Finding Balance

Last week I finally met my mentor, Elizabeth Watkins, in person! I attended the Frisco Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Breakfast (a weekly networking event for professionals in any industry) for our third mentor visit. Ms. Watkins generously used her networking time to tell the other professionals about ReTextile.

I also had the pleasure of attending a virtual human trafficking research symposium. Although I could only attend for part of the day, I learned so much about how trafficking affects the LGBTQ, immigrant, and homeless populations in the U.S. I hope to rewatch the parts of the symposium that I missed over the next couple of weeks. I might listen to it while I cut fabric for ReTextile quilt kits.

The only major thing in ISM this week is my Original Work Reflection speech. I’m a bit nervous about it, but I think it’s just because this is the first time I’ve presented my Original Work (because the ISM Research Symposium has moving locations and dates). I’m still putting the finishing touches on my slides, but I should finish with plenty of time to do some extra practice.

There has been a lot going on with ReTextile and ISM, and while I am grateful for every opportunity, I realize I’m getting worn out. So I’m trying to find ways to combine activities (like I mentioned earlier with the quilt kits) and prioritize rest. I will probably be asking my mentor about preventing burnout and finding balance during my next mentor visit.

See you next week,

Ashley