NAME?
Serene Smallwood
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Development Coordinator – Big Bend Cares/Care Point Health & Wellness Center
HOMETOWN?
Daytona Beach, FL
What brought you to Tallahassee?
I came as a student back in 2014, got a degree in Criminology by 2017, and started looking off-campus for how to enjoy the city I lived in. My extracurriculars also got me started in event planning, as well as acquainting me with the process of networking with local business owners and leaders. I found an anchor through that, seeing the multitudes of what Tallahassee had to offer, and have been here for over 10 years, now.
What is your favorite thing about Tallahassee?
How everyone knows everyone within one degree of separation; small town community, larger city development goals.
What is your favorite thing about your career?
Being able to put my skillset to use for the benefit of those living in extreme poverty, with chronic illness, from vulnerable communities. There will be a lot of opportunities to use my skills across private, public, and nonprofit sectors for any number of industries/populations, but working closely with HIV-positive individuals has set up a groundwork of understanding how no community can afford to leave anyone behind.
What would you say to someone considering moving to Tallahassee?
If you’re coming for school, just learn to look off campus for ways to engage in the community. Regardless of being here for school, it’s vital to identify what it is you like, and what you’re looking for, because Tallahassee will provide. From outdoor exploration, breweries, and craft clubs, to LGBT support services, independent film clubs, and tabletop gaming, Tallahassee will provide! And highly recommend following the Tallahassee subreddit for happenings, it’s very active and comprehensive.
SERENE’S LOCAL FAVORITES:
Place to people watch? Railroad Square on a First Friday
Annual event or festival? Artopia, since I get to run it!
Happy Hour spot? Fermentation Lounge. Another hole in the wall, but they have the most rigorously-updated rotation of drinks in town, with a great brew variety, from sours to mead.
Place to eat? Blossom Kitchen on Tennessee St. They deserve some love as a hole in the wall, providing both conventional Chinese dishes, with impressive traditional options for those feeling brave.
THE INSIDE SCOOP ON SERENE:
How do you spend your free time? Making art with the Tally Artists’ League, attending anime club meetings, watching shows/playing video games online with long-distance friends, playing tennis with my group clinic, and finding the next thing happening in town to check out!
Bucket list vacation or travel location? Japan. Soon!
What is a book that changed your life? “Bloodsworth: The True Story of the First Death Row Inmate Exonerated by DNA Evidence” is the whole title, which I had the pleasure of reading for my criminology coursework.
Pineapple on pizza? Only if they also have coconut burgers and mango hot dogs.