Editor’s Note:
The digital outreach department here at Terakeet is one of our largest and hardest working departments. The Digital Outreach Specialists who make up this department are hardworking, passionate, and wonderfully unique individuals who provide real value to our customers and our organization every day of the week. Hailee Claycomb (Digital Outreach Specialist) is one such amazing ‘Keeter, and we sat down with her this week (virtually) to talk about how she came to Terakeet and what makes life fulfilling for her outside of work. Read below to learn more about her love of national parks, baking, and more!
Q1: How did you come to work at Terakeet? What is your favorite part about working here?
My college had an English major career panel, and an alumnus, Jon Roberts, came by to speak on behalf of his new job at Terakeet since graduating from Le Moyne. I wasn’t really sure about it, but he really seemed to enjoy it and raved about the culture, benefits, etc. For some reason, I never pursued it, even though I was interested. After graduating, I was still in contact with many of my professors, and one of them put me in contact with Jon. I was able to meet up with him for coffee, where he answered all my questions about Terakeet and encouraged me to apply. Now I’m here, and it’s only gotten better.
Q2: Tell us a little more about you outside of work! What’s one thing most people wouldn’t know about you?
I love national parks. My sister lives in Colorado and I’m hooked on exploring more of North America and seeking the sublime — something both serene and exhilarating. Though, I’m just getting into hiking (I’m very out of shape). I also love to cook and bake. I was accepted into the Culinary Institute of America, and right at the last minute, I changed my mind and chose English at Le Moyne. However, I also love art, both as a spectator and a creator. I almost went to school for art too. I’ve done drawing, pottery, watercolor, acrylic, dabbled in photography, but I’m really into oil painting right now.
Q3: What’s your current obsession?
Oil painting or cooking authentic recipes for all the restaurants I want to travel to but can’t due to Covid.
Q4: Choose a movie title for the story of your life.
Well, I hope that instead of a movie I could write a book! Maybe I would title it “The Expedition.” However, I’m not good with titles or captions; there’s always too much to say.
Q5: What’s the strangest or coolest thing that’s ever happened to you?
My senior year of college I was one of three selected to go to Portland, OR for the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP). They hold a huge convention every year in a different city/state. At Le Moyne, there is an alumna who pays for three students to go, including a roundtrip flight, travel while there, food, and the hotel. It was a surreal and spectacular experience that I will always remember. We went with three of our professors, and got to listen to brilliant authors and writers. I was introduced to one of my now favorite writers, Cheryl Strayed who wrote “Wild” and “Tiny Beautiful Things.” Additionally, the two other students and I were able to travel freely throughout the city, visiting Powell’s bookstore (multiple times), eating at every 5-star Yelp reviewed restaurant, and walking the streets. We experienced both the misty/dreary weather the Northwest is known for and a perfect 80 degree day under the blooming cherry trees. One of the students who went, who I had never met before, became one of my closest friends.
Q6: What would your desert island band/artist be, and why?
Music is essential to me, so that’s almost impossible for me to answer. Maybe the Lumineers.
Q7: What is one thing you’ve tried recently that has helped you stay calm and focused?
It’s so simple, and I feel like a fraud saying it because it never worked for me before but, breathing. When I’m stressed or overwhelmed I practice inhaling for four seconds and exhaling for eight. Yoga or meditation never really did it for me, in terms of relaxation. But breathing and maybe stretching too initiates a sense of calm.
This is a continuation of our Humans of Terakeet series. Read the previous posts here:
Humans of Terakeet: Danelle Sims
Humans of Terakeet: Jocelyn Ravesi
Humans of Terakeet: Ryan Maxson