Hello, Gazette readers! Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Bobby, an architect and the newest member of the STA team. As we reached the one-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic last month, I led a Living Lab where I asked each of us to reflect on one positive accomplishment that they can take out of the last year.
I’ve always had an interest in tinkering with technology, so I decided to learn something new and purchase a Network Attached Storage (NAS) server. With a NAS, I was able to consolidate the various external hard drives, photo archives, and other patchwork storage and backup solutions into a single, redundant solution. As I continue to dive deeper into learning about the abilities of the system, I’ve been able to add additional functionalities including wireless computer backups, photo tagging and organizing, and over-the-air TV recording and digital media organization via Plex into the system’s capabilities. I’ve enjoyed learning about how this system can automate and seamlessly enhance my digital lifestyle.
Other members of the STA team offered their own stories:
“Working from home has afforded us more free time when we aren’t working. I’ve enjoyed playing more guitar, healthy cooking, and a regular exercise schedule. I’ve learned how to reupholster furniture, cut my own hair, and have done a long list of projects around the house. Prior to working from home, time was always elusive. As soon as things get “back to normal” my goal is to make sure that these new habits become a priority.”
– David
“My parents are both 72 years old and my father has Alzheimer’s. Although we have two employees who work on alternate days to help my mom to take care of my dad, the lockdown during COVID took away the few opportunities that mom had to get out of the house, exercise – she used to see a trainer every weekday, and socialize. In order to make up for the sudden decrease in social interactions, I committed myself to call her every day after work. We have always been good friends, but since I moved to the US 22 years ago, we have only been chatting once or twice a week. Video chatting every day has given us the opportunity to reconnect on a deeper level and learn so much more about ourselves. Seeing her smile warms up my heart and just reminds me how grateful I am for such an amazing upbringing.”
– Andy
“One large accomplishment I have done in the past year is to undergo and complete an entire gut and renovation of my basement to turn it into my own living space. I was able to be my own client to design the space to fit my own program. The key goal was to create three spaces in one room. Ideally to have a living/entertaining space for company, a sleeping place and an area dedicated to playing and recording music. Along the way I had a few challenges to overcome. The first challenge was to remove over a decade’s worth of items from the space including a heavy mix of garbage, family memorabilia and old furniture. The second challenge was to seal up the one exterior wall that was leaking water like no one’s business. Once those challenges were taken care of it was smooth sailing. Finding I was not fitting the set schedule to move into the space by the time I wanted I decided to hire a contractor to finish the job. A short two weeks later passed and I was able to move into my new space.”
– Joe
“Being ‘forced’ to stay at home has given me an opportunity to explore and get to know my local environment of Arlington. I’ve discovered several beautiful natural environments just steps from my home! Taking daily walks to these lovely spots has been a wonderful way for me to get some exercise and clear my mind – the healing power of nature is impactful!”
– Felice
“In the year 2020 I was able to complete several significant milestones. After migrating from the Engineering field to Architecture in 2018 in my country, Brazil; it was the first year I was working in the US at an Architecture firm. It was an achievement for me in many regards: professional, cultural, personal and educational. At the end of the same year, I was able to participate in my first Architectural competition which further motivates my passion for design.”
– Nathalia
I know that looking back on the last year, many of us can share stories of sorrow. While remembering these moments, I also believe it’s important to take time to celebrate those accomplishments big and small that each of us were able to make during the last year. Many of us tried something new that they otherwise may have never tried before had circumstances been different, and we should all strive to keep that spirit going as we move forward.
-Bobby
