9 Fascinating Things We Learned In 2023

9 Fascinating Things We Learned in 2023

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

As we wrapped up 2023, we took some time for a little reflection on everything that made the year unique. We’re excited to share what we’ve picked up along the way – the cool stuff that’s stuck with us.

Read on as we spill the beans on our personal takes and the revelations we’ve uncovered from working with clients. This isn’t your typical year-in-review; think of it more as a chat about the interesting tidbits that have jazzed up our work and lives over the year.

So, grab a metaphorical seat around our virtual campfire as we share the lessons, the wins, and the “aha” moments that made us wave goodbye to 2023 with a smile. It’s been a trip, and we’re excited to share the ride with you. Cheers to what’s been and what’s coming next!

Emma's Insights

The Life Work and Legacy of Jean Childs Young

In 2023, thanks to our work with client Families First, I learned about the incredible legacy of Jean Childs Young, the late wife of Ambassador Andrew Young. Her dedication to social justice and community impact left me seriously impressed and inspired. I’ve been reflecting a lot on her wisdom, especially from her writing, “What to Remember About Me.” See her inspiring words below.

“I want to be remembered as a caring and understanding person who tried to keep her priorities in order. When they think of the clutter in my kitchen and boxes in the basement they’ll say, ‘People were more important than things to her.’

I know I’m disorganized, collect too much, discard to [sic] little. Periodically, I work at it differently, but old habits go slowly. I would rather sweep the deck and rake the lawn than mop floors or clean closets. I like being outside. I’d like it said that I love and appreciated God’s universe. I don’t mind repairing and will tackle most. I love reading. especially historical novels.

I’d like to be remembered as a loving mother and wife who didn’t indulge in 50/50 relationships, but always believed each family member must give more than half. I’ve tried to live up it in my own marriage and with my family. Andrew’s love has made it work. Forgiveness is a gracious gift that God gives to us. I think we can do no less for those we love. It is difficult at times especially when your pride is wounded and you are deeply hurt. But I believe the grace of forgiveness has kept our marriage and family strong. I would like to be remembered as a forgiving person …

But, finally vanity seeps in and I want it said simply, but with all the underlying implications, ‘’Jean Young, NOW THAT WAS A WOMAN!”

The way she champions compassion and making a positive mark is pure inspiration. Learning about Jean through Families First has not only broadened my perspective but also lit a fire in me to bring more compassion and advocacy into my own life. It’s been a pretty awesome lesson from the year.

How to turn my own handwriting into a font

The year also brought a cool twist to my creative toolkit – I figured out how to transform my own handwriting into a legit font, all thanks to Sarah Lawrence’s class at MODA using Calligraphr! Learning this skill has been a game-changer, adding a personal touch to my digital endeavors.

Staying creatively fresh is key, so our team at Streetlamp Creative make it a monthly priority to dive into workshops and classes. Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) has been a fantastic resource, and we’ve also explored gems like Creative Mornings and the Association of Fundraising Professionals for a diverse range of experiences. 2023 really was a year of expanding our skill set and keeping those creative juices flowing!

I learned (and forever will be learning) how to be a working mom!

I am incredibly grateful for our team (and especially Heather) for the gaps they have filled while I have been away focusing on my little family! They have been so patient with me while I navigate these new waters.

I am now an early morning riser and aim to get most of my day’s work accomplished during nap times. Here’s a few photos from the last few months of me and Davis finding this new balance.

Heather's Insights

I learned more than i ever thought possible about White House china patterns.

While I can’t share the details of the project that sparked this knowledge, I can share how much fun it was to work on.

In 2023, our team had the honor of creating deliverables for a client around the themes of White House history, culinary traditions and etiquette, and community. As a result, I spent a good many fall afternoons poring over Official White House China from the 18th to the 21st Centuries.

Just as captivating as the histories behind the serving pieces are the intricate designs themselves. You’ll find traditional American iconography in vivid red, white, and blue on many dishes: eagles, shields, corn, and even the White House. Nature scenescapes in the striking Hayes collection feature bison, wolves, turkey, and other American flora and fauna, inspiring a sense of pride and awe in our country’s natural beauty. Some presidents created sets with soft garden hues and imagery – magnolias, goldenrods, and roses abound! The Johnson administration created a set of hand-painted dessert plates (designed by Tiffany & Co.), each featuring an official flower from one of the fifty states and D.C. One of my favorite sets is from the Polk administration; he favored a dreamy sky-blue tea service that would somehow look perfectly at home next to a vinyl of 1989 (Taylor’s Version).

This was a memorable project that allowed me to delve into a whole new research topic I hadn’t thought much about previously!

The systemic barriers Hispanic Georgians face when seeking healthcare.

One of my summer projects entailed editing The 2023 Health Status of Latinos in Georgia Report. The first report of its kind in over a decade, the project was created by Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Morehouse School of Medicine, Emory College of Arts and Sciences, and Latino Community Fund, Inc.

Reading through this report in great detail opened my eyes to many health disparities that I had heard about in passing but had not fully realized. For instance, 29% of Hispanic/Latino people in Georgia have no health insurance coverage, with cost serving as a significant barrier. The report shares, “The inability to afford medical services was consistently associated with high levels of stress, which has a profound impact on mental health.”

Those who do have insurance and seek care often face challenges in healthcare access and quality as well as language barriers. Furthermore, only 3.6% of physicians in Georgia are Hispanic or Latino, with the report noting that this “pronounced underrepresentation” is present in nursing staffs across Georgia as well.

This eye-opening experience has not only heightened my awareness of the critical healthcare disparities faced by Hispanic communities in Georgia but has also become another reason behind my unwavering commitment to advocate for a more equitable healthcare landscape for all. It was an honor to play a small role in having this information available for the industry and public to learn.

No matter what season of life we’re in, our team is always here for each other.

Okay, okay – I kind of knew this already – but, there’s nothing like a move to a new state (for me) and a new baby (for Emma) to really drive this sentiment home!

2023 was full of change, and I’m so grateful for our wonderful clients and our amazing team members who really made everything possible. From our right-hand helper, Rhys, to our contract graphic designers who create stunning, eye-catching designs, to Emma and I always being able to share our joys and challenges with each other – my heart is full when I think about all that we’ve accomplished and moved through this year.

Rhys' Insights

Explore the city you live in.

For 2023, I set a goal of being more present where I am. This came to life in a way I didn’t exactly expect, but it has made this year amazing.

Some of the work I assist the Streetlamp Creative team with is writing blogs for client Unexpected Atlanta. The aim of these blogs is to share a range of activity ideas to enjoy throughout the city. Through the lens of my writing, I’ve unearthed countless ways to enjoy Atlanta that I might have otherwise overlooked.

From hidden historical landmarks to culturally rich neighborhoods, each blog post has been a testament to the idea that there’s always something new to learn and appreciate in the city you call home. Beyond the tangible discoveries, writing for Unexpected Atlanta has fostered a deep connection with Atlanta’s community and its people.

It’s not just about the places; it’s about the stories, the people, and the experiences that collectively define the essence of Atlanta. By documenting these narratives, I’ve not only come to love my hometown even more than before, but have enjoyed reaching my goal of being more present where I am.

ChatGPT can help plan your vacations!

During 2023, ChatGPT was the talk of the town, turning heads and changing the game in the world of artificial intelligence. I’ve had a blast discovering all the incredible ways it can assist me in brainstorming and tackling various challenges.

One standout experience was how it transformed my vacation planning for a trip to Ireland this summer into a breeze. I threw out preferences, and ChatGPT effortlessly fired back with tailored suggestions, from historical landmarks to picturesque landscapes, and even unique local experiences.

As ChatGPT continues to evolve, I can’t help but marvel at how it’s become not only a useful tool for small things like finding synonyms at a whim, but also making tasks that cause me stress feel surprisingly easy and enjoyable.

Never underestimate the things you are good at.

Your talents might be exactly what someone else is looking for. Whether it’s a natural knack or a skill you’ve honed, what comes easily to you could be a game-changer for someone else.

I mean, what feels like second nature to you might be a huge challenge for someone else. Maybe you’re awesome at graphic design, fluent in a language, or just really good at organizing stuff—there’s a demand for that! By recognizing and embracing your strengths, you not only boost your own confidence but also become a superhero for those who need your skills.

You get to share your expertise, and others get the help they need. So, give yourself credit, embrace your strengths, and be open to the idea that there are folks out there who would love to tap into what makes you awesome.

We hope you’ve learned a few new things throughout 2023 – or while reading this post – and cheers to the next year of learning!