use your voice

Tina Cohen-Chang, 30, Aquarius Librarian at WMHS and writer.

[askthetinacohen-chang]

[askthetinacohen-chang]

askfuturedavekarofsky​:

Hey, Tina! It’s good to see you! You know, those are actually pretty great suggestions. I haven’t played organized sports in light years, but it would be fun to get back out there, even if it’s only for a couple weeks. Dayton or Columbus could be nice, yeah. I’ll take a look and see if there’s anything happening. How has your summer been so far? Summer school has been…A wild ride. I love my job, but trying to convince these kids to focus during the year is bad enough. Doing it in summer school? Darn near impossible.

I know  It’s only been a couple of weeks but when you’re used to seeing people on the regular, not seeing them for a while can be weird, am I right?  I hope you find something that fits with your schedule.  My summer has been okay.  I went to New York City for a week for the 4th and a sorority meet up and a bunch of my sisters from Brown were there so that was amazing.  But I had to come back to Lima for some appointments.  But I am hoping to get a couple of weeks in NYC before back to school this fall and catch up with everyone in NYC.  I can only imagine the task of teaching summer school.  I am glad they hired a summer student to work in the library.

[askthetinacohen-chang]

[askthetinacohen-chang]

ask-theblaineanderson​:

You can write that down on a stone, because we will definitely do that, Ms. Cohen-Chang! It’s been a while since I last went home, a fact my mother pesters me about at least three times a week. But I’ve been so busy with work, I honestly haven’t found the time to do that, or anything much. I did turn out to be a worhkaholic after all, but it’s good thing it’s about something I love doing! How is your family back home? Everyone good?

I think there are some of the island in the Caribbean where you can have both the beach and mountain adventure bit. Exploring waterfalls, hiking, diving… There’s a lit you can do there. Out of the top of my head, I could say the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Aruba, St. Marteen… Places like that, you know? Oh, lucky you- I’ve never been out of the States in my life. I hope to get to see somewhere, anywhere sometime soon.

Yes, driving back and forth between Lima and New York the way I’ve been the last few years is not for everyone.  But I enjoy it; most of the time, and it’s great to be able to keep up with more people.  Being a workaholic isn’t a bad thing; I actually think it can exist along side balance if you want it to.  Everyone is well, thanks for asking.  What about your family?  Cooper?  I keep wondering when I’m going to see his face pop up again!  

Sounds like maybe you really want to go to the Caribbean Blaine.  I’ll look into them.  I think it will come down to what feels right.  Or seems like the best experience.  Maybe the Dominican, or St. Maarten between those.  Although I was just saying I’ve been thinking of Iceland, or Greece.  

Huh.  Look at Tina being wrong again.  Sorry about that. At least my ability to pick out guys who are interested in women has improved.   You should think about where you might want to go though Blaine!  If you don’t have a lot of time,  I can recommend where I went in Mexico; it was fun and easy, the stereotypical spring break.  And Canada, a couple of us from Brown went up for a winter carnival and while cold, it was so much fun!  

[askthetinacohen-chang]

askthestonerbrett​:​

That sounds like fun. I need more info though, there are too many places to go. Do you want to road trip it? Do you want to go far? Are you sight seeing? What are you looking for?

I’ve been saving for a while to do something like this and it should fit into my schedules nicely.  I want to go away-- yes, more than a road trip I think.  Although if there is something here in America that you think I MUST see, I could see myself being pursued.  Sight seeing would be welcomed for sure.  Adventure would be welcomed as well.  Learning/partaking in some new culture would be nice too.  I considered a trip to explore my personal roots, but I want more than a week for that. That might be a summer kind of adventure, you know?  This is totally influenced by my Bachelor watching, but I’ve thought about Iceland.  And Denmark.  But maybe I should stay closer to the states and pinch the pennies for my roots trip.  Maybe the British or American Virgin Islands, or one of the Caribbean ones.  A little beach time with my exploring and maybe a vacay fling sounds nice.  

Do you have any thoughts or ideas for me?

[askthetinacohen-chang]

Moodboard 001 (about Tina)

[askthetinacohen-chang]

Aquarius ♒: ≈January 20 to ≈February 18

Carefree and charming on the surface, Aquarius can also be aloof when it comes to love. Rebellious to the core, Aquarius is known to break free from conventions in favor of finding a lifestyle that makes sense for them. That said, they extend the same grace to other people, with a “come as you are” mentality.

When you hear Aquarius, think team player. Aquarius genuinely enjoys collaborating with others. They're always the first to organize a brainstorm, leveling up an individual's ideas with the power of a groups for their own role in the process? Aquarians are more of the researchers and organizers of projects. Their scientific minds reach for statistics and facts. Aquarians live in the realm of possibility and want to help others get there, too. They cheer on others to evolve and grow into better versions of themselves.

The air sign Aquarius is one of the three signs with planetary rulers. In Aquarius' case, it's Saturn and Uranus — and these planets, which govern different realms, tell you everything you need to know about the sign.

Saturn allows Aquarius to be the intelligent authority figure, while Uranus urges them to have fun and rebel. Being caught between two juxtaposing energies lets Aquarius be their own unique person, as they can make up rules and encourage others to follow in their visionary footsteps.

This reliable sign is “community-oriented" and always "working to help others grow.”  But it’s important to make sure you’re giving back to the Aquarius in your life.  They believe that we have to share the love within our hearts and pay the kindness forward. Giving back, whether through humanitarianism or charitable works, is important to the water-bearer. Aquariuses tend to use their energy not only to refill their own cups but others', too. Generous and kind, Aquarius sees the potential in people and in communities. They'll dream and defend at the same time.

Aquarius are:

Unique

Humanitarian

Altruistic

Impulsive

Artistic

Loyal

Optimistic

Intelligent

Independent

Unconventional

source

[askthetinacohen-chang]

askingthejeffsterling​:

After right at three weeks away from good old NYC I’m finally in the home stretch of…Well, being home. I just got off the plane and into my car. Now, I just need the patience to get through this traffic and I’ll be good to go. By the time I get home I’m pretty sure it’ll be too late to cook, so leave your best takeout recs and hopefully something will strike my fancy. And, even though I realize this status is absolutely pointless to anyone but myself, I can’t seem to find a good stopping point! I guess, let me know if you’re interested in getting together, I’ll be home for a couple of weeks at least. @atfgstarters

Hmmm, a donair might be too heavy for this late at night, but it’s one of the first things I get when I’m in New York City.  You know what though, my favorite post late flight or even a late night meal/snack for whatever reason is still a bowl of cereal.  Sometimes nothing is better than a bowl of corn flakes or honey nut cheerios with some nice cold milk.  And if you stop at an all night supermarket or even whatever, then you’ve got it for tomorrow morning too.  Good luck!

[askthetinacohen-chang]

askingthebayleeadams​:​

What I’m hearing you say is you’re looking for the stereotypical beach vacation with the option to sight-see and get some cool life experiences. I think the Virgin Islands would be a good option, as would Mexico. You’ll get history and culture there, too. I’d say the Caribbean but I think that errs more on the side of stereotypical than newfound adventure. What prompted you to decide next year is the year?

Well... I’m not going to turn down a place if it has a beach, lets be real, but I’d prefer something to explore and the cool life experiences over the beach.  I’ve been to Mexico twice but they were both “spring break”-esque. And yes, I was just saying the Caribbean if I knew which island/s specifically and there was a “something” for me to do, would be alright, but there is nothing off the top of my head.  Do you know if the US or the British Virgin Islands are better?     I’ve thought about the Maldives but that feels like the kind of place you don’t really want to go alone... and be that single girl.  I’ve been saving for a while, and I know I don’t have time to do it this summer and I wont have the time at Christmas either, so next Spring it is!  I was actually thinking Iceland.  Or Greece.  Maybe the city of Prague.  

[askthetinacohen-chang]

ask-theblaineanderson​:

And I’m glad that you did, that way we can catch up like we should, and not minding about time at all! It’s going great, already done with my classes. No more papers to grade, no more classes to give. I’m freeee- for a at least a month, obviously haha. Well, if it’s a nice beach what you’re looking for, you can never go wrong with the Caribbean. Oh, haha! I wish I had travelled that much like you’re implying.

I know I usually spend my holidays in New York City when possible, and I was there for the July 4th weekend and about a week actually but I had a sorority thing ad some other meetings so I barely saw anyone in the city.  And then I had to come back to Lima for some appointments and I’m still here. But I hope to get out to New York before too long and we can have a proper in person not over skype or facetime catch up like we should Mr. Anderson!

I’m not sure if I’m looking for just a beach.  I want something more than just me, sipping mai tais in a bikini.  I want to do somethings, explore a little (or a lot) and learn.  And even if I did choose the Caribbean....which island?  Or islands?  What am I going there to learn about or explore--- that sort of thing.  I’ve only been out of North America twice that I can recall, and I only say North America because I’ve been to Canada and Mexico a couple of times.  So I still feel like you’re more experienced than me.  Maybe I’m wrong though.

[askthetinacohen-chang]

ask-theblaineanderson​:

Is that miss Tina Cohen-Chang I spy with my little eye? 

Yes Blaine, it’s me.  I’ve wrapped my project and my self-imposed isolation.  How are you?  How is your summer going?  Where do you think I should go on my vacation?  I feel like you’ve done more travelling than I.

[askthetinacohen-chang]

askthequinnfabray​:

We don’t have signs up as of yet but I can guarantee some will be put up this week because if this keeps happening it will not be pretty. How are you doing, Tina? It’s been a while.

Good. I can always gather a bunch of my activist friends from Brown and we can come make some noise if your employers don’t want to do their part.  If you want, of course.  

I’m doing okay.  It was a good school year, they hired a part time university student to cover during summer school so I could take a break which I really appreciate as I had a project I was working on.  But now I’m about to just sit back a bit and enjoy some vacation time.  I was in  New York around the 4th for a week or so but I had to come back to Lima for some appointments.  But I hope to make it back to the city for a bit before school starts up again.  

What are you up to Quinn?

[askthetinacohen-chang]

I’ve been thinking that I want t take a trip next spring.  I want to go somewhere.  Somewhere warm with a beach would be nice, but I’d like it if there was more to do, to see, to explore.  So if you have any recommendations, please send them my way so I can start some research and planning.  

@atfgstarters​​

[askthetinacohen-chang]

askthequinnfabray​:

That’s horrible Quinn.  It might be time to talk to your boss about either putting up signs that harassment of staff will not be tolerated, or if those are already up, to start actually enforcing them.  I'm pretty sure it's their responsibility as your employer to do so.

[askthetinacohen-chang]

askfuturedavekarofsky​:

You know, it just really dawned on me how close summer school is to being over. This time next week my albeit shortened summer vacation will have officially begun…And I don’t have a single plan. Lima hasn’t ever been the most thrilling place, but if anyone has any suggestions I would be open to them..

@atfgstarters

Hey Dave!

How is summer school going? Good I hope. As for ideas around Lima... the rec department usually runs different teams in the spring/summer. It might be a little late but you might still be able to fill in on a team if you wanted. If you're an animal person, I know the SPCA often needs people to come in during the summer while people are on vacation and have made changes to their volunteer commitments. But also, get out of Lima, even if for the day. Dayton, Columbus, both have more to offer. Hope that helps.

[askthetinacohen-chang]

[askthetinacohen-chang]