EL Questionnaire 2017

Name: Sarah Sopelak
Company: Symmes Maini & McKee Associates
Concentration: I have been working on Corporate Interior projects for the past four years, but have experience in higher education and designing libraries.
College/University: Mt Ida College
Year(s) of Graduation: 2008

If you had to describe yourself in three words, they would be...: Happy, positive, and considerate
What is your strongest personal quality: Positivity
What was your first thought when you woke up this morning?: Today I woke up, looked outside to see the sun shining and thought to myself, "here comes another great day with many adventures ahead!"
What is your favorite type of music, band or musician?: Music has always been a big part of my life. From growing up with musical parents, playing a musical instrument in school, taking dance classes, and being a Zumba instructor, not a day goes by where I do not listen or dance to music. I do not have just one favorite genre, but some of my favorites are pop, Latin, and alternative. Most recently I have started listening to country. 
You've been given access to a time machine; where and when would you travel to?: I would love to travel to the 1920s and see the country thriving. The 1920s had so many great aspects to it such as Art Deco architecture, literature, music, film, and pioneers such as Amelia Earhart. It would be neat to experience the culture first hand. 
What is your best childhood memory?: Some of my favorite childhood memories are from spending time with my family in New Hampshire at our lake house. We spent every weekend of my childhood at the lake enjoying the outdoors, swimming, doing crafts, and playing board games. 
Lesson learned that has benefited you most in your career: One thing I learned is to always speak up and say your opinion. There is never a wrong question or comment. It is better to clarify something or offer a suggestion rather than keeping your mouth shut and letting the moment pass you by. You never know what the outcome will be, but if you don't give yourself the opportunity to help yourself, a coworker or your client the design and final project outcome might or might not satisfy your project goals. 
Why did you choose to become an Interior Designer?: I became an interior designer to impact people's lives. It is such a blessing that I have the creative ability to affect how people feel in a space and make them happy.  
What is one goal you'd like to accomplish in your lifetime?: As you can imagine, my bucket list is quite long, but one thing that is at the top is travelling to all 50 states. I still have quite a lot to go to, but every year I try to check off a few. Some of my favorites have been Arizona, Florida and Maine.