We were lucky to catch up with David Sahagun recently and have shared our conversation below.
David, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Social constructs lead us to believe that certain opportunities are not meant for us. We are first generation, and only as an adult can I understand my parents’ sacrifices. I struggled with mathematics and sciences in school, facing challenges. It’s essential to note that we are not special; I reject the idea of adopting a mentality of resignation. Many individuals share a resemblance with me— with us. I am one of them in that room. I believe there is power in that.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Just to clarify, I don’t think we’ve ‘made it’ or anything like that. My brother and I arrived from Guadalajara, Mexico, at a young age, and our journey led us through various parts of California until our mid-adolescence. Although SDSU was a consideration, the hefty out-of-state tuition redirected us to UH. With Guillermo a year my senior, his lead in the studio brought a unique perspective—experiencing his juries and sharing classes. Our primary focus is emancipating ourselves from the typical clock in/clock out, big brother watching culture. We place a premium on attentive client listening and adapting to their needs. The exciting part lies in the freedom to shape our destinies. Autonomy is our guiding principle, upheld with a strong sense of responsibility.
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?
I’ll begin by emphasizing that we don’t view ourselves as master gurus; rather, we’re continually immersed in a process of learning and growth. Here are four guiding principles that have proven invaluable to us and which we strive to uphold:
1. ‘Be good at trying.’
• Cultivate persistence and resilience, especially in the face of the inevitable challenges that will arise.
2. ‘Be adaptable.’
• Recognize that many frustrations stem from attempting to control what is fundamentally beyond our influence.
Cultivate flexibility in how you respond.
3. ‘Know that you don’t know’
• Read. Exploring a variety of perspectives enriches your comprehension, revealing insights and needs that might have otherwise escaped your awareness.
• Humility holds enduring value. Each person possesses something to teach you, with profound lessons often emerging from unexpected sources. I’ve gleaned more insights from an onsite mason than from any architect.
• Acknowledge that you are not above anyone else or uniquely special. The human experience unites us—everyone shares the same fundamental aspects of humanity, from bleeding to crying, laughing, and also mortality.
4. ‘See things as they are.’
• Strip away the layers to discern the unadorned reality of a situation. Everything beyond this is merely your interpretation.
In the quiet profundity of these virtues lies the essence of a journey well-traveled. It’s crucial to recognize that we are not special, nor have we ‘made it.’ We are everyone—we collectively endure the same struggles, worries, and concerns. This acknowledgment isn’t meant to diminish anything; instead, it seeks to elevate the shared human experience, fostering unity in our collective journey toward growth and understanding.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
I highly recommend delving into “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius, particularly starting with Gregory Hay’s interpretation as the original text can be quite dense.
Upon each revisit, I uncover new insights. Below, you’ll find profound observations. Recognizing that interpretations vary based on individual perspectives, I abstain from imposing my own understanding on these lines.
“You don’t have to turn this into something. It doesn’t have to upset you.”
“Ask yourself at every moment, ‘Is this necessary?'”
“Reflect on how much more grievous are the consequences of anger than the causes of it.”
“Consider the absurdity and strangeness of being surprised at anything that happens in life.”
“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”
Contact Info:
- Website: s2arx.com
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- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=shared&v=l-6ibytfAQ0
