Name: Leigh Anne Michael 
Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born in Pennsylvania but grew up in Tennessee. I spent the majority of my life in Tennessee before moving to Oregon for Graduate School. However, I now consider Oregon my home. I’ve created a life here with my fiancé and our two dogs. There is something about this area that makes me happy.
What’s your favorite pig-out food?
Normally I would have said mashed potatoes, but since moving to Oregon turns out everything is my pig-out food. The food here is just way too good!
In which University of Oregon graduate program are you enrolled?
I am in the Master of Community and Regional Planning program focusing on Economic Development.
What Community Service Center program(s) are you working with?
Community Planning Workshop (CPW)
What are you doing for the Community Service Center (CSC)?
I am a project coordinator for Community Planning Workshop (CPW). CPW is a two term (20 week long) experiential learning class for first year community and regional planning students. Each year the students work on a real-life project in an Oregon community. Starting in January and going through June 2014, I will manage a team of graduate students working on a real-life project.
What project are you working on?
I don’t know if I can spill the beans on the project yet, but let’s just say it’s a really cool economic development project in the Eugene area focusing on local food.
What are some of the outcomes are you hoping to gain when your project ends?
There are three layers of outcomes I am hoping to gain when the project ends. First, I am hoping the project will be something useful for the community and help move local economic development initiatives forward. Second, I hope the project will inform and inspire my project team and give them not only planning skills, but also project management skills moving forward in their careers. Finally, I hope this project and experience improves my project management skills and provides me with additional skills and knowledge regarding economic development.
How does your involvement with the Community Service Center relate to or inform your education?
I don’t know if I can even explain how much my involvement with the Community Service Center (CSC) relates and informs my education. First, the Community Service Center has been the biggest influence on my learning while at the University. I am a hands-on learner and the experiential learning provided by the CSC and CPW works perfectly with how I prefer to learn. Second, I am beginning my fifth economic development project with the CSC. With every project, I learn a new skill or a new piece of information that I carry on to my next project/experience. Everything I am learning from the CSC and CPW will be directly transferable to whatever job or experience comes my way after graduation.
What advice would you give to your younger self just beginning the CSC program?
Challenge yourself more. The Community Service Center provides a unique experience that you won’t gain anywhere else. Use this opportunity provided by the CSC to push yourself a little bit harder and challenge yourself a little bit more. I promise it is worth it.
If you could plan the perfect holiday, what would it be?
A perfect holiday is sitting at home with my family. My parents live in Tennessee, my brother lives in California, and my fiancé and I live in Oregon. The holidays are my favorite because we are all back together again hanging out and having a great time.
