- Hometown: Montgomery, Ala.
- Role: Legislative secretary in the Alabama House of Representatives
- Years of legislative service: One and a half
“I wanted to do something that would be impactful and to contribute to this necessary process using my own skills and knowledge.”
Dacus
Why did you choose to work at the Legislature?
When I was searching for a full-time job and saw what was required from this position, I immediately knew that I could bring so much to it. I was also excited about everything I would learn through working in an environment that was completely different to anywhere I had ever worked before. I wanted to do something that would be impactful and to contribute to this necessary process using my own skills and knowledge.
What skill or talent are you most proud of?
My writing ability. I started writing stories and poems when I was 7 and that interest in expressing myself through the written word has taken me farther than I ever could have thought. I have studied different types and facets of writing and refined my own skills through years of professional and personal experience. I have become proficient in this art form, method of communication, and overall necessary life skill, and I am proud to be still learning and growing in it.
What’s the best advice you were ever given?
“Take it one day at a time.” I don’t remember who first told me that, but I either think it to myself or hear it from someone else at least once a week. It’s so simple, but it’s such an important thing to remember, especially when stress and anxiety start to get the better of me and I start worrying about things ridiculously far in the future. The only thing to do is figure out what I can do right then on that day and go from there, and that’s very comforting.
Who or what inspires you?
I am honestly inspired by everything and anything. I can draw inspiration from things I see in real life or in the things that I watch on TV or read in books; extremely well-known, successful people who are doing things that I am interested in or quiet, humble people whom I admire for carving out their own path to success. It also depends on what I am being driven to do, but I can get inspired just walking down the street.
What’s one thing you love about your state?
The scenery. I remember growing up and hearing people from other places talk about how they never saw the leaves change in fall and being so happy I live in a place where I’ve always been able to experience that simple pleasure. There is so much natural beauty here across many different landscapes. I love driving down back roads and seeing all the open fields full of cows. I can go hiking in forests brimming with native plants and animals or walk along the shoreline at the beach—all in this place that I call home.
What are you currently reading/listening to/watching?
I am currently reading “The Bell Jar,” by Sylvia Plath. It’s a little dated but the prose is beautiful. I am watching “The Bear,” and it is incredible. I am listening to Fall Out Boy, always, but more specifically their latest album, “So Much (for) Stardust.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Use the email icon above to suggest a staffer for the “Staff Snapshots” series.