Arielle

Q: What’s the most impactful thing you learned/gained from participating in Mosaic? 

A: The most impactful thing I gained from participating in Mosaic is an amazing best friend whom I am still very close with today. We walked together to Mosaic from our high school every day and bonded through Mosaic experiences. Whenever we are together, we sing Mosaic songs and reflect on all of our wonderful Mosaic memories. We have been together through major losses in our families and through motherhood (we both were pregnant at the same time this year). If it had not been for Mosaic, I would not have had such a bond with an amazing person and such amazing experiences to reflect on.

Q: What are you up to now? Is there anything about your Mosaic experience you carry with you in your work? In life? 

A: I am a Claim Team Manager with State Farm Insurance Company where I travel to storm impacted areas and manage the claims associated with the storm. Being a part of Mosaic Quartet, you have to be able to adapt quickly to sudden changes. You may be rehearsing to sing with one person and someone different shows up to the actual performance. Some people take joy in taking artistic liberties in which you may have to accommodate. I can still recall today some great performances and some hilarious ones. All in all, the pressure is on you to adapt quickly in order to provide an amazing performance. In my job, it’s important to exhibit the same swift adaptability as you never know what you are going to encounter when you arrive at a storm. You can “rehearse” by looking at the news to see what their interpretation of what is going on but once you arrive on site, things can be completely different. It is my job as a manager to be there for customers in their time of need thus “providing an amazing performance” just as I did within Mosaic.

Q: What, if any, difference/impact has Mosaic made in Detroit? In the world? 

A: Mosaic has made an amazing difference in both Detroit and the world at large. You can go anywhere in the city of Detroit…actually the entire state of Michigan and you will be met with great smiles if you mention you are from Mosaic. In the same token, you are expected to exhibit “the best, nothing less”. Mosaic has cultivated some of the best humans in the entire world. Humans that are filled with ambition, excellence, dedication, and dignity. Humans that contribute the absolute best that they can in each and every thing that they do. In my opinion, that’s the best and most humanitarian contribution an organization can give to the world.

Q: Please finish the phrase “Mosaic is…” 

A: …the bomb dot com!