Editor’s Note:
Our ‘Keeters are the backbone of the business – we are constantly amazed by the sheer determination, skill, and teamwork employees display. This is evident across the organization but can be especially seen in our Outreach department, where rockstars like Danelle Sims (Digital Outreach Specialist continue to drive massive value for Terakeet’s customers. We had a virtual chat with Danelle to find out her favorite parts of life at Terakeet, her current obsession with home decor (same), and more! Read below to find out more!
Q1: How did you come to work at Terakeet? What is your favorite part about working here?
I applied to Terakeet after graduating from college and was immediately attracted to the culture that the company showcased through its social media and Glassdoor page. Not surprisingly, the company’s culture and its people are my favorite part about working here. I thought people were just giving a general, welcoming statement when they said everyone here is nice. But after almost 8 months of working here, I can truly say that they weren’t kidding. Every person I’ve come in contact with was welcoming, friendly, and helpful.
Q2: Tell us a little more about you outside of work! What’s one thing most people wouldn’t know about you?
Many people don’t know that I’m very much a spiritual and creative person outside of work. I spend a lot of my time with my family or in church. Outside of that, I am likely doing something creative like playing instruments, photography, drawing, creating, and even fashion design sometimes.
Q3: What’s your current obsession?
Home decor has always been an obsession of mine but I feel like it has gone to a whole new level since being in quarantine. I spend most of my time in my room so I’m constantly thinking of ways to make it look better. So, most of the items I’ve purchased during quarantine are interior design related.
Q4: Choose a movie title for the story of your life.
If I could pick a movie title for myself, it would be “The Great Unknown.” I’m not sure if that’s an actual movie but I believe it’s a great description of my life. Mainly because as a 20-something, the majority of the moves and decisions I make in my life are guesses — as they are with anyone else my age. Many of the realities that I’m living right now, I never would have even imagined when I was younger. So I’ve learned to live my life expecting the unknown. However, even with all the uncertainty that comes with my life, much of it has made me a better person overall which is why I would still say the unknown can be pretty great.
Q5: What’s the strangest or coolest thing that’s ever happened to you?
I would say the way that I broke my arm as a child was pretty strange. I was a very energetic, restless, and daring kid but also very clumsy which didn’t really go well together. But one day my sister and I went to a local school where my dad played basketball on Saturdays. We would usually play with the toys until he was done but this particular Saturday, I guess my mind was looking for something more daring than toys. I noticed a ladder mounted to the wall and the top of it reached probably 1 or 2 stories up. It was my bright idea to tie a plastic jump rope to the top of the ladder to “bungee jump” down it. I went up and down the ladder bungee jumping a few times and then went up once more all the way to the top, leaned back with all my weight and the jump rope snapped and I fell all the way to the ground. Thankfully my arm was the only thing broken, but it made for a very interesting story to tell.
Q6: What would your desert island band or artist be, and why?
I have a lot of friends and family from Carribean islands or African countries so I end up listening to a lot of Carribean/African influenced music most of the time. So I would probably listen to a Nigerian artist, “Joeboy.” He makes a lot of upbeat, happy music that I would definitely need to stay sane if I was stranded on an island.
Q7: What is one thing you’ve tried recently that has helped you stay calm and focused?
Reading has been a huge help for me which is crazy because that was my least favorite thing to do as a kid. But as I’ve gotten older and I’ve had a million things to do and my mind is running a million miles per hour, just sitting quietly and reading has been the best help. I’ve read a few life-advice books, business books, and fictional books and they’ve certainly helped to slow down my mind.
This is a continuation of our Humans of Terakeet series. Read the previous posts here:
Humans of Terakeet: Jocelyn Ravesi
Humans of Terakeet: Ryan Maxson