ABOUT
Hi! I am a graduate student pursuing an MA in Urban Studies.
My interest in the field stemmed from my experiences as a young skateboarder. I repurposed roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and public plazas through the hobby. Interloping in different public spaces while skating led me to Lefebvre and his 'production of space' theory as an undergrad. There, I first encountered 'skate urbanism' - stemming from pro skater Ocean Howell's "Poetics of Security."
My senior thesis invoked skateboarding's role in urban space development, exploring development incentives for constructing Skate Parks. Both public agencies and private developers have distinct interests in the construction of the spaces.
This paper deepened my understanding of neoliberal land management and piqued my interest in public administration.
After graduation, I took a big step and moved across the country from New York to San Francisco California. In the middle of the coronavirus lockdown, outdoor shared public space was a coveted lifeline. Beyond that housing issues and residential development were pressing. I spent my days skating at Waller Skate Park in the morning and volunteering for Dean Preston's city supervisor campaign in the afternoons. Meanwhile, the essence of the city became impossible to ignore. My studies, interests, and understanding of urbanity were converging.
When I moved back to New York, this view of the city continued as I found work in the restaurant and retail industries. Everything was interconnected and everything came back to public agencies and private interests.
This path led me to where I am today a member of CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, enrolled in a public administration certificate program. once I finish my certificate I will continue on an MA in urban studies. My current goal is to work for a major city's Department of Transportation, helping coordinate Traffic Safety for thousands, or potentially millions.
I've had an interesting journey and cannot wait to see what the future holds. Today I continue to skateboard. My other interests include analog film photography and track cycling. I like following global finance news and watching Danny McBride shows.
