Hello from Tucson, AZ, where we love to tell you that despite the 120-degree temperatures, the heat here is a “dry heat,” which supposedly makes it bearable – as if a dry heat isn’t exactly what an oven is. I moved to Tucson from Tallahassee two summers ago and I must say, despite the sweltering weather here, I do not miss the Florida humidity one bit! I love being surrounded by the mountains and the desert scenery. It’s a stark change from what I experienced growing up in the flat plains of the Midwest, and a welcome one. Desert living is pretty much as you’d expect, though – I once had both a tumbleweed and a roadrunner cross the street in front of me within less than 30 seconds of each other.
I work for the University of Arizona Libraries in the Access and Information Services department, supporting our reference services team and helping train our library staff and student workers. Academic libraries have been my focus ever since I fell in love with the Bodleian Library at Oxford. I also have a particular interest in the field of digital humanities and in the future I would love to work on projects that intersect academia, digital media, and archival work. After finishing my MSI at FSU, I plan to also complete a certificate in Archival Studies from UArizona.
My interest in taking this class is to bolster my skills in media production. I’ve always loved playing around with programs like Canva and iMovie, but I’ve never taken any formal coursework regarding digital media other than an introductory web design course in undergrad.
This past fall I visited Devil’s Bridge in Sedona, Horseshoe Bend in Page, and also took a trip up to Mount Lemmon, just north of Tucson. (All pictured below.) When I’m not adventuring around my new home state, you can usually find me at home watching Netflix, playing Pokemon and Assassin’s Creed, practicing my French on Duolingo, or curled up with a good book – right now I’m reading Curious Tides by Pascale Lacelle. I also love going to concerts. Next month, my boyfriend and I are going to the Innings Festival here in Arizona to see Greta Van Fleet, Jimmy Eat World, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and I’m so excited!
Here’s to a fun and ecuational semester – I look forward to meeting you all! 🙂
Hi Lauren! I hope you are doing well. As a California native I also tell people that our heat is different because it is a dry heat. I practically melted away when I went to Iowa for my undergrad and the humidity almost took me out. I have never been to Arizona, but it is on my traveling bucket list. What would be a must do when I visit Arizona? I also practice French on Duolingo, though I am not too good. I also enjoy reading. I will have to add Curious Tides to my reading list. I hope you have a good rest of your semester, and it was great “meeting” you.
Lauren, while they might appear as cliches, if taken out of context, I actually laughed at your “dry-heat” related comments. For the record, I am not easily amused, so I found your approach highly successful. One of my college buddies is from Tucson, so I have spent much time there, as well as in the mountains, plus I recognize and have been to all the places you have pictured. I taught in the high desert on the Navajo Reservation, so I understand the difference humidity can make. Apparently, our bodies are capable of experiencing the minutest differences in moisture in the most profound ways. Who knew? While I enjoyed your scenic photographs, I can’t help but wonder if an image that suggested intense dry heat would have been one choice. Thanks, for the humor. I teach middle school, so it is deeply appreciated.
Wonderful to meet you, Lauren! My sister just moved to Phoenix for work, so I get to hear all about the heat and the landscape differences (she’s from the East Coast, like me). Every time I see a picture of some of the places she’s visited and now seeing your photos, I can’t help but feel conflicted. Obviously, the area is beautiful in its own right, but I imagine I would get tired from the lack of green. I suppose I’ll have to go out there and visit for a bit. Anyway, I enjoyed reading about your educational background, future aspirations, and hobbies. Wishing you a fantastic semester!