Connecting Across Generations: Discovery, Family Traditions, and New Beginnings
Waking up after a full 12-hour rest felt like absolute bliss. The sun streamed through the windows, and the aroma of fresh coffee wafted up the stairs. Anne was waiting downstairs with a fresh pot ready—she knows me so well. A simple, continental breakfast spread of fresh melon, berries, and bagels awaited, giving me the perfect fuel for the day ahead. I poured myself a hot cup of coffee, toasted a bagel, and joined her at the table. We chatted about family updates and life in Scranton before setting out on a morning adventure.
Anne offered to give me a local’s tour, starting with some old family landmarks and winding through Scranton’s historic spots. As we drove past streets lined with old brick buildings and cobblestone, she shared stories about the town’s mining past and how it fell into decline only to rise again. We stopped by houses that once belonged to distant relatives, including the legendary Kinback house, where eleven children were somehow raised in one place—a concept both mind-boggling and impressive. Our final stop was at the cemetery to pay respects to some of our family members. There’s something grounding about knowing where you come from, and Scranton’s crisp fall air and bright morning sunlight made it a beautiful experience.
With the family tour complete, it was time to hit the road. I said my goodbyes to Anne, loaded up my car, and headed toward Madison, Connecticut, where another family stay awaited. This day, however, wasn’t just about travel—I had a big meeting on the schedule. Angel City Data, the software development team I’d been in touch with, had set up a technical interview with three of their lead developers. I felt a mixture of excitement and focus as I set out, thinking over how I wanted to present some of my proudest work.
A Pause in Nature and a Chat with AJS
Before the interview, I had a stop planned to catch up with my AJS networking group, which has been a rock-solid support system during this journey. I pulled over at a scenic rest stop nestled among trees and set up my laptop, taking in the crisp autumn air. This group has been a wonderful source of encouragement and insight, and today was no exception. There were familiar faces and a few new ones, each bringing a unique background to the table. After sharing updates on my travels and blog, I mentioned my interview later that day with Angel City Data. They responded with so much positivity, offering words of advice and a few useful power statements to keep in mind.
While the AJS group and I share our journeys toward new opportunities, I realize just how much this community means to me. We’re all in it together, cheering each other on as we navigate our careers and adventures.
The Drive to Madison
With the AJS meeting wrapped up, I got back on the road. The journey from Scranton to Madison, CT, was breathtaking, especially with the fall colors on display. I took in the peacefulness of the drive, winding through Pennsylvania and New York before reaching Connecticut’s coastal scenery. This drive, like so many on this trip, offered me a chance to think about the path I’m on, where I’ve been, and the next big steps. After all, the interview with Angel City Data was more than just a job opportunity—it was a chance to align my career with work that feels meaningful and fulfilling.
A Warm Welcome in Madison
Rolling into Madison, I was met with the welcoming sight of my Uncle Chris and Aunt Kara’s house. This place radiates warmth, with a big front porch, charming details, and the feeling that family is never far. Uncle Chris greeted me with his signature bear hug—he’s one of those big, gentle types who can instantly make you feel at home. The smell of something delicious cooking filled the air, and their three cats and dog milled around, adding to the homely chaos.
As I arrived in Madison, I was greeted not only by Uncle Chris but also by Aunt Kara and my cousin Eva, whose warm, vibrant energy filled the house. Aunt Kara, a nurturing spirit with a talent for making everyone feel at home, welcomed me with a hug and immediately wanted to hear about my travels. Eva, quick to join, added her own lively charm, eager to share stories and catch up. Spending time with them added an extra layer of joy to my stay, a comforting reminder of the grounding power of family.
After a quick catch-up, Uncle Chris offered his office for my interview setup, and I immediately felt like this was the perfect setting to jump into a serious conversation about my work.
Discovery Song Database: A Journey of Innovation and Cultural Respect
As I prepared for the interview, I knew the Discovery Song Database would be my main focus. This project goes far beyond typical technical work; it represents a crossroads of technology and culture that I’m incredibly passionate about. Born from a desire to better catalog and share Indigenous cultural knowledge, Discovery became a digital space where centuries of stories and songs could be preserved and appreciated. Working closely with Indigenous communities, we designed this platform to honor each culture’s history, making sure it was more than just data entry.
One of the most memorable moments of my career was introducing the elders to this database. Watching them navigate their history on an iPad screen, seeing their faces light up as they found familiar songs and stories—it was a reminder of how technology can be a bridge between generations. The Discovery Song Database now lives in arts centers and universities alike, providing access to rich cultural knowledge across borders. This project wasn’t just a milestone in my career; it was a testament to what can happen when empathy and innovation come together.
The Interview: A Meeting of Minds
At 5 pm, it was showtime. I logged into the Zoom meeting to find three faces on the screen: Joe, Chris, and Jake from Angel City Data. Joe and Chris I recognized from my previous visit to their office in LA, and Jake was a new addition. Each brought a different energy to the interview. Joe was thoughtful and analytical, Chris had a kind, steady demeanor, and Jake—sporting long hair, guitars in the background, and a cat making a cameo appearance—exuded creativity.
The questions they asked ranged from my technical experience with FileMaker and Claris Connect to broader topics on web applications and API integrations. It was refreshing to talk shop with people who really understood the intricacies of the work. When we got to Discovery, I was able to dive into the cultural impact, the development process, and how it’s evolved to become a vital tool for education and preservation. Sharing this with people who appreciate the blend of art and technology was incredibly rewarding.
Jake suggested I take a look at Figma, a user experience and interface design tool. This recommendation came at the perfect time, as I’d been meaning to explore Figma for a while. Now I had all the more reason to dive into it. By the end of the interview, I felt energized—this was a team I could genuinely see myself being a part of, where I could bring my skills and grow alongside them.
A Home-Cooked Family Dinner
After the interview wrapped up, I joined my family for a meal I’d been looking forward to all day. Uncle Chris had been cooking homemade meatballs and marinara sauce, filling the house with the rich aroma of Italian spices and tomatoes simmering on the stove. Our family is deeply rooted in Italian cooking, and it’s a big part of how we connect. The food didn’t disappoint—the meatballs were melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the sauce was rich and comforting.
The whole family gathered around, catching up on life, laughing, and sharing stories. It reminded me of just how tight-knit we are, each of us keeping tabs on the others, no matter how far we roam. After polishing off a plate of meatballs, salad, and garlic bread, I was feeling content but couldn’t resist a cookie or two that Uncle Chris brought out as dessert.
Ending the Day on a High Note
With the interview done, a fantastic meal enjoyed, and time with family to round out the day, I went to bed with a sense of fulfillment. It had been a full day in every sense, blending career goals with meaningful family time and a refreshing dose of nostalgia. As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this journey, for the people cheering me on, and for the unexpected opportunities that come from simply being open to the road ahead.
How do you think technology can enhance or preserve cultural heritage in meaningful ways?
