Catalyst Alumni

“Have faith in yourself and your team and the sky’s the limit!”

Dear Future Catalysts,

I have been where you are. Asking questions like:

• “What will this job be like?”
• What exactly is design thinking?”
• “What will I get out of this?”

Well…I can tell you. This job is unlike any role you may have had before. It will push you to think outside the box, be agile, and build resilience within yourself. You will be working with a fun and amazing team that is there to support you.

Design thinking is a creative goal-setting and problem-solving method that you can apply to your life, education, and personal projects. Almost anything you can think of design thinking methods are applicable to.

Design thinking isn’t an easy concept to wrap your mind around at first. Working through the design process itself is especially challenging. It takes time and constant application to master. As a Design Catalyst your job is to take up the challenge to do just that. Unlike any other group on campus you will have the opportunity to live, learn, and instruct others on design thinking methods all at once.

You won’t be on this journey by yourself. You will be working with a fun and amazing team that is there to support you and your goals. This job relies heavily on teamwork. Having a team mindset will be the key to being a successful catalyst. Don’t be afraid to rely on each other, that’s why you’re a team!

You will see yourself and your teammates grow in ways you never imagined. I challenge you all to be a mentor in some capacity to each other. As peers you can help each other more than you think. Being a group that embraces and supports each other’s strengths and weaknesses is essential to being great catalysts.

Overall, this experience will be what you all make it. What is growth without fun? Start your own team rituals, gatherings, get togethers, and support each other outside the center. You’re gonna spend so much time together so you might as well. I wish you all success on your journey’s in the center and at Elon. Have faith in yourself and your team and the sky’s the limit!

Peace,

Mentor-lead Trés Jones

“Working in the Center for Design Thinking has truly shaped the rest of my life.”

Letter to future Catalysts,

I have had 7 different jobs before I had this one and I can confidently say that none have broadened my idea of what I was capable of more than this one. Being a design thinking catalyst is not the typical job, you won’t be sitting around at a front desk doing your homework – it is hard and a lot of times I had to do tasks I had never done before, but because of that, I have had a lot of personal and professional development.

This job and all the people I have gotten to work with have broadened my idea of what possibilities were available for the rest of my life. I was able to complete things that were so far out of my comfort zone and that gave me a lot more confidence when I was applying for jobs post-grad. I got the post-grad job I have now because of my experience facilitating workshops and being forced to become comfortable presenting to a large group of people.

Working in the Center for Design Thinking has truly shaped the rest of my life, and it is something that I will carry with me from now on. My advice to you all is to treat this job like a class – each task as an opportunity to learn and develop your skills. Additionally, think about how you can connect your passions with Design Thinking and work to make that happen.

Mackenzie Hahn

“Design Thinking will help unlock a new way for you to see the world and an opportunity to change the world.”

Dear Future Design Thinker,

You are about to embark on a journey like no other. If you choose to walk through these doors into the Center for Design Thinking, you need to realize you are entering a space of possibilities! This isn’t like every other classroom you will experience at Elon.

I have been a member of the Elon community for 8 years, from my time as an undergraduate student to a staff member. I can honestly say this has been my favorite place on campus. Drop what you think you know and be open to the amazing experience of design thinking. Be open to saying yes to new ideas and possibilities.

Design Thinking will help unlock a new way for you to see the world and an opportunity to change the world. If you have never heard of the term Design Thinking until today I’m thrilled to know that you are here for a new experience. We can’t wait to hear your unique perspective and get to know your story.

The biggest takeaway and lesson I have had from the Elon Center for Design Thinking is that there are two things that people can’t stand:

1. Change
2. The way things are

Be open to changing the right things and have fun doing it!

Sincerely,

Tyson Glover
– Elon University Design Thinking Graduate ‘2017
– Design Thinking Co-Curricular Catalyst ‘2021

“The best part about being a catalyst is that you have your teammates to go through this experience.”

Dear Future Catalysts,

When I was first introduced to design thinking, it was a foreign concept to me. In the beginning, I could not quite grasp what design thinking was. As a design catalyst, you will learn that design thinking is a combination of a process, tools and mindset, but it is actually much more than that. I view design thinking as a positive and creative outlook on life.

We all have problems that we deal with, but what sets us apart is how we deal with them. Since joining Elon by Design as a design catalyst, I have adapted the design thinking mindset to my everyday life. Design thinking helps me to solve problems, in and out of the classroom.

The best part about being a catalyst is that you have your teammates to go through this experience. When there’s something you don’t understand, or you feel a bit lost or confused, they will be there as your confidants to help you.

Design thinking has helped me to grow as a person and expand my knowledge on topics ranging from playful learning and bias to liberation and failure. Whenever I feel stuck in a situation, I try to map out my solutions through design thinking.

Although I won’t be here next semester, just know that your Elon by Design family will be a support system throughout and past your time at Elon.

Isabel Manella