.267 | to Aunt Helen, from Doreen
Everyone needs an “Aunt Helen” in their life.
My Aunt Helen has always been there for me. Ever since I was young, my conversations with Aunt Helen have been rooted in the things that you can’t learn in books. My aunt is one of the best communicators I know—she is a great listener, asks meaningful questions, inspires self-awareness, and encourages critical thinking. I am so lucky that my aunt is not only cool AF, but she has also been one of my greatest teachers in life. After each conversation with Aunt Helen, I always walk away with a handful of wise sayings or inspiring ideas to meditate on, which I then proceed to share with my closest friends: “As Aunt Helen would say…” is a common phrase that my friends have eagerly grown accustomed to hearing.
I call my Aunt Helen the “Millennial + Gen Z Whisperer.” As a designer and educator, Aunt Helen has been a mentor and a role model to so many talented students. My aunt has the gift of making us Millennials and Gen Z-ers feel seen and heard. She encourages us to design the life we envision for ourselves because she understands that our lives are our own for the making, regardless of what mainstream culture and its norms might be telling us. Do what’s right for you, she says. Don’t be boxed in, don’t let societal norms dictate how you think you should live your life. Create your own opportunities. Aunt Helen empowers us to explore and nurture our individual talents and stay true to who we are. And, in life, there is nothing more comforting and reassuring than to know you can show up as your whole self without fear of judgment or criticism. It goes even deeper when you feel that someone like Aunt Helen has your back and believes in you more than you might believe in yourself.
Aunt Helen’s love of learning and sixth sense for all things culture inspire me every day. In a world stuck in “the way things are,” Aunt Helen challenges her mentees to think about “the way things could be.” She has the unique ability to observe and synthesize ideas and knowledge across many different disciplines and cultures. In a society that is increasingly divided and siloed, Aunt Helen believes that we have a responsibility to reach out and learn from one another—across cultures, across generations, and across disciplines. Her innate talent for deciphering cultural trends and the times are even more reason why so many students, colleagues, family and friends come to her for advice.
But it’s not only what Aunt Helen shares with us in her words of wisdom—it’s also the example she sets by her actions. My aunt will be the first one to face a challenge, roll up her sleeves, and say “Ok, let’s make a plan to solve this problem.” She understands that life is full of twists and turns, and it all comes down to how you choose to meet the moment. She doesn't shy away from that which is difficult or complex. And this past year, with the extraordinary challenges brought on by the global pandemic, my aunt went above and beyond to care for our entire family. Aunt Helen was our essential hero who did not stop being there for us despite the risks.
While my Aunt Helen will work hard and give 110% each and every day, she also understands that every moment counts. She will always carve out time to find joy and beauty in the every day. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones or spending time in nature, Aunt Helen makes the most of each passing moment. She sticks by her values and knows what truly matters in life.
Aunt Helen, you have given me more than you will ever know, more than I could ever express in words. Thank you for sharing your love and wisdom with all of us who are lucky enough to know you. Thank you for opening up your heart to us and allowing us to do the same, while also embracing us at every stage, turn, and evolution of our journey. Thank you for always encouraging us to be our whole, authentic selves. Thank you for showing me and so many others what it means to live a life of joy and purpose, and for teaching us, by your example, what it means to be a good human.