Kristan Swan

An experiential learner, what does that mean? In my case, it means I learn from my mistakes, eventually. I am a realistic optimist who often falls short of my own expectations. I have a tendency to say 'yes' before I think which has given me a wealth of experiences. People will remark that I am very open. I do not know any other way to be. Besides, I would rather you tell you about my worst days than leave that to someone else. Gossip is not my currency. I am direct. There are moments when I can be a bit of a bull in a china cabinet. Storytelling is our most powerful tool for connection and learning. My life has been a series of twists and turns. Even with bumps, bruises, and the occasional burn, I am committed to engaging with life and its unexpected challenges.

I am an only child. My parents separated when I was 4 years old and divorced shortly thereafter. I spent a lot of time with my grandparents. My maternal grandmother Goggy moved to SoCal when I was 1 years old to be closer to us. Goggy had grown up in the Northeast, graduated high school, divorced while pregnant with her second child. She worked in a mill until she began cooking and cleaning houses full-time for wealthier neighbors. In California, she continued to be a housekeeper. One of the homes where she was employed until her retirement had a pool, and the owners would leave for extended vacations. Their car had barely left the driveway before we started to move in and plan the parties. I grew up with her as my co-conspirator. She let me eat 'junkie' cereal, watch scary movies, and stay up too late.

My dad's parents retired to the Southern Outer Banks of North Carolina. They both attended Pomona College and then following my grandfather's graduate degree program moved to Washington, DC and Alexandria. I spent a good part of every summer starting when I was 5 years old with them. We would swim everyday in the ocean, go out for lunch with their Friday Lunch Bunch at the Sanitary Fish Market, and visit the local library every week for a new stack of books. It was so quiet at their house that on some nights I would ask that they put on a record so I could fall asleep. My grandad would read to me each night before bed. My grandmother would help me pick a sewing project so I could attend the Needlers group with her.

Growing up, I spent the majority of time with adults. It was harder for me to make friends with kids my own age. By the time I was 12 years old, I had attended 5 schools and lived in 8 different houses or apartments. Reading and visits with my grandparents were the only constants in my life.

Once I began 7th grade at an all-girls school in Pasadena, my life changed. The campus felt like coming home to me with the mix of architectural styles, expansive lawns, and plenty of places to lose yourself. The teachers were amazing and patient with my daily visits to their offices for help. I began to develop friendships I still cherish.

It is more common now to refer to grit and resilience as the skills necessary to thrive in the uncertainty that was my childhood. I did not survive my childhood alone. There were many kind people in my life, many happy accidents, and a good deal of luck. I believe in a kind and generous Universe. There have been so many moments when I have been afforded a second chance and a hand extended that gratitude is not a word I take lightly.