When I was 12, I was accused of cheating on a science test. I vehemently denied the accusation, but, truth is, I was looking at the paper next to me. I had never cheated before that, nor did I ever cheat after that. I don’t know why, but I figured telling 22,000 people would be a good way to get that off my chest, eleven years later.
I double majored in Math and Philosophy in college, but by far my favorite class I took was black and white photography. There is something unbelievably empowering about controlling the entire photo-making process from beginning to end, and working in a darkroom is, for lack of a better word, magical. As someone who never considered himself artistic, I cannot quite convey how great it felt to actually feel proud when showing others my work. I find myself missing photography a lot, and would love suggestions for how to pick it up again in NYC.
Don’t underestimate the impact just a few words can have on someone. Within the span of a few weeks, one friend told me how something I said three years ago is still positively impacting her life, and another friend told me how something I said still hurts a month later. The scary part is I barely remember saying either thing. One of my favorite TED talks is about this idea: “Everyday Leadership” by Drew Dudley. It’s 6 minutes long, and it’s one of the few things I think about every single day.
Awkward moments are only awkward if you let them be. Sometimes it’s fun to let them be.
I decided a while ago that nothing would ever be more important to me than (1) the people in my life and (2) remaining curious and adventurous. Inspired by this, I take time every day to get lunch with someone different from work. Not only have I learned so much from my colleagues during these lunches, but I also feel significantly more connected to the people I’m around and work with every day.
Data is fascinating. I work as a Business Analyst at a tech startup in NYC. Like many other companies, we are trying to improve the way that people get from A to B. The beauty in insights about human behavior and movement hidden within data is what drives me right now. I also recently joined Citi Bike (bike share system in NY), and I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit downloading the publicly available system data and getting lost in it.
My mom is one of the most inspirational people I know, and she just released a book that I encourage everyone to read, especially those who have struggled with addiction. It’s technically a cookbook, but she shares her 20+ year struggle with an eating disorder and her journey to recovery. In the grand scheme of things, I think the recipes are a bonus. The book is called “Dancing in the Kitchen”, and my mom’s name is Colleen Duffy-Someck. Check it out if you get the chance.
Finally, I’m always looking to connect with people and share stories and ideas. If you live in NYC or ever find yourself here, I’d love to meet you and chat over a coffee or beer! And if you aren’t in New York, I’d still love to hear from you.
Shout out to the people in my life who are forces of good in the world: CH, SL, DT, TG, LP, and especially BD for introducing me to The Listserve.
Be well, and, perhaps more importantly, be good.
Michael Someck
New York, NY
[email protected]