In the spirit of the “Humans of New York” photo series and social media phenomenon, Do Space is inspired to work with staff and volunteers to create a “Humans of Do Space” series that shares the stories of our members, volunteers, users and staff. The goal of this effort it to capture the people that are using the space and how it affects their lives. What does it allow them to do? What does it allow them to make? How are people using the space to overcome obstacles and get things done?
Today we are featuring Maureen Borden. Maureen is one of our endearing regulars in the evening at Do Space and a true local of Omaha. A self-described ‘sassy senior’ Maureen has had a working career in various front-end office positions around Omaha and has entered semi-retirement in which she endulges her passion for writing. Our first encounter was when Maureen came to the tech desk for assistance with Google Docs. A good lasting impression has ensured that Maureen has continued to learn and use our computer resources at Do Space regularly.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about good dialogue and translating these notions into good novels and film scripts. I like the idea of character attachment that leaves the reader wanting to know more about my characters and making associations where none seemingly exist. I wish to continue making connections in stories and flushing out ideas. I am passionate to keep turning notions into novels, film scripts, and maybe a play. We all have so many notions, observations, memories in our heads. I’d like to continue creating characters that readers want to keep knowing.
What does Do Space mean to you?
I still sometimes call it Doe Space ’cause sometimes I feel like a yearling. There is so much I don’t know how to do easily/automatically – Do Space is such an important resource in that sense. Furthermore, I never sense that I’m being judged. I hope to improve communicating my needs – asking good questions that don’t make the staff roll their eyes – not that they would.
What have you been able to accomplish at Do Space?
I’ve been formatting, editing, and preparing my debut novel – Hear I Go – which I recently uploaded to Amazon Books. Using two Word templates that Sean assisted me in creating I have published paperback and Kindle versions that went live at the end of November, hooray! Also I have gained some facility – at least I think I have – in downloading and copying files from my email and Google Drive to my thumbdrive.
How does Do Space empower you to grow individually or grow your company?
I don’t know that I’m empowered yet but I feel Do Space is my rallying port. I’m a troglodyte in that I’m not connected to the internet at home. Knowing it is a short ride away and that someone live will answer my questions is great.
What tools and resources are you using at Do Space?
The equipment I use are the PCs. In addition to utilizing staff expertise at large, I plan to work with a mentor. I’d like to have more than a glancing familiarity with Excel, PowerPoint and social media sites. And if Do Space ever offers classes in paper making, I’ll take those, too. What fun it would be to put my own words on my own paper.
Sean is an Australian abroad. He is living in Omaha and working at Do Space as a part-time technologist with the desire to gain a valuable insight into U.S. community and culture. Sean has embraced his role at Do Space by combining his enthusiasm for technology with his various backgrounds as a tradesman, audio-visual technician and graduate of International Studies. You may have seen him at the tech desk or conducting classes in the 3D lab.
