Alums

So for this week, I'm going to look at another alum of WC who I respect a lot. He also happens to be related to me as well.

My brother-in-law Jason Kalajainen has in the space of ten years (or so) managed to carve quite a niche for himself in the professional world. After attending Westminster College, Jason went on to get a masters degree in non-profit administration, and he never really stopped from there. One of his first jobs put him into the art world, and he's risen through the ranks rather quickly. Since my sister is an artist herself, it's turned into a family affair. Jason started working for the Ann Arbor Arts Council, and has progressed through to the point where he is now the director of the prestigious Ox-Bow Art Retreat in Saugatuck, MI. Ox-Bow is an extension of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Jason was also recently honored with a Young Alumni Citation by Westminster College.

Despite this amazing work history, I admire and respect Jason for many other reasons. One of these is his work ethic. He pours himself into any project he takes on, and doesn't just stop when it's done. He stops when it's done WELL, and that's something that I'm trying to emulate more often. On another note, as a broadcaster, I also admire his talent at speaking to a crowd as well. He seems to have a knack with speaking, and keeping people's rapt attention, and this is something else I hope to learn as well.

Now, I realize that I may be somewhat biased, since we are related, HOWEVER, there's definitely no question that when I've been stuck on some problem, Jason, on multiple times, has been there to help me figure out exactly how to handle whatever comes my way. I really hope to take what I've learend from him to be a far more effective person in the professional world.