Today we’d like to introduce you to Annette Lucksinger.
Hi Annette, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I always wanted to be the type that knew what job they wanted and how to get it. As a four-year-old, I declared one day that I would be an artist when I grew up, and I remember the clear sense of purpose I felt. However, after a short time of drawing – and having to label all of my crayon drawings since it was unclear to most people what they were – I realized that dream was not going to happen. Yet, I labeled the drawings with words. Although I didn’t see it then, that was the key.
I followed my passion and majored in English at Texas A&M University. As graduation neared, I bought the book You Can Do Anything with an English Degree. A few years later, after I graduated with my master’s degree in English from Colorado State University, there was a period of time when I recalled that book and wondered, “What were all those things I can do with this degree again?”
It has taken some creativity to discover them. I’m one of those tricky types that likes to be in her head and think but also can’t sit still. I love science – but the magical part of it. My interests don’t always match up with my skills. Again, my younger self realized this fairly early on. As a teenager, I took a career aptitude test that my mother arranged. Apparently, I had an interest in biology, carpentry, and the priesthood – but my skills were writing and language. Hmmmm…. not so helpful. Or was it?
I love the job title “creative” because I think it fits some of us who weren’t made for careers with a clear path to and through them. Instead, we have to create them. Over the years, I have taught, written, crafted, edited. I seek out places where I see a need and try to fill it. Luckily, I find that when I trust my instincts and passions, I end up doing the work that leads to insight, connection, creativity, and fun.
Currently, I balance my time between my work as editor of Austin Family magazine, summer camp director at Camp Longhorn, author of the family guidebook Exploring Austin with Kids, and writer.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
That balancing act is one of the challenges I face on a daily basis. Writing can also be a lonely profession. I think that’s why I’m drawn to write about activities that pull me towards people and into the world. Then I can go home and write, feeling rejuvenated.
I’d say the biggest challenge I face as a creative, though, is training myself to be – and to play –and not have to do something at every moment. Tacked above my desk is a quote from A.A. Milne: “Don’t underestimate the value of Doing Nothing.” That’s when intentions become clearer, and you get perspective on the work that matters.
It also reminds me that work isn’t what matters – as much as the people and the life that your work leads you to.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
To put it briefly, I think success is when what we create in life makes someone else’s life better.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@ExploringAustinwithKids.com
- Website: www.exploringaustinwithkids.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploringaustinwithkids
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExploringAustinwithKids
- Other: www.austinfamily.com
Image Credits
Jessica Attie and Andrew Lucksinger
