Welcome Meredith, JCU intern for Summer 2023

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Meredith Blamer

A quick interview as Meredith Blamer, rising John Carroll University senior, joins Upcycle for the summer!

What drew you to Upcycle Parts Shop?

I connected with the mission statement and the values that ground the purpose of the shop. I appreciated how Upcycle has a mission that drives the business but is also focused on making a positive impact. I think it is  important that they want to build connections with people while also reducing waste and finding new purpose for things that may have gone to waste before. 

Now that you’ve been here a few days, what do you think you’re going to learn this summer? 

I think I will learn about just how creative people can be. It is definitely present with the customers in the shop, especially first time visitors. They walk through the doors and you can see how they are inspired to create. I know I had the same experience when I came to the shop for the first time. I walked around looking at everything and was fascinated by all the different materials and supplies there are in shop. It made me want to take up an interest in new skills like sewing or knitting. 

Where are you from? Pittsburgh, PA

How do you like Cleveland and what is different about it from your hometown? 

It sounds weird but the weather. I didn't think much about it but living in Pittsburgh but most days are grey, that means not raining but also not sunny just overcast and cloudy. Since being in Cleveland for three years now I have noticed just how sunny it seems to be. Even in the winter when the ground is covered in snow the sun will make an appearance. I try my best to not take it for granted because I enjoy spending time outside enjoying nature. 

Upcycle’s core values are below. Which of these speak most to you and how/why? 

Core Values: 

  • Creativity: The beauty of our future lies first in our ability to imagine it. At Upcycle Parts Shop, we nurture imaginative thinking as a vehicle for innovation.

  • Community: At Upcycle Parts Shop we know that community happens on purpose. That is why we strive to build bridges and cultivate connections among people from all walks of life. There is never a stranger in the room!

  • Environmental Stewardship: While the Earth’s resources are finite, their use doesn’t need to be. We believe it is our collective responsibility to reduce our environmental impact and demonstrate reuse. Our programming ensures everyone feels empowered to do so.

  • Joy: We like to have fun and create joy in everything we do.

I would say community speaks to me the most because it is something that has been important to me in my life and is present in all areas of your life. I have been a part of lots of communities over the years and it always surprises me how people can connect from all walks of life about small things and build off of that. 

Do you like to create and what are your creative interests? 

I like to create and enjoy expressing that through baking and cooking but I also enjoy supporting other people’s creativity and seeing how their ideas come together. I find it fascinating how people can be so talented in things that I don’t necessarily excel in. 

If you woke up tomorrow and you were an animal rather than a human, what animal would you be and why?

I would want to be a squirrel. Squirrels are my favorite animal and they always have so much energy. They will do just about anything to get food, even if that means going out onto a branch that may be a little too skinny to hold them. They truly live with no fears and are so amusing to watch. 

Anything else you’d like to share? 

I am excited about the opportunity to work with Upcycle this summer! :)

So are we, Meredith! Thanks for all you are giving us!