We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alex MacAulay. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alex below.
Hi Alex, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Finding one’s purpose is a never-ending quest, but it’s also one of the most rewarding endeavors we can undertake. I began the journey towards my own purpose by looking inward. I was coming off of a failed relationship, the world was returning to normal after the Covid-19 pandemic, and it was time to reflect. What were my passions, interests, and what did I truly value? What activities make me lose track of time? What issues ignite a fire within me? These were the questions I was asking myself. For me, there were two clear answers – education and film.
I have always worked in education, early childhood education to be exact, but a few years ago I realized that I had reached my ceiling in that field. I wanted to do more and impact student’s success on a greater level. I found Communities In Schools, the nation’s number one dropout prevention non-profit, and decided to try my hand at site coordination. I was placed in an elementary school and now have the ability to assist students and their families in delivering everything from academic support and tutoring to basic need assistance and individualized case management. The work that Communities In Schools does aligns incredibly well my beliefs that every student, and human being for that matter, is entitled to a certain standard when it comes to quality of life. I truly feel that my purpose is embedded in the work that goes into making life better for our youth.
Additionally, I have always loved film. A close friend and I began working on a weekly film podcast in the latter months of 2020, mostly to pass the time during lockdown, but also to scratch this itch of discussing cinema in a more meaningful light. Fast forward to now and our show, Excuse the Intermission, has ranked inside of the top 100 film review podcasts on Apple charts. We have interviewed countless filmmakers, theater managers, and have visited some of the west coast’s most iconic film venues. My adventures in podcasting and film analysis reached new heights in the fall of 2023 when I was asked to act as Juror for one of Washington State largest film festivals. Having the ability to bring people together through the art of film, help facilitate the growth of new and exciting filmmakers, and raise awareness surrounding important issues that are addressed via the artform has given my life new meaning.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My roles as a Communities In Schools Site Coordinator allows for me to have a new, exciting and challenging experience each day. The role of Site Coordinator is to build relationships with every individual person in your school. From the teachers to the families, and of course the students, every voice has something to include that can help me do my job better. I gather data for my school and then assess how best to impact the entire building through tier 1 services. Most recently I collaborated with our school librarian and reading specialist to host a family literacy night. The event included a visit from the community library where they helped families sign up for library cards, a therapy dog on-site for students to read with and book swap station where students and families could donate or receive books. I also organize multiple small group interventions and supports for students that meet weekly. These small groups are referred to as tier 2 services and are targeted towards specific student needs and help them both academically and socially/emotionally. I am there to support students and families on the most intensive level as well. Tier 3 services are individualized and differ on a case by case basis. I have helped families find and broker legal consultation, provided students and families with access to technology at home and made home visit to deliver good when families have been in crisis.
When I think about the evolving professional approach that I am taking with the film podcast it shocks me how far the show has come. Excuse The Intermission began on a small soundboard with cheap microphones in an extra office space in my basement. We now have a full studio setup complete with dynamic soundproofing, equipment that allows for us to travel and maintain that studio quality, and a reputation in our area for being trusted voices in the world of movies. In the spring of 2024 Excuse the Intermission was asked to host an Oscars watch party in Tacoma, Washington. The event sold out and allowed for us to meet so many other film lovers.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Availability. I repeatedly tell folks that one of the greatest abilities that you can possess is availability. If folks can trust that you will be there when they need you most, you’ll be amazed at what else that trickles into. Simply being there for people goes a long way.
Prioritizing a healthy work-life balance is paramount. I always make sure to do the little things that create more time in the day. Don’t allow yourself to sleep past that first alarm, start your ay off with a big glass of water, touch some grass at some point throughout the day, and get to bed at a reasonable hour so that you are setup for success tomorrow. You’ll be shocked at how little things like that can reenergize you and allow to more easily dedicate the time to accomplish the task at hand.
Being truthful. I know it sounds easy, but I used to struggle with telling this. It could be as simple as someone asking me if I had watched a certain television show or not. I used to lie and say yes thinking that this would somehow help me relate to that person more when in reality all it did was put me in a social deficit. I was crippling my chances of actually connecting with someone. I have learned that in situations like this and in situations far more substantial, it is always best to just be honest. Now, I’ll happily tell someone that I haven’t seen or heard about whatever is they might be talking about. This allows them to then share something new with me and a much greater, more authentic conversation blossoms. Also, when you are honest and truthful you never have to remember what you said because you spoke your own truth.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
One of the best ways for me to combat overstimulation and the feeling of being overwhelmed is to change something in my environment. Often times this is not some monumental alteration, but rather a slight tweak to the space in which I am already in. My monthly candle budget increases quarterly because of how often I am burning through them. Something as simple as adding a fresh, new aroma to my space goes a long way in helping me decompress. The same can be said for giving my surroundings a deep clean. My mind becomes singularly focused when organizing and cleaning. This experience then always leads to a greater appreciation for the items in my possession and a prideful sense of ownership. If your feeling overwhelmed I advise cracking a window, letting in some fresh air, lighting a candle, being mindful of your surroundings.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://peninsula.ciswa.org/
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/excusetheintermission
