Enjoying the Journey
Theresa Davies, an engineer based in Evansville, rises with the first light, greeting the day around 4 to 4:30 am in the morning. It’s a cherished time, a brief respite from the hustle and bustle, where she savors a cup of coffee in peaceful solitude. “Mornings are sacred to me,” Theresa remarks, her voice laced with quiet determination. “It’s when I gather my thoughts and prepare for the day ahead.”
In the tranquility of the early hours, Theresa eschews screens, opting instead to ponder the day’s tasks without digital distractions. “No screens allowed,” she insists with a smile. “It’s my time for reflection and mental clarity.”
Once fortified, Theresa embarks on the morning routine with her children, ensuring a smooth start to their day. “I strive to keep the mornings quiet,” she remarks thoughtfully. “It sets a positive tone for the entire household.” Lately, her children have gotten the message. In their own teenage way, they might even appreciate the morning vibe that Theresa has actively cultivated after all these years.
Despite the early hour, Theresa exudes boundless energy as she heads into work, typically arriving around 7:30 or 7:45 am. Alongside her colleague Dylan, Theresa navigates the day’s challenges, their two-person team thriving in the quiet camaraderie of their office. “It’s just the two of us,” she mentions, “We’ve been holding down the fort for two years now, and I enjoy the quiet camaraderie.” It’s at this point that we feel we see a pattern with Theresa. She knows that life and work are marathons. There’s a time to be loud, energetic, and even act with a little chaos, and there is a time to be patient, considerate, and introspective.
The Jack of All Trades
At work, Theresa’s role is multifaceted, requiring her to be a “Jack of all trades.” Her projects primarily focus on vertical building structural designs. “But variety keeps things interesting,” she quips. She and Dylan don’t balk at challenging themselves.
Theresa collaborates closely with familiar faces from past jobs and her younger days. “Building relationships is key,” she emphasizes. Who doesn’t want to enjoy the person they are working with on a project?
Flexibility is Theresa’s mantra, especially when unexpected challenges arise, like the storm damage in April. When the community was in need, Theresa stepped up to provide support. “You’ve got to go with the flow,” she advises, her tone resolute. “Whether it’s a massive project or a small task, I’m here to support my community.” She was contacted by businesses needing a structural engineer after the storms a few weeks ago. “I tried my best to be available to anyone. People simply needed letters for insurance purposes; an official statement by a structural engineer to say that yes, this or that facility was damaged. We did just that.”
Leading the Community and the Next Generation Outside of work, Theresa is deeply involved in volunteer efforts, from chamber of commerce events to high school youth group activities to sitting on the Evansville Diocese building commission. “My goal?” she muses. “To be someone who brings people together for the greater good.”
As she juggles her professional and personal responsibilities, Theresa remains focused on succession planning. “Evansville is ripe for a change of guard,” she observes. “It’s getting close to time for the old guard to pass the baton to the next generation, and I’m ready to carry it forward. We also have our eyes out for talent during this shift of rank. We’re actively looking to hire people to fill our Evansville office because the work is here waiting for us.”
Motherhood has taught Theresa the virtue of humility, a quality she values both personally and professionally. “Having children grounds you,” she reflects, her gaze softening. “Parenthood brings with it this great mix of humility and kind of takes the air out of your sails in the best way possible. You’re no longer afraid of feedback. You value authenticity. Most of all, you don’t have the time to quibble. It makes you a great leader.”
A Busy, But Balanced, Life
At the end of the day, Theresa finds solace in the kitchen, preparing a family dinner with love and care. “Cooking is my therapy,” she admits with a chuckle. “Even if it’s just 15 minutes together, family dinner is non-negotiable.”
Before winding down, Theresa indulges in a relaxing walk while savoring the tranquility of the evening. “It’s the perfect way to clear my mind,” she says contentedly, the weight of the day melting away with each step.
With the day’s tasks behind her, Theresa retires to bed around 9 pm, ready to tackle whatever tomorrow brings. “And then,” she smiles, “We do it all over again.”
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