Reflections on Four Years at the Co-op

It’s wild to think how much has changed—the projects, the people, the priorities. Shit… even where I live. I still miss Houston sometimes, but I love Seattle. I live in the vast in-betweenness, and somehow the co-op has met me where I am.

Four years at the co-op captured in the way that feels most me.

What’s stayed constant is that I’m still learning. Still evolving. Still figuring things out as I go. Here are a few things I’ve learned and am still learning in my four years here:

Taking feedback without spiraling

I don’t have this one down. At all. But I’m trying. Sitting with feedback (especially the hard kind) is uncomfortable, and I still catch myself wanting to react before I reflect. I’m slowly getting better at pausing, breathing, and noticing what growth feels like instead of resisting it.

Progress over perfection

Design and life are iterative. I know this in theory, but in practice? Whew. I’m still learning to embrace the messy middle instead of judging myself for not having everything figured out right away.

Finding (and using) my voice

I’m grateful to work with a team that feels safe, thoughtful, and kind–an environment where an introvert can truly learn to speak up. I’m still building confidence and still learning how to advocate, but these days I use my voice to stand up for our members and for the work that deserves better.

When all else fails, go outside

Ten minutes outside does wonders for my brain. It’s easy to get lost in the meetings, the hustle, the constant “go go go” of keeping the business running. But stepping outside is part of the purpose. It’s a reminder of why the co-op exists and what really matters.

Four years in, I don’t have it all figured out. Not even close. But I do know this: the magic of the co-op isn’t just in the gear or the goals. It’s in the people who make it feel like home, and in the spaciousness they create for you to grow at your own pace.