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.