I'm known to ask a lot of questions! When it comes to user-centricity, I'm more interested in getting to the core issue rather than applying band-aids (though sometimes you need to do both as part of the larger product strategy).

Above all else, I'm curious about people. I'm often confused for an introvert, but I'd actually describe myself as a quiet extrovert. Being around people, learning about them, and using my expertise to help them energizes me more than anything else.

I know when to hold my ground when it comes to advocating for the user and when to roll with the punches. I'm naturally excited about trying new things - whether that means learning new tools, changing mock-ups to adjust for new insights and priorities, or testing out new processes!

I think it's my adventurous streak that keeps me excited about UX. The field envelopes and interacts with so many different disciplines, that there are always new challenges to take on. Likewise, as a UX designer, you have the opportunity to collaborate with just about any team within an organization - I personally love working with developers and am currently reading Product Management for UX People so I can continue growing my understanding of product

Let me share with you the story of my first UX generalist job. As a fresh-out-of-boot camp junior designer, I was so jazzed up to work with some of my favorite people full-time and to grow exponentially.

Seven months in, all six other designers, including my manager, left the company in just four months. Suddenly, I found myself managing workloads that were previously handled by six people and working with people much, much higher up in the org charts on strategy. Despite the added pressure, I rose to the challenge and even continued late-night meetings with Australian teams and early-morning check-ins with Indian teams.

So, rest assured, you can count on my work ethic and ability to handle adversity.