Sara on Being in an Interracial Relationship

1 - Tell me 3 things about yourself aside from being in an interracial relationship.

- I have an amazing little boy named Jack. He’s 8 months and so flippin' fun!!! He just learned to wave and clap. He also says Kitty! I’m a VERY proud mama!
- I love my family more than life.
- I love cooking.

2 - Who is your husband/partner/babydaddy?

Anthony Chilufya. He’s from Zambia, Africa.

3 - How did you meet each other?

We met in October of 2008 at Sketchy Shell on Maryland...That always makes me laugh! We have mutual friends so he got my number and called me a couple days later. We were formally introduced 2 weeks later. I liked him right away!

4 - What’s the story of you falling in love?

We really liked each other and hung out every chance we got! He was in school and studied a lot but he always took time for me. It kind of felt like we were best friends from the start. The first time he told me he loved me was in December of 2008 but I’m pretty sure he loved me before that! The more I learn about him the more I love him. I honestly didn’t think I could love him any more than I already did and then we had Jack! So I guess as dumb as it might sound we’re stilling falling in love.

5 - How long have you been together now?

Since October 2008. Almost four years!

6 - What brought him to Winnipeg?

He came to study at University of Manitoba. He graduated with a Biochemistry degree last year.

7 - Have you met his family?

I’ve only met his sister Hilda. She came here and surprised him a couple years ago.

8 - How does he keep in touch with them? What’s your role in all of that?

They talk on the phone a lot. Anthony buys calling cards 2 or 3 times a week. It is so worth it! I love hearing him laughing with his family. Facebook has been amazing for communicating too. I am friends on fb with most of his siblings, nephews and nieces so that is how I’ve been able to get to know them and how they have been able to watch Jack grow.

9 - Tell me about your beautiful son! Who does he resemble more?

Where to begin? He is absolutely incredible! I’m pretty sure he is the smartest 8 month old in the world! He crawls, stands, waves, claps and says about 8 words! The love that I have for him is out of control! Anthony would say he is his mother to a tee! And by that, he means his stubborn attitude! I think he’s a pretty good mixture of the two of us.

10 - How did your friends and family respond to you being with someone from another country?

After my mom made sure I would never move to Zambia, it has never been an issue. Ha ha! Everybody loved Anthony from the start!

11 - Who has been the most supportive of your relationship?

Everybody has been very supportive but if I had to say one person specifically I would say my mom was. I miss her love for us a lot!

12 - How do strangers respond to you two walking down the street?

People stare! Especially old people. It used to irritate me so much and I’d get angry. Anthony would just laugh and tell me to leave them be. Who cares! I guess his attitude about it really rubbed off on me because I hardly notice it at all anymore. Now when we’re out we have Jack so most people just look at him. I don’t think they even notice us anymore.

13 - What do you feel is the biggest misconception people have about your relationship?

I honestly have never thought of that. I don’t even know if I have an answer for that.

14 - What is the best thing about being in an interracial relationship?

I get to learn about Zambia and Anthony’s life growing up there. He has some pretty amazing stories. The cute babies and amazing food he cooks for me are a plus too!!

15 - What is the hardest thing about it?

Being so far away from his family. It is very hard (for Anthony especially) raising Jack without them close. Jack is missing a lot not being there. He has 7 Aunties and Uncles and 18 cousins in Zambia. I wish he could grow up with them. One of his cousins is only 2 or 3 weeks younger than him.

16 - How different or similar are the cultures you each come from?

They are very different but have never come in the way of our relationship.

17 - How does child-rearing go, when you come from two different cultures?

Coming from different cultures has not affected the way we parent at all. I was a little surprised at how similar we parent. We just want Jack to be healthy and happy. That’s all that really matters in the end.

18 - Do you deal with racism? How?

Anthony once told me that racism doesn’t exist. I disagreed and he said he just doesn’t see it. I remember feeling very proud of him when he told me this. I think he was raised to know that the color of your skin does not define who you are.
There was one time though since Jack is born…my dad and I were taking Jack for a walk and a woman stopped to look at him. She looked up at me and said, “You like that color hey?” it was one of those moments where I looked back on it and wished that I had said so much!! I have never seen Anthony so upset. I really hope Jack doesn’t have to deal with that in his life!

19 - How do you feel about the saying, “Once you go black, you never go back”?

Ha ha! IT’S TRUE!!!!

20 - At the end of your life, how might being in an inter-racial relationship have made a difference for you?

I really don’t think that being in an interracial relationship will make the difference at the end of my life. What will make the difference is that I found the nicest most perfect partner there is for me. He is an incredible man and treats me and my son with so much love and respect. I am happy in this relationship and that is what matters. The color of his skin and where he was born are just bonuses especially because I might get to go to Zambia one day :)

Jill on Designing Clothes

1 - Tell me 3 things about yourself aside from being a clothes-designer.

i have a super awesome 3 year old boy, Rollin, who is named after my super awesome grandfather. this makes me so proud.
i married a boy (also super awesome) who was the lead singer in a band that i really liked (still do!). this also makes me so proud.
i love white wine and pizza.

2 – How would you describe the clothes that you design and make?

the clothing that i make is artistic and utilitarian. i make clothing to express yourself in, but that will also carry you throughout your day.

3 – How long have you been on this path of designing clothing? Where and how did it begin?

i think that i always knew that i wanted to do something artistic with my life. i dropped out of the english program at u of w, and decided on a total whim to go to school for some kind of art. suddenly i was enrolled in fashion school in vancouver... starting in 5 months. i did not sew at this point. this was 8 years ago, and i've rarely gone a day without sitting at my sewing machine since then.

4 – Do you spend a lot of time thinking of what you’ll create next? Or how does the process of making a new piece happen? 

 

as with most parts of the creative process, things happen and come together when i least expect them to. sometimes a collection is a month's worth of sketching and editing. and sometimes an entire collection, styling, photoshoots, and promotion will just *come* to me at the most unexpected times. i think that this is one of the greatest signs that i'm doing what i'm supposed to be doing... i've never once run out of inspiration, and every time i try to leave the door open to maaaaybe skip a season of making clothes... i have one of those moments of insane creative clarity, and then i'm just psyched to make it happen.

5 – Do you have an ultimate goal for your work? Or are you there already?

i really really just want to be happy, and be able to keep the people around me happy. i think that i've already learned how to manage the work that i do, and the way that i work, to make sure that this happens; but i want to make sure that i keep trying to find that tricky balance. i'm totally aware that one day, life may change, and making clothing may only be a hobby, instead of a job/career... i just really want to stay tuned into this. on the flip side, maybe one day my clothes-making will make me really rich (ha). i'm open to that too.

6 – Tell me about some of the earliest influences on your art. (and)
7 – Who is a recent influence for your work?

i have always been the most inspired by different people, and the lives that they lead. i love looking at a woman's life, and everything that an average day looks like for her... and then trying to do that woman (and that day) some kind of justice. i want to try to make her feel strong and capable in what SHE does. i want to make women feel like they look amazing and artistic and beautiful, while they pound the pavement to make their lives awesome and happy.


8- Tell me about a great moment you’ve had working with clothes recently.

every time that i see someone wearing one of my pieces, just doing their thing, is the best moment of making clothing. it just absolutely kills me, and usually makes me want to cry because i'm so proud. I’ts astounding to me to see my clothing outside of my (very) messy studio, and really being brought to life.


9 – What do you love most about this vocation?

i love two things the most about what i do, and neither of them would exist without the other: i love the fact that i get to do "arts and crafts" most days, and express myself with creativity. and i love the fact that others can translate this creativity into something that they feel expresses themselves.

10 – What do you find difficult about being a clothes designer?

sometimes i find it really difficult to motivate myself to follow the "timelines" of fashion.

11 – What are some of your thoughts on the fashion industry?

truthfully, i don't really consider myself to be a fashion designer. fashion is such an idea, such a subjective notion... this feels weird to me, and creates the anxiety of "keeping up with the joneses" (or whoever). i don't really know a ton about the fashion industry. i read vogue. i like a good fashion show. but i'm generally "behind" a few seasons in what i like (which could also mean that i'm "ahead"...?). i just make clothes that i like, and i hope that other people like some of them too.

12 – What do you find beautiful (in general)?

I LOVE IT THAT YOU ASKED ME THIS! here's my favorite quote of all time: "he who seeks beauty, will find it". i want a life that is filled with beauty and happiness, and so i find it in most places, and most people. i have been told recently that i am "aggressively positive". life is mostly so good, and there is so much beauty... just look for it!

13– Being a self-employed artist, how do you take breaks from it?

 

i don't take a lot of breaks from making clothing, especially now that my studio is in my home. in my constant efforts of trying to be kind to myself, i will tentatively offer myself opportunities to take some time off. it never happens. i always end up back at my sewing machine, whether it's for work or for enjoyment. sometimes for way too many hours in a day... it can be exhausting, but it's also just what i love to do.


14 – Who has been the biggest support on this path of making clothes?

i would definitely have to say my husband, chris. he up and moved with me to vancouver when we hadn't even been married for a year, and put me through school-- both financially and emotionally. he is the only carpenter that knows the difference between a tulip skirt and a dirndl skirt. he pushes and he encourages, but he also knows how to tell me that he's proud of me. he talks about my clothing line, tony chestnut, like it's a big deal.

15 – Do you go to the mall? And if so, do you buy stuff there?

i totally go to the mall, and i (sometimes) totally buy stuff there. i think that it is a fine skill to be able to purchase something from the mall, and then pair it with a beautiful and unique handmade piece in a way that really works. my sister is so good at that.

16 – Say something about Forever 21.

i friggin love a pair of jeans that i got there for $12


17 – What are your thoughts on the accessibility of good quality, beautiful clothing?

obviously, in a perfect world, i would like to see all clothing being well-made and responsibly made. this would, in-turn, make clothing so much more beautiful and expressive. i love the idea of buying only hand-made clothing, but if you're talking about the good stuff, then often this is a budget breaker. i love it when people have to make it work financially to buy a tony chestnut item... it makes me feel so happy, and i love seeing it worn with a pair of $12 jeans... the cheap jeans are sometimes the reason we can afford the expensive hand-felted vest.

18 – How important are the clothes you wear to your identity?

the actual clothes that i wear are not always super important to my identity, but the way that i put clothing together is fairly pertinent. i love focusing on contrasts, because that's life. i love wearing an outfit that some moms wouldn't think of to wear, and holding my son on my hip.

19 - What have you learned about yourself from being a clothing designer?
 
i've learned that i throw myself, very passionately, into my craft. but i've also learned that my craft isn't my identity. if one day i don't make clothing, that's ok.

20 - At the end of your life, how might choosing a career in clothing design might have made a difference for you?

it's crazy how many amazing people that i've met, and made clothing for. people are so inspiring, and being creative is so important. i've managed to find a way to completely integrate both of those things. i make art for specific people with specific stories. two birds; one stone. cool, hey?

Mikey on Changing Careers

    1 - Tell me 3 things about yourself aside from having recently changed careers.

    I recently started cycling, this has changed my attitude towards exercising.

    I love babies, and hopefully someday have one or two of my own.

    Gin and soda with a lime is my drink of choice.

     2 - What career did you move out of?

   

     Agricultural Sales as a Territory Manager.

     3 - Tell me about your new job.

      I’m a travel agent, I was bitten by the travel bug several years ago and this is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’m an outside agent, meaning I work from home and hope to specialize in corporate and group bookings. That said I do everything travel related; hotels, air, car and all inclusive packages.

     4 - Why the change, Mikey?

      After 6 years traveling North America and visiting the same people every couple weeks I got bored. I didn’t feel like I was being challenged anymore and I was never home. I want to one day settle down and probably have a family and my previous job was not conducive to this. It’s hard to have a relationship when you’re only home weekends, so I figured I needed a radical change.

     5 - What do you miss about your old career?

      I actually miss a bit of the travel, I know it contradicts what I just said above but I get antsy easily and working from home and not interacting with people is tougher than it sounds. I guess I miss daily interaction with my customers. The clients I have now are mostly dealt with on the phone or by email, so very different from my past job where I would meet my customers face to face.

     6 -What do you like most about your new career?

      I love the freedom it has given me; I have gained an extra 2 hours every day by not commuting. I also love helping people plan their dream holidays as well as booking corporate clients knowing I don’t have to catch the 6 am flight to Toronto for a meeting! Oh and I love the fact that I’m not being micro managed anymore!

      7 -What has surprised you the most about making this change?

   

      How quickly I’ve adapted to everything. People don’t understand the system travel agents use, it looks quite archaic but when you figure it out it actually saves a lot of time. The travel industry changes so quickly, you really need to keep on top of things or it will pass you by without you even knowing it.

  

     8 -Where did you find the courage to do it?

      I set myself a date and told myself if I didn’t give my notice by that time I never would.  I talked to my family who have been huge supports of the change and some close friends and everyone I talked to said I should make the move. I also talked to several people in the industry and got advice from them.

      9 -In general, are you a risk-taker or a security-lover? How does this career change fit or not fit with your usual comfort zone?

      I’d like to think I’m a risk taker, we all get comfortable doing what we do but sometimes you have to take a chance and hope it works out. I think this change is slightly outside my comfort zone, there are a lot of unknowns getting into this industry but in the end as long as you’re happy who really cares.

  

     10 -How did family and friends respond to your decision to make the change?

      My family and friends have supported me 100% with my decision, I didn’t have a lot of opposition to making the change.

     11 -Who was the most supportive of you making the leap into a new career?

      I think my mom; she has always been a huge support to all us kids. She only encouraged me to make my decision.

       12 -Did anyone tell you not to do it? What did you tell them?

   

      I had a couple people in the industry say I shouldn’t do it, but I’m going to prove them wrong.

     13 -What skills do you use in this job, that weren’t as necessary in the old job?

      I’d have to say time management, just getting up in the morning and starting my day at home can be a challenge. Knowing that you’re your own boss and can make your own decisions is a lot tougher than it sounds.

     14 -What skills have you stopped using, now that you’re in a new line of work?

      That’s a tough question; I think I still apply most of the same skills just in a different way. I still deal with the public, I’m selling a service as opposed to a product but in the end I get the same result.

      15 -What differences would you guess family and friends notice about you now that you’ve made the change?

      I’d have to say they notice I’m generally happier and complain a lot less. There are still things to bitch about, but nothing compared to my previous job.

      16 -What’s a typical workday look like for you now?

      I usually go to the office on Mondays around 9 am, I go upstairs and start a pot of coffee, and then catch up on the weekend gossip with the ladies. Yes I’m the only male in our office; I have seriously shaken things up for them. The day is usually pretty busy, working on files and trying to get through to airlines. I spend a lot of time on the phone, usually on hold. If I’m working from home, I usually start my day around the same time, get dressed and brew a pot of coffee. I try and leave my house at least once throughout the day or I start to lose my mind. When I work from home I usually end up working late as I lose track of time.

     17 -What has this career change taught you about life?

      Life is short, make the most of it and be happy. I need a reason to get up in the morning, this has definitely given me that reason.

  

    18  -What have you learned about yourself through making this change?

     I have learned that I can do anything that I put my mind too. Change is hard sometimes but if you’re willing to embrace it, it makes it that much easier.

     19 -Now that you’ve done it, what would be your advice to someone who is contemplating a career change?

      Do it! People get far too comfortable doing the same thing day in day out, sometimes getting out of your comfort zone is necessary. You will be surprised at what you can do if you put your mind to it.

  

      20 -At the end of your life, how might this career change have made a difference for you?

  

      Sometimes change isn’t always about getting ahead financially, I hope this change will have given me a better understanding of people and show them that I have integrity in what I do. 

Tiffany on Going to Ethiopia

1 - Tell me 3 things about yourself aside from having recently travelled to Africa.

-I own a house in the west end which I love.

-I think a lot about what I’m going to be when I grow up. It’s annoying how much I think about it.

-I love summer, biking, ice cream and playing games outside, but I also like autumn, crisp bike rides, pumpkin pie soft serve ice cream and playing board games inside.

2 – Where did you go and why?

I went to Ethiopia for work. I work for Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB), a not-for-profit organization that works to end global hunger. The organization feels that it is important that all employees get a chance to see the work that they do first hand, so this trip that I went on was with 7 other people who are somehow related to the work done in the Canadian office.

3 – How long were you there?

I feel slight shame in saying that I was only in Ethiopia for 7 days. It is kind of bizarre to fly for 24 hours to stay somewhere for a week, and then fly another 24 hours back home. Unfortunately that decision was not up to me. This is maybe a good place to put in my disclaimer: these are my thoughts only, and not to be taken as fact about what this country is like…this is what I experienced in seven days and how I feel about it.

4 – What was your first thought when you stepped off the plane?

I thought about how great it felt to unfold my legs and breathe fresh air and how awesome I was going to sleep that night in a bed, rather than with my head bobbing in the aisle of the airplane.

5 – What’s it like over there?

The capital city, Addis Ababa, is 2,300 metres above sea level. This means that the nights cool down to a really comfortable temperature (maybe around 10-15 C), and the days never really get that hot (maybe around 20-22 C while I was there). It also means that any sort of physical activity is ten times harder. Climbing a couple flights of stairs takes your breath away, and not in a magical sort of way. My experiences in other countries in Africa prepared me for things that turned out to be rare or non-existent in Ethiopia. I never felt any danger, or the need to be overly cautious of getting robbed. It is, in general, a very relaxed country.

6 – Tell me a bit about the people in the places you visited.

-We visited a man who was the beneficiary of one of the projects we went to see. He took us to his home, which he had recently built with the money he made from a few years of good crops. He took great pride in his ability to provide for his family.

-One of our hosts was the project leader at the refugee camp we went to close to the Somali border. He is from Addis Ababa, 25 years old, has a university degree, and was a godsend for me. Our conversations are invaluable to me and my experience and helped me get a glimpse into real life in Ethiopia.

-A woman calmly told us that when her family fled from Mogadishu, Somalia, she took one child and her husband took the other two, and she has not heard from them since. This was at least 3 years ago. We were visiting her yard in the camp because she had a prosperous garden that was their shining example of one part of the project.

7 – Describe a typical day for you while you were there.

Wake up at 6:00am, get breakfast at the hotel (toast, eggs, sometimes bacon, the strongest and smallest cup of coffee you’ve ever had). Travel from whichever city/town we woke up in to a rural area (anywhere from 1-6 hours in a car, or a 2 hour flight). The organization I work for does a lot of work through local partners in agriculture and sustainability. These projects typically happen in very remote locations, far from most resources. We met with the partner who was showing us around their project that day and were briefed on their history in the area, challenges they face, and the results they have seen and hope to see. We drove out to the site and either meet up with one person, or a large group of people, depending on the project. Some projects deal with individual farmers, and some are more community integrated, where they all work together towards a common goal. There would be some sort of sharing and discussion time, where we could hear from the beneficiaries of the project, and explore the countryside. We did a lot of looking at agriculture. We would also typically eat a meal with the hosting partner, and use the time to ask questions and discuss challenges. Then, back to a hotel and usually in bed by 9pm.

8 – How did your trip surprise you?

I was surprised by how much you can pack in to 7 days. I’ve never seen so much and moved around more in my life. Every night was in a new town/city. We saw so much and learned a lot.

9 – What was the best part? 

From a work perspective – the best part was our visit to a water diversion project that hadn’t received assistance in 26 years, and seeing for myself that the work that CFGB participates in has lasting power. We drove through rural, arid land until we came to a green, lush community. They had animals, prosperous and lucrative cash crops, and many banana, mango, and papaya plants. We spoke to 3 men that worked on the project in the mid-80s and heard how this intervention completely changed their lives for the better.

From a cultural perspective relevant to my personal life – going out with a 25 year old Ethiopian guy one night and completely ignoring the loud voice in my head telling me to go to bed at 10pm. We went to a fancy hotel bar, smoked 1,000 cigarettes and ended up doing tequila shots in an “underground” club which was just at the back of the hotel. It was the best. I slept for two seconds that night and couldn’t have cared less.

10 – Did you ever feel like a minority? Tell me about it.

I almost always felt like a minority. It wasn’t always the most prevalent thing on my mind as Ethiopians don’t remind you that you’re white all day long, which was the opposite experience in Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria (“Mzungu!”). But still, driving through the countryside, hours away from any urban centre, and almost every person we zoomed past in the Land Rover waved at us. Having hoards of children running from all directions towards us when we arrive at a location. That was a constant reminder that I didn’t blend in, that my presence was abnormal. Or walking into the “underground” club and hearing the bouncer and others at the entrance using the Amharic word for foreigner. I guess non-Ethiopians don’t go to those places much.

11 – What was the hardest part?

I feel embarrassed about this one a little bit, because the hardest thing should be something like “experiencing life in a Somalian refugee camp,” or “visiting with a woman who doesn’t know the whereabouts of her husband and 2 kids after fleeing from Somali 3 years ago.” BUT, the hardest part was travelling with co-workers 30 years older than me for 8 days straight. It was hard.

12 – On a scale of Boring to Life-Changing, how was your experience?

I’d say my experience was about 75% above boring. Nothing about the trip was boring but I wouldn’t say it completely changed me either. I’m trying to make some practical adjustments to my life resulting from my time in Ethiopia. I’m walking a lot more. Taking time to breathe and not rush to the next thing (which is typically something super meaningless anyway). Ethiopians walk SO much. And often with water jugs over their shoulders, or the biggest bushel of sticks you’ve ever seen on their back. I think I can walk the 2 km’s home from work each day.

13 – How has it been talking with family and friends about your time since coming home?

A close friend of my family and her husband, who recently passed away, were missionaries in Ethiopia for 10 years in the 50s and 60s. Before I left I spent some time with her talking about the trip and when I got back I gave a little slide show for her and for my immediate family to give them a little taste of what it was like. My parents lived in Nigeria for a year in 2005-2006 and so they understand a lot of the experience that is impossible to really explain in words and pictures. Most friends are interested and ask questions but it’s hard to know how deep to get, or how much information they really want.

14 – Describe a funny moment while being over there.

Oh my. I have the perfect moment. Me, being an un-skinny 6’2” tall woman, I typically feel pretty out of place, no matter where I am. Double takes are common, being called a “sir” by the cashier who doesn’t take the time to look all the way up when greeting me; all while in my home city. So, on a guided tour through a 1,000 year old city thousands of miles away from my home I see a man, probably 6’8” tall, walking with some pals and I think, “Yes! Finally someone who doesn’t make me look/feel so tall.” Tall guy’s friend sees me first, reaches up to hit his tall friend on the wrist to get his attention, and points me out to him. They both stop in their tracks, laugh and stare. WHAT?! How am I still the weird one in this situation?

15 – Tell me about a humbling moment!

I felt humbled by the stardom that I fell into because of the organization I work for. People wanted advice from me on farming practices, gender roles, and how to keep refugees motivated and active. What? I don’t know anything about anything!

16 – Tell me about something you’re proud of, regarding this trip.

I’m proud of my ability to sleep anywhere. It was necessary.

17 – How do you think the people you met perceived you?

I think I was perceived as a quiet bystander. I traveled with the Executive Director of CFGB and he did most of the talking in groups. I did a lot of listening. I hope the people I met perceived me as gracious. I put a lot of thought into how I came across to the people we met, and really tried to focus on being thankful.

18 - What have you learned about yourself from this trip?

In retrospect, I have learned that I need to push myself more; to be risky and willing to sacrifice things, like a solid sleep for a really fun night out on the town. And to take advantage of the situations I’m in and the people around me. Talk to people, ask questions, learn something you didn’t know before, get out of your comfort zone and risk looking stupid.

19 - What have you learned about life in general from your trip to Africa?

I’ve learned to not be so rushed. I need to prioritize things in my life and not worry so much about not staying on top of the newest thing. I want to cherish relationships more and not be so selfish. Let’s all just step back from being busy and chill out for a second.

20 - At the end of your life, how might this time in Africa have made a difference for you?

Gee, I hope that it makes me a more patient, loving, and open-minded person. Not everyone thinks, looks, and acts the same way I do. Nor do they want to. Life in Ethiopia is a beautiful thing. It’s very different from here, but that’s what makes it wonderful.

Jamil on Team Sports

1 - Tell me 3 things about yourself outside of being a team-sports player.

- I love my work, I am fortunate to work in one of my passions.

- I am vegan and love cooking.

- I have an awesome dog name Jackson.

2 - What sports do you play, and how often to you play them?

-Soccer: I play both indoor and outdoor on Footsie FC, so year round with a great group of people!

-Ultimate frisbee: I play on Foo Foo Twinkypants. It starts in the spring when the fields are dry enough to run, then goes till the end of August.

-Volleyball: I play over the winter months.

3 - How long have you been playing them?

I have been playing sports on teams since I was 5 years old.

4 – Would you describe yourself as a sporty guy? Are there stereotypes that go with being a team sports player?

No, I am definitely not a sports guy. Even when I played competitive sports, I never fit in with the jock/sports scene. I was the one player on the team out on the court or field with a mohawk and a crazy head band ha ha ha.

5 - Tell me about a great moment you’ve had playing sports lately.

Hmm well in the last year both my soccer and volleyball teams have won the championships, in the lowest divisions of course. But one of the great things about playing sports as an adult is that when you win the championship the team wins money. Our soccer team put it towards new uniforms. But overall I just love the feeling of stepping out on the field, I still get a little nervous like I did when I was younger before each game, and I like that feeling.

6 - How did you come to play team sports?

My parents put me on a soccer team when I was 5, even though you needed to be 6 to play. I spent all my free time in my early years outside playing some sort of sport.

7 - What do you love about playing with a team?

Its kind of funny, I used to play sports really competitively and I love the idea that as a group you could push yourselves harder and grow and become better with each other.  Now that I just play recreational sports, it is a great way to spend time with friends, a little bit of competition, but also supporting and developing and just playing.  It is the main stress relief I have.  It's nice to just run around on a field with people you like!

8 - What are the difficult parts of playing team sports?

Having only recently got back into playing after not playing sports for a number of years, one of the hardest parts is being competitive, but not too competitive that you are losing sight of the game and the fun you are having.

9 - What has surprised you about team sports?

I think the bond you develop with the people you play with.You need to trust, and interpret and be comfortable with people at whatever level they are at. And if you are good at it you have a ton of fun, if you are bad you have a ton of fun, its about just having fun.  (Jamil 15 years ago would have said something completely different ha ha ha.)

10 - How do your family and friends respond to you doing these extracurricular activities?

Great, my sister plays soccer and volleyball with me, so that is really nice. When we were young we were both selected on a co-ed indoor soccer team playing in a adults league, so it takes me back.  And this year we are also playing almost all our soccer games out by my parents' house, so they come out to every game and bring my nephew when he is around, my brother even comes to be the linesman, it is nice. My parents had to work a lot when we were young and were not able to come to alot of my games. I realize now that was the cost of registering me to play all these sports, but it's nice to have them there now.

11 - Who is the most supportive of you playing team sports?

My teams!  We like to win but we more like to have fun, it is great playing with people who are awesome sports about sports!

12 – In your experience, what is the best part about playing sports?

It gives me a reason to run around blow off steam and socialize!

13 - What sort of team-sports player would you describe yourself as?

Up until I finished high school I was super competitive, always pushing myself. Now I think I am more relaxed and just enjoy playing!

14 – Do you ever dabble in solitary sports, like running, cycling or yoga?

I don't. I find I lose motivation fast, I have to force myself to go to the gym a couple times a week, but if I have games scheduled I will be there!

15 – Say something about the difference team sports could make for kids.

Well this is something that was one of the most shocking things for me when I started working with inner city kids years ago: the complete lack of access and engagement to sports for kids.  Sports have the power to keep kids in school, connected them with strong role models and teach them so many valuable social lessons.  Sports is not the only solution for kids, but for some kids it's sports, others art, others mechanical things. If we don't have those things to give us hope, challenge our minds etc, there is not much out there.  Sports provides opportunities, not to mention the health implications of being active.

      16 – How accessible are team sports for the inner city kids you work with?

Compared to 8 years ago they are much better. Thanks to the work of people like Nick Tanchuck, Chino Argueta, Jesse Gair, sports access have increased 100% in the inner city. There are 500 youth a year that now have access that didn't when I first started with SNA.

17 - What have you learned about yourself from playing team sports?

Oh my sooo much. I have seen me at my worst and at my best with sports, I can only imagine the trouble I would have got into as a teen without sports.  when you are exhausted and need to muster some energy, you really see what kind of person you are. Also the choices you make on a field or on a court has more correlations to our broader lives then we think.

18 - Who are the best people to play with?

Competitive  people who work in social services ha ha ha. They are caring but still want to win, but won't hurt people to do it ha ha ha.

19 - If you could change one thing about your physical ability, what would it be?

I have been blessed with a lot of natural ability, I have always appreciated that.  I have also been blessed with a robust physique, so that has been a blessing and curse ha ha ha.  I don't think I would change anything. If I would have been taller and not have torn my ACL i may have been able to play university sports, but I don't regret that at all probably one of the best things for me was to leave sports for 10 years and open my world up!

20 - At the end of your life, how might participating in team sports have made a difference for you?

  

      Hey I might live longer, I might die sooner who knows. For me the relationships I have had, the amazing opportunities I have had, and the joy for playing is more then enough.