The fourth post in our series, Brief Interviews with Assiduous Mules. Read past interviews with Jessie Char, Shawna Seth, and David McCreath.

What did you study in school? How did that lead to or influence you in your current role?

I was an uber dork and Japan-o-phile in my teenage years (surprise, surprise), which led to my decision to major in Japanese Studies. A major that proved for the most part useless in the real world, save for my ability to point out “historical inaccuracies” in The Last Samurai. Prior to and during those lost college years I dabbled in “web design,” making a site on Powweb to display my personal hobby, collecting comics, on the interwebs!

Then, my family caught wind that I could operate a computer, and they wanted a website for themselves. I designed a site for my mom’s now defunct bed and breakfast in Louisiana, MO (think 1999 and Angelfire). So I suppose those early experiences planted the seed of interest that later took hold when I finished school and wanted to work for a web company. I’m coming on a year with Mule, and it’s been a really great learning experience.

What was your first job/title in the industry?

This is it! Crowd Control. Although I petitioned to have it changed to “Cat Herder,” as I feel it more accurately describes my position here.

What kind of personality should the ideal Crowd Control have?

A cross between April Ludgate from Parks and Recreation in “94 Meetings” and Erin Hannon from The Office in “Secretary’s Day.”

Any tips for a soothing telephone voice?

I try to channel the late and great Bea Arthur in everything I do. Answering the phone is no exception.

You’ve lived in Japan before. What’s the one experience that has stayed with you or encapsulates Japan?

Wow, there are too many things to draw from for me to pick just one thing. But I think living with my Japanese host family was probably the best experience I had, as I was truly able to live a “Japanese life.” Meaning that I was no longer a tourist like on all my previous visits. I had a house, a family, a school to attend, friends I made, and a job I worked at. It was a much more gratifying experience to go there and do the everyday things like air out my futon once a month or hang my underwear to dry on the side of the house.

Who’s your favorite Twin Peaks character?

Hands down, it’s gotta be The Log Lady. She knew everything that was going down in Twin Peaks, even though no one listened to her just because she cradled a stump full of secrets.

Tweet | Written by Tina Lee on April 14, 2011 |