Echoes In Eternity

As I’ve gotten older, it’s become increasingly important to me to capture (usually digital) relics of what I’ve been up to. Mostly for my own benefit, but it’s a good professional habit regardless.

Five years ago today I was part of a team launching a new website and associated automated phone system helping unemployment insurance claimants at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. I wish I’d done more to document our midnight release event, because it was a pivotal moment in my career. But I do have this one blurry screenshot:

This launch had a trifecta of positivity: a meaningful use case, cool technology, and (most importantly) it all actually worked! I’ve been doing this almost 25 years, and it’s rare to have all that come together. It made such an indelible memory that several of us have found ways to continue working together since.

(Obviously I didn’t get the memo about hoodies; instead opting for formalwear. No regrets on that one!)