ultimate hipster reference, but it’s a real thing and growing in popularity amongst mixologists. One not quite as new (or hip), but definitely newer than Kahlúa, is St. George’s NOLA Coffee Liqueur. Because I’m here for you and you count on me for such things, I can assure you that Mr. Black makes a killer White Russian (regardless of what the Dude may say, as he abides. Big Lebowski, anyone?). On the opposite end of the “When to drink it” scale is the Aperitivo, meant to be consumed prior to a meal to promote one’s appetite. In this group, we can count all those bitters that are gaining on the whole cold brew coffee liqueur thing in terms of Hipster Bona Fides. If you’re a loyal reader — and I know that you are, because you’ve made it this far — you’ll recall that when I toured a few of Ann Arbor’s iconic cocktail bars a million years ago, that “bitter” was the Thing to Add in most of the drinks I sampled. Campari is the flagship in this category, for which we can thank for the Negroni — one of those truly “acquired taste” or “you love it or you despise it” kinds of drinks. Not to be outdone in current popularity is the Aperol Spritz, which is a less bitter cousin of the Negroni, made from (you guessed it) Aperol bitters. If I were to advise choosing one of these for your home bar enjoyment, I’d recommend sticking with Aperol, as it’s a fair bit less bitter. Remember when I said some of these liqueurs are worth it for the way the bottle looks? St. Germaine is one of these. It’s in the elderflower flavor group, which is growing crowded as more people gain a taste for it, and the bottle is strikingly attractive — a nice addition to any home bar. As for other options, I sampled both Bitter Truth Elderflower Liqueur (Germany) and Fiorente (Italy), which was the least sweet of the options. Elderflower itself is pear-like and floral, and I am here to tell you right now: Your next brunch cocktail should be champagne (or one of the mid-sweet sparkling wines) and St. Germaine. Trust me on this one. You’ll never glance at orange juice again. Next up on the flavor-go-round is bananas — as in banana liqueur. I’m told by the sort of mixologists I trust that banana is one of the most mixable flavors out there. Who knew? As for bottles of this to keep around, find yourself a bottle of Bols Crème de Banana, Tempus Fugit Crème de Banana, or 99 Bananas (which is actually banana-flavored schnapps). There are plenty of fun new cocktails to try

February 2021 | 7

earthy — but with a tang of spice. It’s hard to describe. Get some and try it. There’s a yellow version of it too. Why not try an artichoke liqueur? I got to taste a fancy cocktail made with Cynar, which is a rather specific take on a digestif known as amaro. The artichoke addition puts an interesting and sort of dried fruit spin on the typical bitterness of an amaro. Worth a shot, along with some of the recipes in the links I’ve provided. Why not make a drink with a chili kick? You can do that if you add Ancho Reyes Verde or Ancho Reyes Chili Liqueur to your bar. You can get heat plus the rich flavor of roasted poblano peppers in your cocktails — indeed, why not? Finally, no moderately helpful missive about why you should add liqueurs to your life is complete without a few characters dedicated to Aquavit*. Calm down, purist; it’s not technically a liqueur, but it’s one of those “You added what?” ingredients that so many bartenders are using that you owe it to yourself to grab a bottle and experiment a bit.

Photo by Rina Ringo

with it, so you’re not stuck with a Bahama Mama or a daiquiri unless you love those — and if so, more power to you, this is a judgement-free zone. Finally, we reach a catch-all category of necessary liqueur bottles, or what I like to call the “Why Nots?” Why not have a bottle of Bailey’s Irish Cream? If you like whiskey and coffee, then put them together with cream using this stuff — you won’t be sorry. There are a myriad different other flavors within the Bailey’s world these days as well — everything from vanilla and salted caramel to red velvet and apple pie. I’m a fan of the original myself, but can state with full authority that the chocolate cherry version tastes more than a little bit like sin. But who am I to say what sin tastes like? Why not have a bottle of Chartreuse, which is both a description of its color and the name of the stuff itself? I had a drink made with this from The Raven’s Club over on Main Street, and it was unexpectedly good. Also, why not have a drink that includes a liqueur made by French Carthusian monks using a proprietary recipe of 130 various herbs and botanicals? The flavor is without a doubt green — which is to say vegetal, herbaceous, and positively

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The National Spirit of Scandinavia, Aquavit is kind of like gin, as it’s got lots of botanicals for flavor. Try to picture what “Viking Gin” might taste like. Its name means “water of life,” and it’s believed to have healing powers — not unlike, I imagine, the sort that Guinness has, which is to say, none. But you don’t feel bad anymore, unless you go overboard, of course. What I like about it is the distinct kind of tang that’s not unlike drinking fresh dill pickling mixture. It’s also got a bit of caraway flavor too. Each region of Norway has its own flavor, so I’m told. I’ve only had one kind, Norden Aquavit, which would qualify for the “pretty bottle” category too. It’s made in Detroit, so I’m sure if I tried some from Norway I’d have a different experience, but you should get some. Try it in your next Bloody Mary in place of vodka, or your next French 75 in place of gin. It’s fun. And worth the effort. [*You honestly thought I was going to say Malört didn’t you, silly reader? I have two words for that stuff: No. Thanks. Although I’m told that having a shot (okay, two shots) of it at a legit Chicago Dive Bar after selling beer all day is a rite of passage. I have done this for you so you don’t have to. And I recommend that you let me take it for our team. Anything made from a bitter herb once used to kill stomach worms and other parasites (an ingredient shared with Absinthe, another notable that I left off of this list because yuck) is worth avoiding. Although it does have quite the storied and fascinating history, so let’s leave it for another time and place, shall we?]

Jessica Ping

Financial Professional Panorama Institutional Solutions Phone: (734) 358.5757 Email: Jessica.Ping@equitable.com

The right steps today can lead to a better tomorrow. In order to enjoy long-term financial freedom, you need a holistic strategy that enables you to make tax-deductible contributions and accumulate taxdeferred assets.

Let me show you how our institutional platform could fit as part of your overall strategy.

Jessica Ping Hausman offers securities through Equitable Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), member FINRA, SIPC (Equitable Financial Advisors in Michigan) and offers annuity and insurance products through Equitable Network, LLC. Equitable Advisors and Equitable Network and their affiliates and associates do not provide tax, accounting or legal advice or services. Panorama Institutional Solutions is not owned or operated by Equitable Advisors or Equitable Network. AGE-157779(12/20)(exp.12/22)

So what are you waiting for? Make a list of these and head to the liquor store. It’s time to change things up!

Aquavit Cocktails [Cocktails of Copenhagen]: cocktailsofcopenhagen.dk/aquavit-cocktails/

I’ve included some links to recipes you can try with all your new knowledge. Cheers!

Chartreuse Cocktails: 12 to Try [Imbibe]: imbibemagazine.com/chartreuse-cocktails/

20 Best Elderflower Liqueur Cocktails [Difford’s Guide]: www.diffordsguide.com/encyclopedia/485/cocktails/20best-elderflower-liqueur-cocktails

Cynar Cocktails: How to Use Cynar [Distiller]: blog.distiller.com/cynar-cocktails/

11 Most Appealing Banana Liqueur Cocktail Recipes to Try [The Manual]: www.themanual.com/food-and-drink/ best-banana-liqueur-cocktail-recipes/

Amazon best-selling author, mom of three, brewery founder, craft beer marketing consultant, and avid sports fan, Liz Crowe is a Kentucky native and graduate of the University of Louisville currently living in Ann Arbor. She has decades of experience in sales, public relations, and fundraising, plus an eightyear stint as a three-continent, ex-pat trailing spouse, all of which provide ongoing idea fodder for novels and other projects.

11 Impressive Coffee Liquor Cocktails [The Spruce Eats]: www.thespruceeats.com/coffee-liquor-cocktailrecipes-4151064 Drinks & Cocktails with Bitters [Absolut]: www.absolutdrinks.com/en/drinks/with/bitters/

www.facebook.com/lizcroweauthor (fan page) www.twitter.com/ETLizCrowe

February 2021 | 9

Photo by GE Anderson

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Making Michigan Courts Accessible for All with Chief Justice McCormack by Marji Wisniewski

The day I spoke with Chief Justice Bridget McCormack was a momentous one for our state and our country. On December 14, 2020, I woke up to news that state buildings would be closed due to credible threats of violence. I wasn’t sure if my Zoom interview with the Chief Justice was still going to happen. But at 10am that morning, we connected via video chat. We spoke about the significance of the day. That morning, the first American outside of a trial would receive the COVID-19 vaccine. It was also the day the electoral college would officially cast their ballots for our next president. Chief Justice McCormack would go on to swear in the electors later that afternoon. With all this going on (and frankly, with the year we’ve had), I wasn’t sure what to expect from our interview. I was completely in awe of the Chief Justice’s kindness, humility, and sincerity. She genuinely wants the best for us Michiganders when it comes to our justice system. She wants the courts to be accessible to all, and to be a place of healing. It’s reassuring to know Chief Justice McCormack is in our corner and in Michigan’s highest court.

INSPIRATION LEADS TO A STRONG FOUNDATION

system. I have no doubt that this inspired me and played a role in my career choice.

When I was a young girl, I would periodically pack up my things and leave my home in New Jersey for the big city. My godmother lived and worked in New York City and she would let me stay with her occasionally. She was always extra attentive to me. I’m not sure if it was because she didn’t have children of her own, or that we had a special bond; maybe it was both. As a legal aid lawyer, she helped New Yorkers who couldn’t afford legal representation. I grew up watching her help people navigate the justice

After attending NYU Law School, I too started out as a legal aid lawyer in New York City. I was a public defender, representing New Yorkers accused of crimes. We handled very high caseloads, which impacted the quality of representation each client received. For this reason, the New York City Legal Aid Union went on strike in 1994 — not for increased wages, but to get more help with our caseloads. We felt we couldn’t fairly represent the number of clients we had been assigned. The mayor of the city at February 2021 | 11

the time was Rudy Giuliani. He disagreed with our purpose to strike. So, instead of working with us on a solution, he canceled the City’s contract with the Legal Aid Society, and we were all fired. I found myself without a job and with law school loans to pay. I didn’t have any savings; I needed to find a job, and fast. I first took a job with an appellate office for a yearlong assignment. Next, I found a position with Yale Law School for a two-year teaching fellowship. I was doing clinical teaching, meaning that part of my instruction involved representing clients who couldn’t afford lawyers. I realized that I really liked this kind of work, so I went on the job market to find a more permanent placement. I found this great opportunity at the University of Michigan Law School. Looking back on this, I’m thankful that Giuliani fired me, as it was what put me on the path to the next phase of my career. In 2012, with the encouragement of my students and colleagues, I ran for an open seat on the Michigan Supreme Court. I had the naïve idea that I would have something important to contribute. I wasn’t really sure what I was getting into. I didn’t have any experience in politics, but I forged ahead and tried to figure out what it took to run for office. What a learning curve it was!

Photo by GE Anderson

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If I’d known beforehand what it would take to run, I’m not sure I would’ve gone through with it. In that way, I’m grateful for my naivety. I like to tell the folks I mentor not to overplan. Be willing to jump in to try new things; otherwise, you can talk yourself out of an opportunity by overthinking it. That year, I was elected to the Michigan Supreme Court. In 2019, the Michigan Justices chose me to be Chief Justice.

When first came to Michigan, I thought DavidILewis by Emily Rose Imagery I’d stay for five years or so, and then move back to the East Coast. However, I fell in love with the state and never wanted to leave. I think it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. I’ve been fortunate to stay here to grow my career and raise my family. The University of Michigan remains important to us. I still teach one class a year at the law school. The Law Library is one of my favorite places, period. I just don’t want to cut ties with that outstanding institution. I have a son who graduated from Michigan and is now doing a post-baccalaureate program there while working at the University of Michigan hospital. I have another son in the middle of his senior year there. Plus, U of M is surrounded by such an awesome town. Ann Arbor has so many quirky institutions, restaurants, and people. There aren’t many places that have quite the same feeling of this unique community. People really care about one another here. It’s a special place.

BRINGING THE COURT TO THE PEOPLE The number of people in our country and state that need legal services is significant. In Michigan, about eight out of ten people who have some type of legal problem can’t afford a lawyer to guide them. This means that some try to navigate the system alone, and others don’t even try. The courts are hard without the help of a lawyer. We speak a different language than the public. The court system was built 200 years ago on the assumption that there would be very few disputes and all people would be represented by lawyers. The current rules and the statutes were built around these assumptions that are mostly not true today. Michigan has tools that address this challenge. For one, we have what I believe is the best website in the country that helps people who don’t have lawyers. The website www. michiganlegalhelp.org is full of toolkits that enable people to navigate legal issues by themselves. 50,000 people each week use the site for assistance on issues ranging from

food stamp eligibility to getting a personal protection order. However, data from the website showed that one legal area proves especially difficult for self-represented litigants: expungement. Most people who started the expungement toolkit online didn’t finish. That particular process can be quite complicated. But data has also shown that expungement opens up so many possibilities for a person by clearing their criminal record. In order to help with this process, the Michigan State Bar Foundation, along with a variety of law students and judges, put together a traveling expungement clinic that travels to more isolated parts of the state (rural and northern communities) to help those eligible with the process. By taking the show on the road, they were able to process more expungements that people were entitled to. It became so popular that we actually opened up the Hall of Justice in Lansing to the clinic for a day. It was really cool to see a group of people show up who needed help that we could provide them. This past year, I’ve been incredibly proud of Michigan’s trial judges, court administrators, and court staff who have led the nation in figuring out how to make justice accessible — all while largely working remotely. It took lots of extra hours and lots of learning. It’s been inspiring to see the judges and court staff across the state respond to this challenge in unison saying, “We can do this.” A local example of this is of a magistrate in Ann Arbor who worked with a police officer in town. The officer would go to a local park where many of Ann Arbor’s homeless people congregate. The officer would then use his phone to sign into a Zoom meeting with the magistrate to help clear their warrants right there in the park. They were literally taking the court to the people, right where they were. This past year has been full of opportunity, and seeing people run with that has made me really proud of Michigan’s Judiciary. It’s unleashed a level of innovation that’s been inspiring to witness.

Chief Justice McCormack’s Message for Our Youth: The youth are not only watching, but they’re also giving us hope. My message to young people is a simple “Thank you.” You have sustained me throughout all of last year. Seeing how strong you are, how serious you are about taking care of one another, and taking care of us, inspires me. My college-aged kids, from the beginning, have been better at dealing with the quarantine and other changes than I have. I see so much potential in the younger generation. They’re focused on ideas that will save the world. They care about their community and about one another. It’s not a selfish generation, and for that I’m full of gratitude. You’re already better than us. You’re going to inherit this world — so go on and take Photo byit! GE Anderson

February 2021 | 13

MEASURED INNOVATION Courts and lawyers haven’t always been quick to change, and at times, they can actually resist innovation. This makes sense, as the entire profession is based on respecting decisions that have been made in the past. But in 2020, all of a sudden we couldn’t resist change anymore. This taught us that not only could we do things differently (and some of that would be better), but we also learned that we had room to experiment. We had to act as entrepreneurs instead of lawyers. One example of how the Michigan Supreme Court pivoted last year was when we quickly rolled out online dispute resolution statewide on a free, user-friendly platform. The resource is something people can use on their own time, with or without a mediator to resolve their disputes. I believe that we’re currently the only state offering this statewide. It makes a huge difference in how many Michiganders experience the court system. Over the last year, our Michigan courts have performed over two million hours of Zoom hearings. Our courts livestream these hearings over YouTube, so the public can access them. We have to be mindful of people who could be excluded because they don’t have access to the internet

or broadband. Better internet access is important to access to justice. But it’s important to remember that before we had remote options, some people were still excluded from justice — like people who lacked transportation, or couldn’t get a day off from work, or had children or others they alone cared for. I believe that being able to use the available tools effectively will give us better options for how we deliver service to the people of Michigan going forward.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE Personally, this year, I’ve learned a ton of new tricks. I used to spend a lot of time in my car or flying to other states. I’m not sure that I’ll do that as much anymore now that we have these online tools. There will be times when an in-person meeting is simply better, but now we have more choices. Last night, I watched an online concert by the musician Andrew Bird. He usually does this December concert every year in Chicago. I don’t think I would’ve driven to Chicago to see it. But I watched it on my TV at home, and it was really cool. I was watching it with people from all over the world. The sound and video were far better that a live performance. I could actually see his fingers plucking the violin. It brought me a lot of joy during a much-needed time over the holiday season. Like everyone else, not being able to see certain people because of this pandemic has worn me down; I miss seeing my parents most of all. They’re in their 80s and have health issues typical of their age. My dad is 81 and has bladder cancer. He had his bladder removed last January. For a while, he thought he wasn’t going to have the surgery. He volunteered for hospice for 30 years; he knows how to die with dignity, and he thought it was probably time for him to do that. Then my brother had his first baby, and my dad was like “Nope, I’m going to try to stay alive for a while to be with my grandchild!” Unfortunately, 2020 had other plans. Due to the pandemic, he hasn’t been able to see my nephew, as my brother is a plane ride away. I hope that by the time this article is published, he’ll be able to receive the vaccine. 2021 is looking up for a lot of reasons.

THERE IS MORE WORK TO BE DONE

Photo by GE Anderson

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I don’t have a lot of regrets in my life. I’ve been fortunate and blessed with so much support. If anything, I wish that I had more time for all the things that I still want to do. There’s still

some big work to do to make our courts accessible to all. We have this great Justice for All taskforce. We want to make Michigan a national leader in providing 100% access to the civil justice system. This will take a continued effort and an enormous reorientation of how we do what we do. But I’m going to continue working on it to ensure that we can make our justice system work more responsively for the people in the state who can’t afford lawyers. We can also do a lot more for families struggling with poverty, substance abuse, and mental health issues. We’re working on how we can be more helpful to parents and kids who end up interacting with the court system. We’re interacting with them already; why not use this moment to help them? I believe in moving our criminal justice system in a direction that focuses more on accountability and healing instead of vengeance. The criminal justice system has an important opportunity to serve as a source of healing for people who have violated the law and people who have been harmed by those violations. We’re living in a moment in time where a lot of people are interested in this idea. We’ve seen communities elect prosecutors who share these values, and we have bipartisan interest in the legislature here in Michigan for a lot of front- and back-end criminal legal system reform. The Jail Task Force that the Lieutenant Governor and I have chaired has been extremely successful in pushing our recommendations to policy. I feel like we’re at the tip of something big where justice system reform is concerned, and I want to keep being a part of pushing that further.

2021, A TIME FOR HEALING Over my 21 years as a lawyer, I came to know many of my clients personally. I cared about them and saw the way the legal system made it harder for them to heal, make progress, and contribute to their community instead of taking from it. Reflecting on their names, faces, and stories is a good motivator now that I’m in a position to be part of the solution. My experience has led me to believe that the courts need to be more of a service than a place. People who need the service of a court are typically really hurting. Normally, people need the court when something isn’t going well — maybe really not well. It can be a situation where people are stressed out, maybe even traumatized. I like to think of courts as being more like emergency rooms than anything else.

/ letsgoblow 335 S. Main Street Ann Arbor, MI 48104

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This past year and coming year is a time of tremendous transition for courts and the legal profession. It’s long overdue. The events of 2020 accelerated so much, so quickly. Today, we can think more methodically about how to offer our services to the people. The courts can be a source of healing by connecting people to resources as often as they can deliver consequences. The change we’ve been through is going to build a more transparent, accessible, and efficient justice system. That excites me and motivates me to keep moving forward, to serve our great state of Michigan. With a passion for marketing that started as a young girl, Marji Wisniewski created her own marketing and communications organization in 2017. As owner of Blue Zebra Marketing Solutions, she helps local and regional businesses and non-profits tell their story through branding, graphic design, content creation, and PR, focusing on customized solutions for each client that are more unique than a zebra’s stripes. A Michigan native, Marji received her bachelor's from Western Michigan University and master’s from Wayne State University. When not working you can find her gardening, doing Pilates, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her family and two dogs.

February 2021 | 15

Neighborly Caretaking

by Marilyn Pellini

Photo by Andre Ouellet

took my annual winter sojourn to Florida last year, as usual, but it lasted longer than I had intended. I normally return home in March, but my children thought it would be less of a health risk for me to remain down there until things got a bit better back home. I am older and I do have some health issues, so being down in the sunshine and sitting six feet away from my friends at the pool was definitely not a hardship. When I did finally travel back north at the end of May, the weather at home was totally delightful. Flower bulbs were popping up, shrubs burst with blooms, and the nip in the air was gone. The day after I arrived home, I got a call from Lisa, a young woman who lives across the street. “I don’t want you going out to the supermarket,” she said. “I have to

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shop for my family anyway, so I’m happy to pick up whatever you need.” I hated to impose on her, but I really was grateful. My daughter and her family live in Montana, and my son and his crew in Massachusetts. There’s not a single relative of mine in my area. It was a warm, wonderful feeling to know someone was looking out for me and offering what I needed with genuine concern and a caring heart. I try not to ask her to pick up too many items at once, and it works out well, as I do eat quite a bit of take-out, ordering two or three meals at a time so I can keep my freezer well-stocked. When Lisa drops off my groceries, we often have a nice little chat; she always has something kind to say to me.

“You surely are an interesting woman, and you do so much for the community!” She told me last time. My, did I go back into the house with a puffed-up chest! I believe that it also brings great pleasure to Lisa to help out someone in need. There are people who are just born givers, and she certainly is one of them. Most people don’t seem to connect to their immediate neighborhood as they once did. This is true for multiple reasons. Nowadays, every single family member who can drive has a car of their own, and they’re out and about all the time; people have such eclectic interests and hobbies that take them away from their local area. It’s only been since the virus shut down a lot of public life that people are taking an interest again in their yards and homes. Once the virus is brought under control, however, I don’t think our domestic and neighborly relations will completely regress; we’ve all discovered the joys of our immediate surroundings and spending more time with our loved ones. Some areas have a neighborhood watch, usually composed of residents of the local neighborhood. This seems to make for a very cohesive neighbor group, as everyone is looking out for one another. If newspapers are left in someone’s driveway for more than a couple of days, a neighbor will try to find out why. If they haven’t seen a neighbor outside for some time, they will check to make sure they’re okay. We don’t necessarily need to be our brother’s keeper, or insert ourselves into their lives, but a helping hand once in a while is so appropriate and appreciated, especially if someone is older, not well, or alone. One night a few years back, I was awakened by the sound of sirens. I ran to the window to see the rescue squad at my neighbor’s home. I asked my husband if he thought I should go over there to see if I could help in some way. He simply told me, “Do what you think is best.” I threw on some clothes and raced up the street. I knew that neighbor's wife didn’t drive and would have no way to get to the hospital, since she was too old and infirm to climb up into the ambulance. I offered to drive her to the hospital. She was so happy that I could help her be with her husband in his time of need. I stayed with her the rest of the night, as the tests they were running seem to take forever. When morning came, I was finally able to leave. I drove quickly home, jumped into the shower and into some fresh clothes, closed my suitcase, and left for California on a business trip with my husband. There were many hours to nap on the plane, and when we landed I was totally refreshed and so happy to know that I had been helpful.

Although I’ve lived here for many years now, I still feel like a transplant to my area. Most of my friends were born in this town or in the surrounding parts, so they have lots of family and childhood friends to call and rely on. My women’s club, totaling five members, has been my saving grace, but there’s even a bit of a problem with that. We’re all aging and have health issues of our own. To have my young friend Lisa around is a boon, as she is agile and alert and willing to take on some of my tasks as well as her own. Just imagine if we all would take care of our little microcosm, offering our neighbors a helping hand — what a divine world will this would be! Being a true Pollyanna, I believe that the coronavirus is opening our eyes to the needs of others and to the joys in life we’ve all been taking for granted. Maybe once we’re all out of quarantine or have less restrictions, more of us might be made more aware of our immediate surroundings and try to help someone who is alone or old. It certainly means the world to people like me. I have taken precautions for myself, of course, because I certainly don’t want to be a burden to anyone. My son would come down more often to help me, or I could otherwise spend time with his family in Massachusetts, but his wife is an OB/GYN who sometimes has to deliver the babies of Covid patients. Since I’m asthmatic, I need to be more cautious than most. Almost every day, I call my son in the morning or email him to let him know I’m doing well, and I do the same with my daughter in the evening, since she lives in a time zone two hours behind mine. It works well on both ends. At the end of the day, caretaking comes in many shapes and forms. Some need people to attend to them every minute of every day, while others can have someone perform a needed task here and there and still be considered a savior to someone in need. Let us all make it our job, our duty, and our pleasure to take over a needed role in the life of someone else, especially those who are old or alone. I’m sure that blessings will abound.

Marilyn Pellini has recently published a grief book titled Dear Al, A Widow’s Struggles and Remembrances. Her other credits as a writer include recent articles in Brick Magazine titled “Memories in My Button Jar” and “Restructuring My World,” pieces in Westchester Parent Magazine, Bay State Parent Magazine, On The Water, Balanced Rock, and others. In May 2018, she took the first place prize in the NY State Federation of Women’s Clubs writing contest.

February 2021 | 17

Safely Supporting Dexter

by Jennifer DeGregorio

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ast year at this time, I was invited to visit friends in Frisco, Colorado. I’d never been to a ski town before; as a lover of hot weather, I was surprised to find that I was actually enjoying the frigid outdoors. There were cafes on nearly every corner offering heat lamps, firepits, and warm drinks. Kids with rosy cheeks, barely visible beneath their hats and scarves, were roasting marshmallows and playing, and there was pure magic in their laughter. The cheerfulness radiating from every passerby created an energy that was contagious. I found myself wondering: Why doesn’t my little town of Dexter do something like this in the wintertime? I’ve always been a pretty big believer that support for local businesses is hugely important in order to have a thriving community. I also believe that small businesses have to give their customers an experience that makes them want to support them. Now, one year after my mini-trip to Frisco, this has never been more true. The coronavirus has forced small businesses to get creative; the ability to adapt with flexibility and determination is vital for everyone’s survival.

Beer Grotto patrons by Jennifer DeGregorio

For most of the year now, I’ve watched our town of Dexter come together in support of each other. I’ve watched many of our small businesses pivot quickly in a new direction to comply with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) orders and recommendations. I’ve watched businesses like the Dexter Beer Grotto scramble to find extra outdoor tables and the hard-tofind yet desperately necessary heat

lamps that add warmth and charm to Main Street. Other establishments like Dexter’s Pub have created nightly family meals to encourage more take-out orders. I’ve also been thoroughly impressed with Revive for their creative, upbeat social media campaigns that make me want to buy a shake simply to soak up some of their vibe. Small businesses in Dexter are doing their part to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for our community. Now it’s our turn. Tonight, as I drove past the Beer Grotto with their brilliant orange heat lamps lighting the night sky, I saw people (no more than a few at each spaced-out table) bundled up, drinking something warm and laughing. I thought of my trip to Frisco and I felt, for the first time in a while, like we can really get through this. We can be careful, safe, and cautious while still holding each other up. This is our community, and if we don’t use it, we will most definitely lose it. We’re here to look out for one another, and to make the best of whatever comes our way. In addition to serving The ChadTough Foundation as the Director of Communications, Jen DeGregorio manages PR/marketing and events for several non-profits across Washtenaw County. She was one of the first hires at AnnArbor.com and became an integral part of the management team. In 2012, Jen decided to start her own businesses, with a focus on helping small businesses and non-profits. She splits her time between her home in Dexter, MI and an apartment in NYC where her husband has worked for almost a decade.

February 2021 | 19

Your Endocannabinoid Sytem: The Steward of Your Body by Lisa Profera Photo by Jennifer Enujiugha

t’s all about balance. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is perhaps the most important system in the body. Its main functions are commonly summarized as “Eat, sleep, relax, forget, and protect.” This system is very ancient and can be found in all animals with a backbone (chordates). 20 | The Brick Magazine

The three basic components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors on cell membranes, the chemical “keys” that bind to the receptors (or “locks”), and the enzymes that break down the chemical keys once they have completed their task. This is a very dynamic, fluid system where trillions of lock and key interactions occur

daily. Our bodies produce two main endocannabinoids, anandamide and 2-AG. There are two receptors (CB1 and CB2) and several enzymes for synthesis and degradation. In my article on CBD for the October 2019 issue of The Brick, I explained what the ECS is. As I said then, I like to think of the ECS as a “master regulator” of all of our body systems: “We naturally make our own endocannabinoids, which are responsible for regulating many functions in the brain and body (body temperature, sleep, energy, pain, pleasure, stress response, immune function, digestion, and much more). When we’re stressed from an injury or infection, our endocannabinoid system helps us get “back to normal” — back to a state of homeostasis or balance. Deficiency or dysregulation of the ECS literally throws us off balance. When systems are unbalanced, we develop disease over time. Dysregulation of the ECS has been shown to play a role in almost all disease pathology. According to scientists at the National Institutes of Health, Pal Pacher and George Kunos, it makes logical sense that ‘modulating endocannabinoid system activity may have therapeutic potential in almost all diseases affecting humans’ (2014).” (BRICK, October 2019) Whenever our systems are challenged by something (viruses, bacteria, other microbes, injury, toxins, or other stressors), our ECS fights to get everything back to normal as quickly as possible. If any of the other systems (digestive, musculoskeletal, immune, nervous, etc.) are not functioning ideally, the ECS takes action to get them back on track. There are more cannabinoid receptors in our brain than any other type of receptor. The brain is the executor of our bodies, and the ECS is vital to our overall health. There are three types of cannabinoids: endocannabinoids (made by our body), phytocannabinoids (made by plants), and synthetic cannabinoids. Endogenous cannabinoids are produced and degraded as needed by our body. The endocannabinoid “tone” is kept at a baseline level when all systems are running normally. It’s highly adaptable, upregulating or downregulating depending upon the challenges that are posed. Dr. Ethan Russo proposed a condition of low endocannabinoid tone in certain individuals, which may be genetic or acquired. In his original paper in 2004, Dr. Russo proposed that people who suffer from migraines, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel

syndrome may have “clinical endocannabinoid deficiency.” Patients suffering from these conditions are often difficult to treat and experience an increased sensitivity to pain or hyperalgesia. The idea of increased or decreased endocannabinoid tone has been postulated in many other disease states. Replacing deficient endocannabinoids with phytocannabinoids such as those as found in medical marijuana may help the ECS re-achieve balance. In the 2014 article by McPartland, et al. titled “The Care and Feeding of the Endocannabinoid System: A Systematic Review of Potential Clinical Interventions that Upregulate the Endocannabinoid System,” the authors outlined the many ways that phytocannabinoids (CBD, THC, and others) modulate the ECS. CBD has the ability to help the ECS upregulate or downregulate itself as needed in order to achieve homeostasis. Diet and lifestyle choices can affect ECS tone. There is evidence that omega-3 fatty acids, pre- and probiotics, certain herbal remedies, terpenes, flavonoids, and many other compounds can affect our ECS. Unsurprisingly, xercise, stress reduction, healthy body weight, and other lifestyle-related factors are also important. In the words of Dr. Russo, “Only time and the scientific method will ascertain whether a new paradigm is applicable to human physiology and treatment of its derangements. Our insight into these possibilities is dependent on the contribution of one unique healing plant; for clinical cannabis has become a therapeutic compass to what modern medicine fails to cure.” Help your ECS keep the perfect balance in your life. I’m happy to guide you in your journey to a better, more harmonious relationship with your health. Owner and Founder of PROJUVU MD; Aesthetics and Lifestyle Medicine in Ann Arbor, MI; Expert Injector, Medical Director; Facial Innovations Medi-spa, Ann Arbor; Medical Director, Northville Beauty Spa; Certified Medical Marijuana Doctor; Certified doTERRA Essential Oils Expert; BEMER Independent Distributor; CrossFit® Level 1 Trainer www.projuvu.com • 1-844-PROJUVU • drprofera@gmail.com www.facebook.com/projuvu/ Request to join my closed FaceBook group, www.instagram.com/youressentialoilsdoctor/

Disclaimer: Please note that the information in this article has been designed to help educate the reader regarding the subject matter covered. This information is provided with the understanding that the author and any other entity referenced here are not liable for the misconception or misuse of the information provided. It is not provided to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, illness, or injured condition of the body. The provider of this information shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity concerning any loss, damage, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by this information. The information presented is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling or care. Anyone suffering from any disease, illness, or injury should consult a qualified healthcare professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

February 2021 | 21

A Nurseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Story

by Mikki Moscara

22 | The Brick Magazine

ome people are born with the gift of nurturing and caring for others. I’ve been told that it’s an instinct that gets stronger with experience. There are no greater heroes than those who’ve put themselves on the front line, without hesitation, to help others physically and emotionally during uncertain times. The beauty of selflessness is truly something to behold. It’s also beautiful to witness the manifestation of dreams for people who deserve it; it’s supremely satisfying to watch good things happen to good people. Shortly after this past Thanksgiving, I took the day off work and sat down to interview Catherine McMurran, a local nurse. 2020 feels like a lost year to me, so the idea of sitting down to understand the perspective of someone who gives unconditionally and devotes her life to the wellness of others felt like an opportunity to create something meaningful out of this uncertainty. Before the interview, all I knew about Catherine was that she had just given birth to her daughter in September and recently bought her dream farm, and has been working throughout the pandemic. It wasn’t until I sat down with her that I learned about her journey, her brave contribution to others, and the miracles she had recently witnessed. My intent was to learn about the thought process of a frontline nurse; I believe I learned more than that. We started the conversation with a chat about her children. Catherine has four beautiful children, ranging from a few months old to 15 years old. It was evident from the start of our interview that Catherine’s children are everything to her, and she’s so proud of them. Once the McMurrans purchased their new farm, her 15-year-old son landed his first job and bought a tractor using his own money. Catherine grew up on a farm and was involved in 4-H (a youth mentoring organization) at a young age. She always wanted a wildflower field full of beehives; her husband has always dreamed of owning an orchard. In 2020, fate brought the McMurrans to a 19-acre orchard one month before the birth of their youngest daughter. “It’s great, I couldn’t ask for anything more; at this point, my life is complete,” she said. Photos by Kristina Johnson

Moving to the farm was a dream come true for the McMurran family, but the journey was a struggle. The

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Photos by Kristina Johnson

family spent late 2019 and most of 2020 searching for a new home. They spent close to five of those months living in a 34-ft camper while Catherine was pregnant and holding her full-time job at a nursing home in Saline, MI in the midst of the pandemic. Catherine started her nursing career when she was 19 years old, just out of high school. She started as a nursing assistant. The company she worked for at the time paid her way through her nursing assistant certifications. When asked why she chose nursing at such a young age, Catherine talked about how her grandparents were a really big part of her life. “I loved my grandparents,” she said. “From a young age, they taught me the value of caring for people. I just knew I wanted to help people and be there for them when they needed someone.” Catherine finished her nursing degree at Kirtland Community College in Roscommon, MI after three years of working as

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a certified nursing assistant. She’s done a variety of nursing work throughout her career, including in-home care for nine years. She spent a lot of one-on-one time with people who had suffered major injuries from motor vehicle accidents. She looks back fondly on this time. “I definitely enjoyed it because I could really care for my patients in such an involved way, the way I really wanted to care for people in my nursing career,” she explained. Reflecting on her time at work this past year, she admitted that she had her worries. “We were very blessed to not have any cases among our residents during my pregnancy, but the fear was still there.” She talked about how even now, scientists and doctors still don’t fully understand how COVID-19 can affect pregnant women. Fortunately, neither Catherine nor her daughter have been infected by the virus. Some of her nursing friends told her that pregnant women weren’t allowed to work around COVID-19 patients in the hospitals where they worked. “It was very scary,” she said. “Whenever I went to work, I never knew if I was going to be exposed there or out in public.”

Despite her concerns about working in a nursing home during the pandemic, Catherine doesn’t regret her devotion. “It was a blessing to be there for my residents when their family members couldn’t be there for them physically. I tried to give them extra love and attention as much as possible. They were used to volunteers coming in and spending time with them, but we of course had to suspend that.” “We were trying to work together to keep our residents happy, healthy, and not lonely. It was important to let them know that they’re not alone.” Catherine continued working throughout her entire pregnancy, knowing the risks, but she kept going to the nursing home and being there for all of the residents. “They add to your life,” she said when referring to her patients. “I don’t mind giving a person a shower, or going the extra mile to take care of their needs. We’re not just there to administer medication.” We talked a little bit about what it was like to care for people in geriatrics during the pandemic. Catherine talked about how being observant and taking emotional cues from the residents is key, whether they’re verbal or not. “People were still getting married and still getting together, and they [the residents] are the ones who created these people and their families, so for them not to be there is extremely hard. From a nurse’s standpoint, I would observe my residents’ emotional cues; if I felt they were having a bad day, I would do my best to go in and comfort them with extra-special attention,” she said. “It’s been difficult across the board, for absolutely everybody,” Catherine commented in reference to the pandemic as a whole. “But I can speak for all of the long-term care nurses and nursing assistants: it’s been especially hard on us.” Catherine also talked about how grateful she is for her team of nurses and nursing assistants. “It doesn’t flow right unless you have good nursing assistants working with you, because they’re doing all the physical work,” she elaborated. “You can’t really take care of a group of people without working together as one. I really appreciate the nursing assistants I work with, because

they’re very helpful to me. It’s really difficult to wear a mask all the time, to work hard to keep everyone safe, and the sheer physical workload of it can be draining. Across the board, I think that for long-term care nurses and nursing assistants this year has been especially difficult, because you’re the only person the residents see most days and you’re trying to give every single person extra time. It’s not just about the residents’ physical care; it's also about their emotional care.” “I’m looking forward to going back and seeing my residents, but I’m truly looking forward to everything opening back up so they can see their families,” she added. She spoke of how her administrator and director of nursing kept her and the other nurses going through their encouragement. All things considered, she’s very grateful for her job. In her closing remarks, Catherine had this to say about her field: “Nursing isn’t for everyone. It’s not about opening a book and knowing what to do. Sometimes nursing is what you feel, and following that special instinct — and it doesn’t come right away. It comes with experience and with time. Patients are human beings, after all, and they need that extra special commitment — they depend on you to observe their body language and know what else they might need. That intuition may be the only clue you have that something isn’t right.” Catherine’s story and wisdom brought me hope. I sought out to learn about what it takes to master selfless giving, and in return I heard a story about a hardworking nurse who humbly and bravely conquered every day while she was pregnant. Her nurturing nature granted her a fulfilling life and lead her to achieving her dreams. I wish her and her family well with the farm; may it be as nourishing as her and her nursing colleagues. Mikki Moscara is a writer with a degree in journalism from EMU. She has been a contributing writer and editor for Eastern Echo, Gothic Beauty Magazine, and Monroe News. She is currently the marketing manager at BELFOR Franchise Group. She lives with her family in the King neighborhood of Ann Arbor. In addition to being involved in local women's initiatives, Mikki and her family also frequently attend Ann Arbor charitable events. Instagram: @mikki.moscara Twitter: moscara_mikki

February 2021 | 25

Caretaker of Your Thoughts by Maria Sylvester, MSW, CPC

ssuming stewardship over our minds can be a full-time job — a job that’s definitely essential.

The time, effort, and energy you bring to this work betters yourself and your community. You, and only you, are the caretaker of your thoughts. It’s a privilege, an honor, and a challenge. You are the one solely responsible for managing your perceptions and persuasions, your hopes and dreams. Cultivating a strong mind has always been a priority for me. It’s a life-long practice. I believe that the quality of our thoughts determine the quality of our lives. Since I’m passionate about having a kick-ass, amazing, multi-faceted life, mindset caretaking will always remain at the top of my soul-care list. I’m all in for a golden mind and a golden life! What takes root in your mind definitely impacts how you’ll feel and behave. What we think about profoundly and directly affects who we are. Therefore, the caretaking of your mind is a huge responsibility with a grand payoff — one that endlessly fascinates me. How do we best keep ourselves regulated in a good, solid state of mind? How do we manage this freedom of will? This is the challenge many

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Photo by christopher-campbell

of my life coaching clients face daily. Here, I’ll share my three favorite rants on the subject.

Vigilant Self-Awareness Maintaining a golden mental state demands vigilance. Letting your thoughts slip into default mode is not really an option if you’re striving for a brilliant mindset. Instead, one must welcome the practice of radical self-awareness — of mindfully witnessing the subject matter of your thoughts and where they roam. It’s like tending a garden — you’ll Photo by Annie Spratt want to carefully plant positive seeds, i.e. thoughts that align with your highest nature and desires, that enhance your feelings of well-being. Then you’ll want to observe how these thoughts grow, tending to your desires with gentle care and loving consideration. Lastly, you’ll want to weed regularly, clearing out whatever thoughts infringe upon your happiness. One practice I do to help maintain a right frame of mind — meaning one that helps me thrive and do well in my life — is the ritual of tracking. I vigilantly track my moods, and when I notice a funky one, I’ll trace my steps backwards.

I’ll reflect on what thought I was having right before I felt the mood dip. Regularly practicing this type of selfawareness has enabled me to quickly identify problematic thoughts that trigger my upset moods. Once conscious of such, I can make a choice: I can keep thinking whatever it is that leaves me in angst, or flip the thought into an idea that elevates me.

Understanding the Stress Response Cycle Another reason I value taking care of my mind every day comes from appreciating the utter havoc stress can have on the body, as well as on our mental functioning. Science has taught us that the chemicals released in the brain during a stressful situation can actually shut down the immune system and the body’s ability to grow. In the emotional panic states of fight, flight, or freeze, for instance, the body allocates most of its energy to coping, protecting it in what feels like a life-or-death moment. Stress hormones, when raging through the body, inhibit the growth of otherwise healthy cells. The result is increased illness and a compromised immune system. I read somewhere that 90% of illness is stress-related. Crazy, eh? If that’s not motivation for maintaining a healthy mindset, I’m not sure what would be! If our nervous system becomes racked with stress after we imagine painful scenarios, ruminate on negative ideas, focus on potentially bad outcomes, or make false assumptions, we’re suddenly heading down a self-destructive, potentially catastrophic path. Additionally, my understanding of the stress response is that when in this highly aroused state, our sense of conscious reasoning flies out the window. We’re likely to be highly reactive vs. responsive. Reflexive behavior takes over. In other words, we become less intelligent when stressed, and the body's blood flow gets pulled away from the brain. That fact alone convinced me to practice good mindset caretaking!

Careful Mental Consumption It seems to me that if you desire a golden life, you’ll want a well-exercised, sharply-focused mind. Habits help develop such. Consider carefully what weakens your mind, leaving you foggy, unfocused, or randomly grazing on useless content. Clearly good sleep, sound nutrition, regular exercise, and minimal or no use of intoxicating substances help keep our brains functioning well. Trying to avoid repetitive negative thought patterns also helps limit the likelihood of depression, anxiety, or mental paralysis. Next, consider what you mentally consume on a daily basis. What do you let influence you? Is the media you watch, read, or listen to of high or low quality? Do you scroll endlessly, watch junk TV, or listen to mindless radio chatter?

On the other hand, perhaps you meditate, read intellectually stimulating articles, do crossword puzzles, and listen to life-enhancing podcasts. Do you actively seek to strengthen your mind, or is it just along for a joy ride? Cognitive wellbeing is always enhanced by life-long learning. A sharp mind is a healthy mind! Step into your genius. How about the friends and company you keep? What values and standards do they live by? I thrive on being surrounded by active learners who challenge and inspire me. I seek out relationships with people who have positive energy and uplifting thought patterns. I love hanging with spiritually awake humans who are very present in their lives, typically focused on personal development and growth. When I surround myself with highly-conscious, caring, fun-loving individuals, I grow exponentially. My mind is beautifully stretched and exercised. It opens up. All these factors are highly relevant to stellar mindset caretaking.

The Life Satisfaction Factor The quality of one’s personal well-being and life satisfaction are, I believe, significantly impacted by how well we care for our minds. I’ve coached individuals who were so deeply entrenched in negative thought patterns and false beliefs that their lives were literally crumbling around them — not to mention the depression and anxiety that plagued them. Only after extreme interventions and serious team effort were they able to shift mindsets, and most importantly, the course of their lives. I frequently reminded them: “Thoughts are just energy, and one can always change their energy.” This proved instrumental. I’ve also witnessed the beauty and bliss of those individuals who, despite serious life challenges and hardships, could maintain steady mental equilibrium and positive outlooks. They could repeatedly, and masterfully, problem-solve their way to even grander heights and lasting joy. Greater levels of personal fulfillment directly correlate to good mental caretaking strategies. Making an unwavering commitment to lovingly tend to your mental landscape is one of the very best gifts you can give yourself. The rewards are infinite. Maria Sylvester, MSW, CPC is a certified Life Coach in Ann Arbor, MI who loves empowering adolescents, adults, and couples to live from the HEART of what really matters to them so that they can bring their fully expressed, vibrant selves into the world. She has a special gift for helping women reclaim their feminine power, and embrace their radiant, sensual, sexy spirits. Their lives transform. They soar into their mid-life magnificence! www.lifeempowermentcoaching.com Instagram: @life_coach_maria Facebook: www.facebook.com/LifeEmpowermentCoaching

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Stepping Up by Emily Drier 28 | The Brick Magazine

he field of tech is here to stay. Now, especially with our global pandemic, technology is growing at a pace the world is scrambling to keep up with. Most companies find themselves thriving with remote employees and online offerings for their constituents; there’s certainly no going back to how it was before. I’m grateful to be part of an industry that continues to evolve. These days, I’m a part of this industry as a technical project manager for Human Element, an Ann Arborbased ecommerce web development agency. I spend my workday managing all aspects of ecommerce website building, from development team communication to client reporting and interaction. It may surprise you to know that I don’t have a computer science background. I have a bachelor’s degree in education from Michigan State University. A non-technical education such as this is more common than one would expect in the technology industry. However, many job seekers may shy away from more technical opportunities because they think their education takes them out of the running.

DON’T STOP LEARNING Following my graduation, I taught eighth-grade English for three years. I found myself wondering if there might be something different out there for me. Saying goodbye to the students was difficult; the decision to actually leave was terrifying. But I stuck to my choice and decided to follow a new career path. My favorite aspect of teaching was working with and inspiring students. However, as a career, education is wrought with countless uncertainties and administrative decisions that are beyond one's control. I sought to have more control over my professional life. Seven years have passed since I left teaching. In that time, I’ve learned how to code, worked for some amazing Ann Arbor companies, and started a nonprofit organization to support marginalized individuals in tech. Oh, and I became a parent, too. Throughout that time, I’ve remained driven to keep learning, because there’s always something new to learn, a new skill to better myself. While the career change was certainly challenging, it wasn’t impossible. I will say, though, you need to be

willing to do the work and get uncomfortable. In my early post-teaching years, after my workday as an event coordinator, I spent my evenings completing online workshops, attending Meetup events to learn and network, and submitted countless resumes to tech companies. One of those submissions was picked up by a small web shop, where I became their social media manager. I immediately wanted to learn more, so my boss introduced me to the world of search engine optimization (SEO) and building websites in WordPress. Even now, as a technical project manager at Human Element, I can effectively comprehend and communicate with the team members working on development and SEO integration, despite not doing those things directly myself. Technical knowledge, complimented by my early years as a teacher, lets me communicate with clients in a way they will understand, rather than just repeating shop jargon.

24/7 The beauty and curse of a job in tech is being easily accessible, thanks to the myriad of communication methods and devices. Oftentimes, this can cause employees to never truly be “out of the office,” since they can simply log on to answer a quick email, or maybe put a few more hours into a component build for a looming deadline. Something I’ve noticed in the technology sector is a high employee turnover. Between employees not being able to truly log off for the day and management blurring the boundaries between work and life, some people decide to take their talents to their next employer. I’ve had the great fortune of working for local companies that champion the work-life balance. My current employer, Human Element, as well as my former company, Boxcar Studio, have followed through with this offering in many ways. The standards for work-life balance in the technology sector have changed in the last 10 years. First, I’ve noticed that recognition for doing good work is no longer the exception, but the norm. Responsibility for team and project success is fairly distributed. There’s a flexibility now that allows for personal needs to be met alongside work priorities. If I need a couple hours offline on a

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of a large site launch slated for early 2021. Rather than just letting his employees carry on with putting in the overtime as if it were expected and normal, he addressed it immediately with a company-wide email. He certainly recognized and thanked everyone for their extra efforts, but his bigger priority was reminding employees that their mental health and well-being was most important, emphasizing that he wanted us to take a moment to ourselves to invest time into what brings us happiness and furthers our passions.

weekday because my two-year-old daughter has a doctor’s appointment, there are no qualms from my team if I’ve communicated with people accordingly. I don’t need to sweat bullets wondering if my bosses will say it’s okay or if they’ll be angry with me. This privilege comes from communication and showing your dependability.

Unlimited Paid Time Off Say what? Hear me out, employers! This can be done! Unlimited paid time off for all staff, starting on day one of hiring, builds trust. I remember my Boxcar Studio boss, TJ, being asked, “But how do you stop employees from abusing this?” He replied, “If you hire the right folks, it’s a non-issue.” That always stuck with me for two reasons. First, he and the rest of his management team were confident in their hiring process. Second, they saw me as one of those “right folks” who would get the work done on their own schedule. Human Element sees me as one of those “right folks” too. They see to it that their employees use the unlimited PTO policy in more ways than one, including general company reminders to take time off, as well as during individual employee check-ins. While these new, more inclusive policies are not a fix-all solution to promote inclusivity in tech, they do provide more flexibility, which I especially appreciate as a new parent. Recently, one of the founders at Human Element noticed that many employees were working late hours because

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I invest that time into my family. This brings me immeasurable joy, but also leaves room for my nonprofit work. I’m passionate about providing resources to individuals who may, like me, want to pivot their lives and go into tech. Not everyone is presented with the opportunities to make that happen — that’s where my nonprofit work comes in. At tech[inclusive], we work to empower underrepresented people in tech to pursue new skills through a supportive community, providing lowbarrier, safe learning opportunities and events. I will always remember the work I put in to make that career switch, and want to share that knowledge with those who are looking to do the same. If you’re thinking about switching careers and going into technology, I’m here to say that it can be done. Not all paths into this field are traditional, and there are numerous opportunities besides the software developer path. My advice? Pursue opportunities to learn, surround yourself with a supportive learning community, and find a forward-thinking employer that will bolster your continued growth both as an employee and an individual. Lastly, try making connections with people you identify with. Their experiences may reflect some similarities, and provide unique insight that may not be reflected in larger learning resources. Em began her professional career in the education field. Thanks to self-learning, hard work, and accessible community resources, she was able to make the switch into tech and is now a Technical Project Manager at Human Element. Em is passionate about providing those accessible resources to others looking to advance their tech careers. When the laptop is closed, you can find her pursuing balance of the Force, and spending time with her family.

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