The Dearborn Icebreaker (Emily Hamilton)

The Dearborn Icebreaker is a new Reporter feature designed to help us get to know our UM-Dearborn colleagues.

Name:  Emily Hamilton
Position: Project Manager in Facilities Planning
Years at UM-Dearborn: 4

What does a typical workday look like for you?
Every day is different, but my work usually revolves around working with campus customers on their renovation requests. I research building materials, lab equipment, and furniture, and verify compliance with building codes and university guidelines. I prepare cost estimates and project schedules, coordinate installations and generally make sure projects are running smoothly.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy working with lots of different types of people: faculty and staff members, maintenance mechanics, architects/engineers, contractors, etc. Everyone has a different perspective on what a project should look like, and it’s my job to get everyone on the same page. I enjoy that challenge.

What was your first job? 
Dog walker at age 10, babysitter at 11, and my first “real” job was as a dietary aide at an American House retirement home, serving dinner to the residents and cleaning up afterwards.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I was a star basketball player in high school.

What do you do to relax?
I love traveling and being outdoors, hiking, biking or running. Sitting in the sun by a body of water with a cold beer in my hand works pretty well, too.

What’s your definition of a life well lived?
Whatever makes you happy! For me that will be a life spent with a healthy dose of family and friends, traveling to see as much of the world as I can, and always trying to make life easier for those around me.

What’s the proudest moment of your life? 
I’m proud that my kids seem to be turning out pretty well. I’m also proud that I’ve only forgotten to arrange a ride home from practice for my son one time. With our busy lives, that is actually pretty amazing!

If we were to create a UM-Dearborn playlist, what song would you want to include?
Maybe a Black-Eyed Peas song, something energetic.

If someone handed you a $100 bill, what would you do with it?
If it really was to use at my discretion, I would put it toward my Team in Training (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) fundraising project. I’m training to run a half-marathon this May and that last bit would put my over my goal. On a more selfish day, I’d probably let the kids skip swim practice and go out to dinner!

What advice would you give to this year’s graduating class?
You will never know everything, and the sooner you understand that, the better; don’t be afraid to ask for others’ expertise and advice. That being said, your education does not stop once you get your diploma—keep soaking up all that the world has to offer! And one last piece of advice, try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, at least a few times.