Meet Amy of the Synapse Team!

In this blog series, we're introducing members of the Library's Synapse Team. Today, we're excited to introduce you to Amy, Library Technical Assistant Supervisor, Murphy-Wilmot Library.

What do you do to turn things around when you’re having a bad day?

I spend time with people that I love, and I spend time giving attention to my cats. My partner can always make me laugh, especially when I’m having a bad day. He’s always there for me and lets me vent or cry or just sit in silence. Even when we don’t speak, just him being present in my presence helps me feel better and safe. When I play with my cats, they bring me joy. It feels like they can tell when I’m having a bad day and always give me extra attention on those days.

What’s a common piece of advice you don’t agree with and why?

Something my mom always told me was “Beggars can’t be choosers” and I firmly disagree with this statement. I believe we should choose what or who we want in our life and be able to cut out the negative people and toxic environments. I don’t believe in settling for the bare minimum, especially when it comes to my mental health. I choose to live a happy life and I choose the people in my life, and I choose my own actions when things go awry.

What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?

When I first started my previous position at the library, I was struggling a lot with learning customer service. I grew up dealing with mental illness and it took me years to learn how to have social interactions. A colleague of mine saw me struggling and he decided to coach me and gave me advice on how to best work with customers. It was very touching because before this moment, he was very closed off to me. It was super helpful and made me feel more comfortable there with other people who had issues like mine.

What energizes you at work? What kinds of activities energize you in general?

At work, when I get to teach my staff or teach the public about topics that I’m knowledgeable in, that energizes me every time. I’m very passionate about my interests and when I get to share them with my colleagues, they can see how much I can open up and get excited. Outside of work, I’m passionate about writing and playing video games with friends. I’m very interested in fantasy settings and interactive storytelling.

What’s a small act of kindness you were once shown that you’ll never forget?

The year that I lost my biological mother, my library branch manager gave me a condolence card. It was one of the sweetest things she did for me, and really showed me that she cared about my wellbeing. I’ll never forget her kindness and I still chat with her from time to time.

Who is your hero? Why?

My best friend of over 10 years is my hero. Near the end of high school, I got in a huge fight with a group of friends, and I had no idea why they were targeting me. After we graduated, this person (who had only known me for a year) reached out to me to tell me the truth and make amends. She told me that the whole fiasco started because someone lied about me, and it took a few months for my friend to realize that it was a lie. She took the initiative to make things right and I praise her for this. She knew more about me after one year than the other people who had known me for 4 years. Ever since then, she has been my best friend and we’ve grown so much together.

Where would you be right now if you had zero obligations and money didn’t matter?

If money didn’t matter, I would have a house in Ireland and focus on my writing. I would also try and travel all around the world to see ancient ruins and experience new cultures and languages.

What motivates you most to come to work?

Working at the library for the past 16 years has been life changing. I’m very passionate about this work because I love helping people learn about our resources. I love being able to share my passions with others. Also, staying busy at work really helps my mental health. It helps me remember to take care of my health, my hygiene, and my schedule since I must see people every day. It’s way better than sitting at home doing nothing.