We were lucky to catch up with Taking Our Best Shot recently and have shared our conversation below.
Taking Our, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?
What warms our hearts is the opportunity to inspire others. We are so grateful for the support of our mentors and teacher partners. Teachers do so much, and their efforts and leadership motivate us as well. Through our projects, such as the Infographic Challenge, we are able to contribute to their curriculum. Likewise, we are privileged to work with teachers and help motivate students. Students have excitedly remarked that “They’re [Taking Our Best Shot members] scientists!” Seeing all of their smiling faces is a huge highlight of Taking Our Best Shot!
In turn, we have experienced kindness and compassion as well. For example, at our Holiday Health Extravaganza, The Chosen Ones Ministry provided free meals for attendees and vendors. Our audience members and supporters are fantastic!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
The spark for the formation of Taking Our Best Shot was ignited when we realized that members of our community wanted to learn more about health. As a majority of our team are heavily involved in science and health, we hope to help our community by leading science education outreach and promoting public health practices!
Our organization consists of individuals with a variety of training and education, with academic backgrounds ranging from public health to biochemistry and cell biology to economics. We also have invited speakers from the biomedical sciences, nursing, and medicine. As a result, many of us have experiences in research or clinical related fields. We appreciate various perspectives, so we welcome anyone to reach out to learn more and join our team!
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Like a healthy life, success depends on many factors. Traditionally, when we think of health, we imagine pills and the doctor’s office. However, health and well-being are holistic. Every day, we influence our health. Social determinants of health means that where we live, work and play determine our health. When we attended and presented at the Healthier Texas Summit, these factors were highlighted.
Another key ingredient is genuine kindness. We have experienced incredible kindness from our community and partners, such as their enthusiasm in partnering with us! In turn, we often support local businesses by catering from them for our “Health Conversations”. Many restaurants are hidden treasures in our area, and our fantastic participants also enjoy their delicious dishes. Likewise, being Albert Schweitzer Fellows has allowed us to meet with other public health enthusiasts, and the support of the UTMB President’s Cabinet Award and Research!America’s Civic Engagement Microgrant has made a difference! A million thanks to our families, friends, teachers, advisors, mentors, neighbors, partners, and community as well! 😊
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Originally, we arose in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. One of our first initiatives was launching an infographic challenge on topics related to COVID-19. Since then, we have expanded our scope and outreach. Team members include Vivian Tat (co-lead), Abhi Rao (co-lead), Dorothea Morris (co-lead), Nathan Tat (community co-lead), Candise Tat, Mary Beth Trevino, Krista Bohn, Leslie Stalnaker, Stephanea Sotcheff, Ellen Hanley, Scott Weaver, Lance Hallberg, Sharon Petronella Croisant, Tracy Toliver-Kinsky, Cara Pennel, and many more. Everyone brings their unique thoughts and outlooks to the initiative. Thus, our initiative is strengthened with these interdisciplinary viewpoints.
Likewise, our intended audience has broadened. Our first project was oriented to high school students on Galveston Island. Since then, our geographic reach has grown to include connections across multiple counties in Texas. We have also pivoted to include libraries, such as Moore Memorial Public Library in Texas City, as a core component of our model. Traditionally, libraries have been free centers of learning, and several of our members love to frequent them. With our emphasis on accessibility and listening to the community, our library partnerships have been fruitful. For example, we have returning audience members across a variety of ages. Our invited speakers have a variety of backgrounds, and we consequently aim to tailor our messages and projects.
Contact Info:
- Website: takingourbestshot.org
- Instagram: @takingourbestshot
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Taking-Our-Best-Shot/100083357918314/?ref=page_internal.%20Click%20or%20tap%20if%20you%20trust%20this%20link.
- Twitter: @takeourbestshot