Born: 1986 in Washington, D.C.
MBTI: INTJ
Educational Background: Bachelor’s in civil engineering from Morgan State University. Go Bears!
Current Computer/Mobile Device: MacBook Pro/iPhone 7. I’m a proud Apple Fanboy.
What do you do for a living?
A civil engineer by day and photographer by night.
What was your childhood dream?
My childhood dream was to be an entomologist and volcanologist. I’m not sure how I’d manage the two simultaneously, but I’m sure I would’ve tried. LOL
Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a while? If so, what is it and why haven’t you?
Surprisingly, I’ve had the urge to write a television pilot for about eight or nine months. I wrote a synopsis and logline about two months ago for a contest, and I plan on starting on the actual script in the coming weeks.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by good music and by my surroundings. I like people watching and sometimes love to sit and observe.
Who is the most influential person in your life?
The most influential person in my life is my mother. As she’s aged, I’ve grown to see her as a whole person and not just as my parent. I’ve gained a greater understanding of people through observing her and her interactions with other people.
For what are you most grateful?
I am grateful for discernment. It’s helped me to become the person I am today.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I played piano as a kid for almost seven years. I was decent, but I gave it up far too soon.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Stop overthinking and sequestering. The weight of the world isn’t on your shoulders regardless of what your anxiety would make you believe.
What scares you most?
Not living up to my potential. Entering my 30s has propelled me into doing things that I want to do regardless of how others may perceive me or my decisions.
How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
I’d guess 35. There will be times when I’m doing something and think, “Bruh, you’re old.”
What has been your biggest disappointment in life, and how did you handle it?
My biggest disappointment has been failing at something even though I’ve put in the most effort I could. I’d gotten used to excelling at everything with minimal effort. One of the first times I tried my hardest to work at something and still failed was jarring. I’ve learned that failure is a part of life. The lessons you take from it are what is important.
What is your most significant accomplishment? Is there anything you hope to do even greater?
My most significant accomplishment to date would be my deciding to pursue my photography dreams without having a formal education. I’ve grown up believing that I needed formal training to excel at things. I threw caution to the wind and decided to press forward and learn as I went along. It’s been hard at times, but it has been worthwhile.
How do you keep track of what you’ve done?
I need to do a better job at this. I’m notorious for reaching the end of the year and feeling like I haven’t accomplished much of anything.
What are your favorite apps/tools that help you do what you do?
Nikon Snapbridge allows me to turn my phone into a remote trigger for my camera. The Notes app enables me to jot random notes during the day. I believe I have about 75 in there. LOL
If you could take a single photograph of your life, what would it look like?
Simple. There’s a photo I discovered on Tumblr a few months ago that still resonates with me.
When you make sacrifices for your work, do you tell people or keep it to yourself?
It honestly depends what the sacrifice is. I’m learning to keep most things close to the vest and do to the big reveal after the fact.
What do you feel your impact is on those around you? What would you like it to be?
I’d like to think I inspire people to be their true selves. I’d want to continue doing this.
In conversation do you tend to talk or listen more?
The latter.
What are you looking for when you have a conversation with someone? What topics do you want to discuss?
I’m looking to learn something. I’m open to discussing pop culture, art, television, music, urban planning/land usage. You’ll keep me engaged as long as there’s humor.
If you were guaranteed honest answers to two questions, what would you ask and to whom?
I’d ask President Obama: “Do you feel that you’d have a more significant impact on people during or after your presidency?
I’d ask my mother: “If you could go back and change one thing about your life, what would it be, and why?”
What piece of literature has influenced you the most?
Write It Down, Make It Happen by Henriette Anne Klauser. It’s a book about moving your goals from your head to actual action items on paper.
When is the last time you cried and why?
Early October 2017. I was in the midst of an incredibly frustrating period personally. I didn’t know how things were going to work out and just had a moment.
What do you do to recharge yourself?
Withdraw. Solitude is my thing. I’ll stay at home and fire up Spotify to listen to music.
What is a song, album or playlist that everyone should hear?
Any playlist I curate or follow on Spotify 🙂
Who is your favorite person to follow on social media?
It’s a tie between @antoniotheWISER and @HeyFranHey on Twitter. Watching them grow into amazing creatives over the past few years has been inspiring.
What are you currently reading or is the last book you read?
I’m currently reading Barracoon by Zora Neale Hurston. It takes me a while to read books as I will read a chapter or two, sit it down and then come back a few days/weeks later.
What is the most exciting thing you’ve read online recently?
The story of a man in Paris who scaled a building to save a baby. Contrary to what some unfortunately believe, immigrants are worthy of acceptance.
Do you have a mantra or quote that guides your life?
Inveniam viam aut faciam. It’s Latin for “I shall either find a way or make one.”
How do you define success?
Success is the moment when you finally realize that you’ve accomplished a significant task or goal in spite of setbacks.
What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned?
The only person I’ll be with for the rest of my life is me. I have to put my needs and wants above all else.
How would you like to be remembered?
I’d like to be a person that is remembered that inspired changed in others, a person that supported others.
What is happiness to you?
Happiness is peace of mind. Happiness is being able to dance with reckless abandon. Happiness is contentment.
If you could take a one-month trip anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go and what would you do?
South America. I’d want to spend five days in a major city before flying to another one. I’d immerse myself in the local culture, enjoy the sites, the food, the people, and, of course, fill up memory cards with photographs.
Do you have a favorite restaurant? If so, what is it?
Yes. There was a restaurant in Baltimore called Talara. It was a Latin raw bar fusion spot. Had the best Ropa Vieja I’ve ever had. It closed maybe two or three years ago and is now a Starbucks, unfortunately.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Something pretty simple: grilled cheese with tomato soup.
What is your favorite food to prepare?
I make this chicken pot pie bake with biscuits in place of puff pastry. I could eat that weekly. LOL
Who would you like to answer these questions?
@HeyFranHey, @antoniotheWISER, @mrjdakar
Connect with Brandon Sicard
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