Digital Content Fellow, The Wild Center
Like others in the Millennial generation, Stanzi McGlynn is really start- ing to come into her own. The world is recognizing that the youthful demographic brings the world a fresh perspective no matter what area of expertise they decide to pursue. For Stanzi, it’s through communication, raising awareness for an organization about which she can be passionate. She appreciates SB’s recognition, with the understanding that she and others of her generation require constant feedback to instill confidence and to grow, both personally and professionally.
Hometown: Lake Placid, NY Age: 27
Education: St. Lawrence University, 2010, BA Economics/ Fine Arts/African Studies
Community Involvement: Member, Tri-Lakes Humane Society Board of Directors, Volunteer 5th and 6th grade soccer coach for Lake Placid Youth Athletic Association, and volunteer for other local organizations when I can.
What’s your biggest professional success?
Learning to be an advocate for myself and also working hard to become an expert in my field. That’s not to say that there isn’t something new to learn every day!
What’s your dream job?
I think it looks a lot like where I find myself now working in communications for an organization that is spreading awareness and educating people about one of the places I love most on this planet: The Adirondacks.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
I will be honest, this is a constant challenge for me, but I try to exercise, hike with my dogs, and enjoy a day out on the lake or at the mountain whenever I can. I think getting outside is key for me there’s something restorative and mindsettling about it, even if it’s just for a little while. It’s great for idea generation, too. Sometimes I feel like I don’t take advantage of living in the Adirondacks enough, but it’s always something I try to push myself to do as much as possible.
What important lessons have you learned in your career?
Like I said above, to always be an advocate for myself, but also to adopt a bigger sense of emotional intelligence. I think EQ is something that everyone thinks they just naturally possess. But when it’s challenged for the first time in your life, you might realize how little you know about yourself when it comes to EQ, at least in a professional setting. Someone close to me once told me that everyone you meet has something to teach you I’ve been trying to adopt that as a professional motto more recently, too.
What’s most exciting trend happening in the community right now? I think younger people the Millennial demographic we’re starting to really come into our own right now. And I think older generations are recognizing, if they didn’t before, the important roles we can play in our communities whether that’s starting new brick and mortar businesses, farms, or filling in positions with our different areas of expertise in volunteer efforts and organizations. It’s nice to see others my age receive recognition on the level they are right now. It’s giving us a newfound sense of confidence that I think we need to excel forward and to flourish. We’re the generation that needs constant feedback as a Millennial I know I do and I know that getting it helps me to grow personally and professionally, to instill that sense of confidence in me.
What would make the North Country a more enjoyable place to live and work?
Shorter winters? I guess I can’t complain after this year’s nonexistent winter. And I do love winter. Just not always nine months of it! In all seriousness, there isn’t much I would change we live in a pretty incredible place. I came back here four years ago after being overseas chasing a dream of going into the Peace Corps and came home with a newfound sense of appreciation for my first home (I moved away from Lake Placid when I was six and always felt myself drawn to the Adirondacks after that point). Ultimately, I don’t find myself saying, “I wish we had more of this or more of that…” very often.
Describe your personal brand in three words.
Passionate. Detailed. Inspired.
Who is your mentor and what have you learned from him/her?
I don’t have just one mentor. I think that it’s valuable to have multiple mentors in your personal and professional life, and that includes men and women of varying ages.
How do contribute to the culture of your company?
Right now, I contribute a fresh perspective alongside my digital skillset. It’s my third week on the job and I feel like a kid in a candy store because The Wild Center is such an incredibly rich place to be and work. Don’t get me wrong, I have a lot on my todo list, but bringing a new, fresh perspective is valuable for anyone anywhere I think. It’s been awhile since I’ve had it and I’m taking full advantage of it while I can to inform and help me brainstorm new and creative ideas.
What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?
Picking up and moving to Senegal in West Africa to fulfill a dream of becoming a Peace Corps volunteer. And then realizing that international development wasn’t for me, that it wasn’t the career I was meant to be in, and deciding to come back home about a year later. Best decision I ever made.
What is something that no one would guess about you?
I’m a TV show junkie. I probably balance anywhere between 1012 shows every year. Netflix, hulu, HBO Now (mostly for Game of Thrones)… I have them all. The occasional binge watch let’s you escape reality and sometimes, it’s just needed. My boyfriend gives me a hard time of it and I get frustrated that he won’t watch shows with me on a constant basis.
Write a note to your younger self…
Three things, young Stanzi (I know, you’re probably saying to yourself, ‘Who is speaking to me right now, Yoda?’)…
1. Mr. Buckle is right. In five years, it’s not going to matter anymore. Listen to him and try not to take life too seriously.
2. I know you think you’re going to be the next Meredith Grey, but don’t become a doctor. You faint at the site of blood as you’ll learn your senior year of high school in Anatomy and Physiology class.
3. Keep writing. It’s going to get you somewhere someday, kid.
Cheers,
Your 27 year old Self