Feature

Lifelong Learners: Tamara Davis

Tamara Davis

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Applied Studies

School: Loyola University

Anticipated Graduation: December 2022

After seven layoffs in 20 years, Tamara Davis wanted to pivot. She had been working for commercial and residential architecture firms, but the industry was volatile.

“You hear college is hard, but having regrets is harder,” she says.

Davis started researching potential career changes. “It could be concrete, could be cupcakes — I’ve just gotta make,” Davis says, pointing to a knitting project in her backpack.

School ended up being a perfect pandemic pursuit. Davis took classes over Zoom and earned certificates.

Now, she’s pursuing her capstone project with RefugeeOne, the largest resettlement agency in Chicago, which helps more than 2,500 people every year with English classes, job searches, mental healthcare, and more. Davis is assisting the agency’s sewing studio with educational materials and helping them connect with local clients in need of sewers or sewing projects.

“I’m trying to focus on something that helps people,” Davis says. “That’s the thing that influenced me at Loyola: What are you going to do to help people?”

Davis sees her degree as another step of her educational journey, but not the last. “This BA that I am currently working on might not necessarily be my last one. I might have one, or even two, left in me.”

Above photo by Jim Vondruska
Originally published in the Winter/Spring 2023 print issue.

Recent Posts

Strength Through Menopause

For women going through hormonal shifts, exercise is key to protecting current — and future…

5 days ago

From Aaah to Brrrr

Relocating older loved ones from a warm climate to a cold climate Fact checked by…

3 weeks ago

October Social Media Share

October 2024 Social Articles Pondering Probate 4 questions to help assess this complex legal process…

1 month ago

Elder Emergencies

Geriatric-certified emergency departments aim to improve care for aging population Have you ever had to…

1 month ago

Sponsored Content: Home For Life Advantage Focuses on Aging in Place

Home For Life Advantage began its humble journey over 30 years ago, as a general…

2 months ago

Care Refusal

The caregiver's challenge in approaching care with noncompliant family members Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter…

2 months ago

This website uses cookies.