Athletics

One Year Stronger

On March 12th, 2020, our team gathered in the back conference room of our studio at 210 North 6th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The scene mirrored similar meetings taking place around the world in those early, disorienting days of the coronavirus pandemic. We decided, for the safety of our team, families, and partners, to close our doors and adopt a work-from-home model until it became safe to return. This week, we marked the one year anniversary of the moment this monumental global event came home in a very real way. To commemorate this bittersweet milestone, we asked our Athletics team-mates to reflect on a simple question:

How have the past twelve months made you stronger?

Malcolm Buick

Executive Creative Director

Learning from vulnerability, and turning bad into good.

Jaime Patino-Calvo

Interactive Designer

It made me think inwardly a lot more.

Allison Connell

Design Director

I’ve become more comfortable with and more open to directly asking for conversations, connections, help, emotional support. Without casual conversations or ways for things to come up naturally, I’ve needed to recognize in myself when I need something and take action on it, rather than waiting for an opportune moment.

Katherine Lee

Executive Strategy Director

In a lot of ways, this year has helped me to see what’s really important. It’s been really fortifying to see people survive and thrive and help each other during this time.

Lorraine Kim

Producer

Has made me more empathetic to people and the struggles you may not see behind closed doors. Has made me a stronger friend, co-worker, family member in giving support, encouragement, and a listening ear.

Tree Thompson

Designer

The past year, I’ve gotten to know myself more deeply and at a quicker rate than I would have normally, which has really helped me in my relationships with others.

Ana Realmuto

Senior Designer

I’m the type of person that likes to ignore my own thoughts by keeping really busy and focusing on other people but this year has forced me to confront myself in a way I never have before. It brought me new perspective and pushed me to seeing my own potential.

Zander Abranowicz

Senior Strategist

This year has reaffirmed my commitment to habits that will elevate my quality of life for years to come: learning to identify more birds and more birdsongs, taking time on weekends and evenings for marathon reading sessions, maintaining an inspiring workspace, listening to records, gardening, and drawing just for the fun of it.

Jameson Proctor

Executive Digital Director

I have learned how to better strive for a more equitable future in the direct context of my work—both internal and external.

Kathryn Farwell

Senior Project Manager

This past year has shown me that it’s okay to ask for support. That leaning on others for help isn’t a sign of weakness, but reinforces the power and strength of community and family.

 

 

For a more detailed look into how we adapted last year, read our Hindsight 2020 post.

 

Illustration by Athletics Intern Shirlin Kao.

 

 

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