Reimagining Downtown

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Students
Back To Top	NAME: Natalie Conlon MAJOR: Psychology What is the coolest thing about your hometown? I have a large family and most of them still live in Dubuque. I love going back home to play Euchre with my family and go boating on the Mississippi with them. What is the most powerful book you have ever read? “The Prophet” and “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” What single experience most transformed you? Seeing many of my family members go through challenging experiences. It is inspiring to see how strong and supportive they are. Where do you find inspiration? I get inspiration by discussing my ideas with other people, running, and reading. What’s one thing you know for sure? We gain strength and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face…we must do that which we think we cannot. – Eleanor Roosevelt What is your greatest strength? I am empathetic and understanding. What would you like to do after graduation? Travel and explore the world
Back To Top	NAME: Laura Cyrek MAJOR: Marketing What is the coolest thing about your hometown? Besides the fact that it’s the hometown of some of the best people in the world (my best friends)…? Well, it used to be the home of Madame Reick’s prosperous 1890s brothel. Does that count as sort of neat? What is the most powerful book you have ever read? That’s tough. Probably one of James Frey’s controversial novels or Gladwell’s “The Tipping Point.” What single experience most transformed you? Studying abroad in the city I spent part of my childhood in – Warsaw, Poland. Where do you find inspiration? In all of my surroundings. Even something as simple as taking a walk outside can produce new ideas. What’s one thing you know for sure? I don’t think I know anything for sure… What is your greatest strength? My ability to drink six cups of coffee, within two hours, and exert some incredible, passionate energy. What would you like to do after graduation? I really have no idea yet. Ideally I’d love to travel the world but that’s not realistic…so maybe finding a job that I both love and pays well would be ideal. What do you wish grew on trees? I’d say money but I assume that would have some sort of incredibly negative economic effect…how about shoes? That would be sweet. Everybody loves shoes!
Back To Top	NAME: Billy Dunn MAJOR: Finance What is the coolest thing about your hometown? Growing up with a $1 movie theatre downtown (Sadly the rates have gone up - $3 a movie now). What is the most powerful book you have ever read? The Bible – church and God have always been a big part of my life. What single experience most transformed you? Joining the 10,000 Hours Show (a student organization dedicated to increasing volunteerism among young people). Getting involved in the community made me feel a part of Iowa City as much as the University and has made my college experience worthwhile and fun. Where do you find inspiration? I look to my friends for inspiration. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and inspiration won’t be a problem. What’s one thing you know for sure? People are good. What is your greatest strength? Facilitating growth in others What would you like to do after graduation? After graduation I will start working at an investment bank helping small companies sell themselves. I hope to stay involved in the non-profit realm and end up there eventually. What do you wish grew on trees? Pomegranates: I realize they do grow on trees, but not in Iowa.
Back To Top	NAME: Chelsea Gaylord MAJOR: Psychology and Health Promotion What is the coolest thing about your hometown? My high school has one of the most unique mascots- the “Stormin’ Pointer,” which is essentially a dog inside of a tornado. What is the most powerful book you have ever read? “Motivating the Middle” by TJ Sullivan What single experience most transformed you? My week-long volunteer trip to Hagley Gap, Jamaica where I stayed with a host family, dug a trench to supply water to their health clinic, and taught elementary children and the local women’s group how to use cameras and computers. Where do you find inspiration? My mom and music. What’s one thing you know for sure? I will always be learning. What is your greatest strength? My ability to set a goal and not stop working at it until I have achieved it. What would you like to do after graduation? Find a job that I truly enjoy and challenges me. What do you wish grew on trees? Pineapple! (And money would be nice..)
Back To Top	NAME: Mike Greeby MAJOR: Double majoring in Marketing and Management with a Certificate in Leadership What is the coolest thing about your hometown? Half of the University of Iowa student body (or so it feels) lives within a 20 minute radius. The Hawkeye nation is strong in the Chicago suburbs! What is the most powerful book you have ever read? “The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell What single experience most transformed you? Starting Beards for Boobies (a Breast Cancer awareness movement happening annually during the month of November). It taught me the power of initiative. Where do you find inspiration? I find inspiration in people who made something out of nothing. People’s stories of perseverance really inspire me the most. It reassures me that ANYTHING is possible. What’s one thing you know for sure? There is no box around anything. The sky is the limit (and then some). What is your greatest strength? My creative instinct is my greatest strength. What would you like to do after graduation? I would like to start up an innovative company that makes its employees love coming to work every day. If that doesn’t happen right away, I would like to pursue a position with a branding firm. What do you wish grew on trees? Light bulbs…I love Christmas lights!
Back To Top	NAME: Allanda Hageman MAJOR: Psychology. Minors: Human Relations and Social Work What is the coolest thing about your hometown? The coolest thing about my hometown is that you can get something in a convenient store and tell the cashier “charge it to my parents’ account” then walk out without paying for it. What is the most powerful book you have ever read? The most powerful book I have ever read is “Of Mice and Men.” What single experience most transformed you? Coming to the University of Iowa was the single experience that most transformed me. Since I grew up in a small town I had never been pushed so far out of my comfort zone as I did when I started school here. Where do you find inspiration? I find inspiration from people who have been successful in their life and have worked hard to get where they are today; especially when I have the opportunity to hear stories of the mistakes they have made, what they have learned, and what experiences they have had that they wouldn’t change for the world. What’s one thing you know for sure? One thing I know for sure is that everyone needs someone. What is your greatest strength? My greatest strength is my work ethic. If there is anything that growing up on a family farm teaches you it is that you have to work to get what you want out of life. What would you like to do after graduation? I am still undecided on what my next step will be immediately after graduation but as of right now I plan to attend graduate school to get either a Master’s in Social Work, Counseling Psychology, or Student Affairs/Higher Education. What do you wish grew on trees? I wish trees could grow what each person needs most in their life. I believe we all need something a little different to be truly content and happy with our lives; so I wish trees could grow that particular thing for each and every one of us.
Back To Top	NAME: Kelsey Hastings MAJOR: Business Marketing What is the coolest thing about your hometown? My hometown is Gurnee, Illinois, which is a north suburb of Chicago. The coolest characteristic of Gurnee is the diversity within the community and the fact that it is also called ‘The Community of Opportunity’. I have lived in Gurnee my entire life and truly believe the experiences I have had living there positively shape who I am today. What is the most powerful book you have ever read? I recently read “Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose” by Tony Hsieh. This book made me realize where I am in life at this moment and all of the possibilities that can occur in my future if I take initiative. While reading this book I felt motivated to do something that matters in the world and strengthen the relationships I have. I have a strong interest in social entrepreneurship in which I now believe I can utilize to make a different to help others around the world. What single experience most transformed you? Studying abroad in Paderno Del Grappa, Italy, made me realize who I really am and what I want out of life. Traveling across the world to live in a small Italian town with strangers allowed me to let go of any worries or anxiety I had and just live life. I barely slept while I was abroad because I wanted to experience and learn so many things. Paderno allowed me to have a whole new perspective on life, giving me more drive to accomplish my life goals. Paderno influenced me to be futuristic and want to achieve new opportunities to take advantage of life. The world fascinates me and I can’t wait to learn more about other countries and cultures to influence others positively to change their lives and obtain new perspectives. Where do you find inspiration? I find inspiration from interesting people who share their life stories, the outdoors, traveling, and new experiences. Trying new things outside my comfort zone excite me and allow me to feel motivated about finding more life adventures. I truly believe people learn from listening to other’s stories and applying that information towards their lives to better themselves and those around them. What’s one thing you know for sure? I want to see the world. I want to build and strengthen my relationships so that I can experience life across the globe with those I love and those I come across daily. My passion is traveling and meeting new people to be able to experience as much of life as I can. What is your greatest strength? The greatest strength I have is the ability to be futuristic. I am constantly thinking of the future and the adventures I want to experience. I constantly create new ideas in my head of what I want to accomplish in the future. What would you like to do after graduation? I would love to travel and take on social entrepreneurship, innovating positive change towards others’ lives. No matter where I end up I want to be working within a culture that fits my life passions and allows me to be creative. I want to practice a mission that has true meaning towards people’s lives and influences perspectives on life opportunities. What do you wish grew on trees? I wish that small pieces of paper with inspirational quotes grew on trees. My favorite tea I drink (Yogi) has small ‘Yogi Inspirations’ attached to each tea bag. E.g. “The art of happiness is to serve all”, “uplift everybody and uplift yourself”, “To be great, feel great and act great”. These simple inspirations encourage me to apply their meaning to my life and have a positive outlook on everything, everyone, and daily experiences.
Back To Top	NAME: Phil Monfils MAJOR: Economics and Marketing What is the coolest thing about your hometown? ... What is the most powerful book you have ever read? ... What single experience most transformed you? ... Where do you find inspiration? ... What’s one thing you know for sure? ... What is your greatest strength? ... What would you like to do after graduation? ... What do you wish grew on trees? ...
Back To Top	NAME: Andrew O’Bleness MAJOR: Human Physiology What is the coolest thing about your hometown? My hometown is situated right on the Mississippi River, and the coolest thing about it is that so much of the town accentuates being able to look over and see the river. The main park in town and the wealthiest homes all overlook the river, and it was good of the developers in the towns infancy to focus on this. What is the most powerful book you have ever read? Two years ago I read the “Epic of Gilgamesh”, and it really moved me as far as what you pursue in life and what is really important. It definitely played a part in my maturation as a person, and where I am going with my life. I look back on it and will never forget the uplifting feeling that I had while reading it and want to talk to everyone else who had read it about its story and meaning. What single experience most transformed you? The best thing that ever happened to me as a person was getting in a wreck in cycling which forced me to quit the sport and find out what really makes me tick as a person. I realized that I was doing it because it came easy to me and I knew I could have a career out of it, not because I loved the sport and everything about it. This really changed my outlook on life and what I can do to make the world around me better, not what I can make a healthy wage from. Where do you find inspiration? I don’t like to talk about myself very much, but one thing I am confident in saying is that for some reason I have always been so afraid to fail the people around me that I always put forth an extra effort. So, I guess that my inspiration would simply come from those around me; whether they be friends, family, or anyone in need. I feel it is my obligation to live for others, and that fuels me to always try my hardest with everything for sure. What’s one thing you know for sure? In being a senior, many people around me ask me what my plans are for after graduation. And while I have applied to many things, it is still up in the air as far as what I will be doing and where I will be. One thing I know for sure is that I will not succumb to the pressures of being financially well off or stability in a job. I know that I will do something special in my life, and I will work every day to find that passion, and fuse everything that motives me into one ambition. I know that my success will come in the things that I do, not the wealth that I could accrue. What is your greatest strength? My greatest strength is to set lofty goals and do everything in my power to reach them. I am extremely determined with what I do, and it is an internal fortitude rather than something that I have to make or fake when the situation approaches. I am willing to put in the extra effort to reach my goals, and for those of the people that are around me. What would you like to do after graduation? After graduation, I plan on finding an internship at a not-for-profit, or volunteering abroad. I will treat this as a gap year and go back to get my Masters in Public Health and In Business Administration to continue my growth as a leader and understanding of how to run an organization. If I find my niche here, I may wait to go back to school, but right now, I think that it would be best for me to continue schooling after a year away to find out where I really want to be. What do you wish grew on trees? I wish that there were more trees with edible food on them around the world, maybe not so much as something special growing off of these trees. I wish we had a more proactive approach to distributing food throughout the world, but also establishing ways to have fruits grown around the world in environments that support it.
Back To Top	NAME: Sevy Perez MAJOR: Creative Management What is the coolest thing about your hometown? The best part about being raised in the suburbs is that you get to leave them. What is the most powerful book you have ever read? David Foster Wallace's 1079-page sprawling magnum opus, “Infinite Jest.” It showed me the uncloaking power of really good, contemporary fiction — fiction's that's engaged in its own times and problems. Reading's cool. What single experience most transformed you? I don't remember this story totally well, but according to my mother when I was four I was watching TV one day, and it must've been public broadcasting or something (we didn't have cable in my house, growing up), because it was some concert performance by some pianist playing some piece (also because what cable channel broadcasts stuff like that). And I actually have a faint image in my head of purple lights and a suit and jib camera shots and close-ups of hands on ivory, but for whatever reason I walked over to her after watching this concert, tugged on her jeans (she was washing dishes) and said: Mommy, I want to play piano. It's been sixteen years since then, and I still play. And I attribute a lot of my equivalence hemispheric dominance (according to tests, anyway) to piano and to music; that balance shows up in everything I do. So, by way of extension, watching TV this one particular day at the age of four transformed me in ways that can't ever be undone, a seeming banal experience with a cherry on top. Where do you find inspiration? Inspiration's a funny word. It's from the Latin inspirare, which means literally "to breathe into" — the idea being that to be creative you needed the help of a spirit, a muse. It's how the Romans and Greeks explained that inexplicable creative spark: that moment where you get such a great idea that you have to hurry and scribble it down before it falls into the oblivion of things forgotten. Rarely do I experience this divine breath, and even then, it's immeasurable and never really found. It just happens when the right thoughts click in the right places. Otherwise, my greatest motivations are my greatest problems. And my work consists of solving those problems. What’s one thing you know for sure? That the faster you move the slower you age. What is your greatest strength? I can compartmentalize like a boss, which I dually acknowledge is also a clinical defense mechanism. But like what isn't. What would you like to do after graduation? I have absolutely no idea. What do you wish grew on trees? I wish Red Bull grew on trees. I really do. From the bottom of my heart.
Back To Top	NAME: Ashley Pettit MAJOR: Theatre and Psychology What is the coolest thing about your hometown? How invested the community is in the city and how that investment has been carried into the arts. What is the most powerful book you have ever read? “Switch” by Chip and Dan Heath What single experience most transformed you? Going to New York City for the first time. It made me realized that I choose the right career path. Where do you find inspiration? In anything creative, as well as people that are passionate about what they do. I think it is contagious. What’s one thing you know for sure? You should always do what you love. There is just not enough time to do things that you do not believe in. What is your greatest strength? I think that my greatest strength is my ability to creatively solve problems. What would you like to do after graduation? I would love to move to New York City and start working as a stage manager, or make films. What do you wish grew on trees? Money, just so we would not have to worry about it! Ashley's Reimagining Downtown Appliaction: Click to watch it here.
Back To Top	NAME: Nick Sueppel MAJOR: Political Science What is the coolest thing about your hometown? It’s an eclectic mix between rural and urban citizens. What is the most powerful book you have ever read? “The Great Gatsby” What single experience most transformed you? The first time I offered a political comment at my family’s Thanksgiving meal. Where do you find inspiration? In people who dedicate their lives to the service of others. What’s one thing you know for sure? That I will never be finished with my education and with learning. What is your greatest strength? I believe it is my ability to communicate. What would you like to do after graduation? I would very much enjoy traveling the world right after graduation. What do you wish grew on trees? Answers to life’s biggest decisions.
Back To Top	NAME: Amanda Rena Troldahl MAJOR: International Studies What is the coolest thing about your hometown? I actually identify with two “hometowns”. My formative years were shared between San Pedro, California and Eden Prairie, Minnesota. That in itself may be the coolest part. Otherwise, Eden Prairie has been ranked the number one “Best Place to Live” by Money Magazine and San Pedro is home to the Port of Los Angeles. What is the most powerful book you have ever read? “Diet for a Small Planet” by Frances Moore Lappe. Go read it. She’s a genius and you’ll never think about food the same way again. What single experience most transformed you? When I was eighteen, my older brother relocated to Austria on a Fulbright Scholarship. This monumental event in his life became a defining moment in mine as well. It allowed for travel to evolve from a “want” to an absolute necessity for my family. Over the years, I have come to credit my brother for many of the places I have seen, the experiences I have had, and for fostering my desire to spend a semester abroad during college. We remain close despite distance and, as my father always says, “it’s just a plane ride away”. I think that’s the beauty of our generation. Anywhere is really just a plane ride away Where do you find inspiration? When Pinterest fails me, I look to documentaries. Food, global issues, conspiracy theories, crime, and nutrition are among some of my favorite genres. New information never fails to stir up unexpected inspiration. What’s one thing you know for sure? Adventure may hurt you but monotony will kill you. What is your greatest strength? I pride myself on the ability to prioritize well. I’m very honest about what’s important to me and what’s not – even when it doesn’t seem to make sense. A person can fake practicality but they will never have what they truly want. What would you like to do after graduation? I spent the spring semester of my junior year studying dance and art history in Paris. It was a defining time in my life and I would like to eventually return for a longer stay. I also want to spend extended stays in other cities around the world, perhaps pursuing a higher degree at an institution abroad. What do you wish grew on trees? Plane tickets and bottles of hot sauce. Amanda's Reimagining Downtown Appliaction: Click to see it here.
Back To Top	NAME: Storm Michael Vaske MAJOR: Management Information Systems (MIS). Certificate in Leadership. What is the coolest thing about your hometown? The coolest thing to do in West Des Moines is Jordan Creek Town Center. It has so many different stores and businesses to go to. What is the most powerful book you have ever read? “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson What single experience most transformed you? Seeing “Star Wars” for the first time. Where do you find inspiration? I try to find inspiration in all aspects, linear or abstract. What’s one thing you know for sure? The Downtown Fellows are going to rock the Downtown Project! What is your greatest strength? Having the ability to take something that already exists and make it better. What would you like to do after graduation? Create a company that is designed around customer service, while creating a work environment that ignites and reflects employee’s passions. What do you wish grew on trees? More time!
Course Instructors
Back To Top	NAME: David L. Gould TITLE: Associate Director for Professional Student Development and Faculty, University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts & Sciences ROLE: Reimagining Downtown course instructor What is the coolest thing about your hometown? My two kids live there. What is the most powerful book you have ever read? “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl “Success, like happiness”, writes Frankl, “cannot be pursued; it must ensue...as the unintended side-effect of one's personal dedication to a course greater than oneself.” This book has helped me focus my life. What single experience most transformed you? The passing away of my 21 year old nephew, Mike Junker. Mike was a junior at the University of Iowa when he was diagnosed with colon-rectal cancer. We buried him on August 28th – less than four months later. That same day, I received a voice message asking me to teach a class at the University. I spontaneously accepted. I used to think that Mike’s death was some sort of senseless anomaly, and to a degree it was. But in the years since, I have witnessed challenges in the lives of many of my students. As anyone who teaches knows, a classroom is like a community. In the sea of faces are hidden struggles – big and small - that threaten to disrupt young lives just as they are getting started. I have tried to use my position at the University of Iowa to lend a hand – to take the experiences and resources accumulated with age, and share them with a generation still trying to see their dreams in color. This work has been my memorial to Mike. Where do you find inspiration? In the creativity of others. What’s one thing you know for sure? That life is fleeting. There is no time to waste on things that don’t matter. What is your greatest strength? Recognizing talent in others and brining it together to do remarkable things. When I was in high school and college I was the leader of a popular jazz-rock group. I was also the worst musician in my own band! What do you wish grew on trees? Fulfillment and joy… one could be the blossom and the other the fruit.
Back To Top	NAME: Tony Hsieh TITLE: Leader of the Downtown Project and CEO of Zappos.com What is the most powerful book you have ever read? “Happiness Hypothesis” (Jonathan Haidt) Where do you find inspiration? People that are passionate about something - it doesn't matter what, as long as they are passionate. What’s one thing you know for sure? Everyone has a superpower; you just have to figure out what it is. (And sometimes they don't know either) What is your greatest strength? Playing MacGyver, but for business. What do you wish grew on trees? Protractors... so when they fell off the trees like acorns, and eventually grew into another tree, then they could say "geometry!" aka "gee I’m a tree!"
Graduate Assistants
Charlie Nichols, Elizabeth Bledsoe, Adam Page Back To Top	NAME: Elizabeth Bledsoe MAJOR: Higher Education and Student Affairs MA What is the coolest thing about your hometown? Texarkana is a “border town” – Texarkana, Texas and Texarkana, Arkansas. They are technically two separate towns with two mayors, two city councils, two of everything. The post office sits on State Line Avenue and is a single building built from two different kinds of marble and is divided in half by the Texas/Arkansas state line. What is the most powerful book you have ever read? The Bible What single experience most transformed you? Starting my life over in Iowa. I’ve been exposed to new ideas in a new place that I never thought I would live. Where do you find inspiration? Friends and family. What’s one thing you know for sure? God has blessed me with amazing family, friends, and opportunities. What is your greatest strength? I am very goal oriented – if I decide I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it. What would you like to do after graduation? Move back to Texas and find a job I love going to everyday. What do you wish grew on trees? TIME! There is never enough of it to do everything I want (and need) to do!!
Back To Top	NAME: Adam Plagge MAJOR: M.B.A. and Masters in Urban Planning What is the coolest thing about your hometown? Hooters owners founded their first restaurant in Waverly, IA. What is the most powerful book you have ever read? Jane Jacobs: “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” What single experience most transformed you? Living two years in the heart of Transylvania. Where do you find inspiration? From logic. What’s one thing you know for sure? Reimagining Downtown will be a great adventure. What is your greatest strength? The ability to extract the core elements of the wicked problems we face as planners, businessman, and everyday people. What would you like to do after graduation? Solve problems using the analytical foundations I’ve gained from business school with the inclusive touch of a planner. What do you wish grew on trees? Great Ideas.
Back To Top	NAME: Charlie Nichols MAJOR: Masters in Urban and Regional Planning What is the coolest thing about your hometown? It’s the location of Iowa’s first seedling mile! What is the most powerful book you have ever read? “The Old Man and the Sea” What single experience most transformed you? Probably backpacking by myself for eight months in Europe. It helped me build self-reliance. Where do you find inspiration? From looking at problems in new ways. What’s one thing you know for sure? Everyone sees the world in their own light, and the world is a little bit different for each person. What is your greatest strength? My curiosity. What would you like to do after graduation? Research cities and what makes them tick. What do you wish grew on trees? Time.
Class Mentors
Back To Top	NAME: Ken Brown TITLE: Professor, University of Iowa Henry B. Tippie College of Business ROLE: Reimagining Downtown class mentor What is the coolest thing about your hometown? ... What is the most powerful book you have ever read? ... What single experience most transformed you? ... Where do you find inspiration? ... What’s one thing you know for sure? ... What is your greatest strength? ... What would you like to do after graduation? ... What do you wish grew on trees? ...
NAME: Bob Kirby TITLE: Associate Director of the Honors Program, University of Iowa ROLE: Reimagining Downtown class mentor NAME: Art Spisak TITLE: Professor of Classics and Director of the Honors Program, University of Iowa ROLE: Reimagining Downtown class mentor Back To Top	NAME: Joe Cilek TITLE: Undergraduate Academic Advisor, University of Iowa Department of Health & Human Physiology ROLE: Reimagining Downtown class mentor What is the coolest thing about your hometown? I appreciate the rhythm of college towns. Also, I like that it is pedestrian and bike friendly. What is the most powerful book you have ever read? “Dakota” by Kathleen Norris. What single experience most transformed you? Parenthood Where do you find inspiration? On walks and through conversations. What’s one thing you know for sure? It is good to share meals with family and friends. What is your greatest strength? Connecting ideas and people. What do you wish grew on trees? Airline tickets.
Back To Top	NAME: Garry Klein TITLE: Director for Program Assessment and Research, University of Iowa Pomerantz Career Center ROLE: Reimagining Downtown class mentor What is the coolest thing about your hometown? That it is a college town and has a lot of culturally -and socially- minded people. What is the most powerful book you have ever read? Mexico City Blues by Jack Kerouac What single experience most transformed you? Meeting Betsy Scott, who is now my wife of 26 years. Where do you find inspiration? Everywhere and from everyone I meet. What’s one thing you know for sure? That I am here to be helpful and of service. What is your greatest strength? Idea generation. What do you wish grew on trees? Solutions to big, difficult, and/or hard-to-wrap-your-head-around problems.
Back To Top	NAME: Andy Stoll TITLE: Co-founded Seed Here Studio ROLE: Reimagining Downtown social entrepreneur-in-residence What is the coolest thing about your hometown? Omaha has gone from a cow town to gaining an emerging reputation as a cool place to be from. What is the most powerful book you have ever read? “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”, when I read it at age 16. What single experience most transformed you? Traveling around the world. Where do you find inspiration? Helping other people succeed. What’s one thing you know for sure? Cultural and language differences aside, we're all much more similar than we're lead to believe; and it’s the similarities that keep us connected and the differences that keep it interesting. What is your greatest strength? Perseverance. What do you wish grew on trees? Time (...wait, maybe it does?)