May

Our Smithsonian: Not just mailing it in

Being nostalgic about traffic or packed commuter trains might have seemed inconceivable a month ago (perhaps it still is), but for Ren Cooper, social media specialist at the National Postal Museum, her morning commute is just one of many things she misses about work.

The National Postal Museum

Now teleworking from her nearby home, Ren and her pug, Patrick Henry, recreate her morning stroll to work and admire NPM from the outside. The sight of the building is inspiring but tinged with sadness, a reminder of life pre-isolation and today’s heightened instability. Although she feels grateful that she continues to work and has the support of the larger SI community, Ren admittedly misses her colleagues and established routines.

A pensive Ren and pug Patrick Henry. (Photo courtesy Ren Cooper)

The shift to telework was not unfamiliar for Ren though, thanks to knee surgery a while back. However, Ren, like many of us, is still adapting to video calls. Who doesn’t wince at their reflection on an early morning conference call? Despite some initial discomfort with the platform, Ren finds joy and a deeper sense of connection with colleagues over video. Suppressing laughter is almost impossible when a coworker’s cat walks across the screen or kids slyly peek into their parent’s workspace. Ironically, the intimate glances into one another’s lives makes Ren’s coworkers feel closer than ever.

Ren also remains connected to the “outside world” via social media, producing uplifting content for NPM. Recognizing the need for calm amidst chaos and distress, Ren balances educational resources with the opportunity to connect during quarantine. The best part of her day? When followers comment, thanking NPM for brightening their days or giving them the opportunity to learn something new. To quote one NPM follower, “Thank you so much for sharing!”

Madeleine Weyand- Geise

Madeleine “Maddie” Weyand-Geise recently joined OPA as the public affairs assistant, though she’s yet to step foot into the Castle as an employee. After starting work mid-pandemic, Maddie can’t wait for coworkers other than her aloe plant. Maddie comes to OPA with a background working in communications for local arts organizations and higher education. With degrees in art history and public relations, Maddie sees the Smithsonian as the perfect workplace to combine her passions for art, public access and education.