Biography

Name: Aida D. Wilby 

Pronouns: she/her

Job Title: Coordinator, Disability, Access, and Inclusion   

Job title if you could make your own:  Nature Photographer with a focus on Zen. 

In another life, I’m pretty sure I was:  a Renaissance Poet.   My genre would have been creativity, optimism, and possibilities. 

On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me:  in my pajamas with a freshly ground cup of coffee in my hand preparing and having breakfast with my family around our kitchen counter and chatting about our plans for the day.  I will open windows for fresh air (yes, even in the cold, and sometimes I forget to close them) and go around the house watering my plants. On a more determined Sunday I will be asking my husband to craft an exciting and scenic hike before we get up. 

Name a few of your daily habits (other than a shower and brushing your teeth). 

I am a spontaneous being, while I do not have daily habits (I wish I was that organized) I enjoy writing, drawing, long hikes, spa experiences, and family time.  

Oh, just remembered…  I do listen to my audio books when I am getting ready for work every morning, during the week. I put everything away before going to bed so I can find the house neat and organized in the morning.  I always text my adult children wishing them good night before I go to sleep.   I do have daily habits after all. 

What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome to accomplish your academic goals? I immigrated to the US in my mid 20s with two little children and no support.  I had to learn English as a Second Language from a level II, that was because I know the English alphabet.  Higher education was possible only through persistence, hard work, dedication, many sacrifices and sleepless nights raising a young family.  Coming from a very patriarchal society, I wanted to empower my young daughter to think beyond limited expectations and teach my son to respect, appreciate, and value the opposite gender.   

What advice would you give to your past self? The same advice I gave then: Dare to dream big.  Think before making critical decisions. Anything is possible if you desire and work hard.   Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Learn from your experiences.  And don’t take things personally (the last one is my favorite). 

What is your favorite part about your job? My favorite part about my job is to see my students grow:  help them see the possibilities, encourage them to actively engage in the planning of their own future, and inspire them to make the right choices by providing the necessary support and information.