In August, Andy Talajkowski joined Mechanics’ Institute as our Programs Administrator. Andy has experience as an administrative coordinator at the UCLA Longevity Center, where they managed lifelong learning programs and initiatives. Andy holds a Master's degree in Adult Education from San Francisco State University and a Bachelor's Degree in English and Education from UCLA.
We asked Andy a few questions to help introduce them to the MI community:
What interests of yours brought you to MI? A favorite book or genre to read, favorite movies, types of programs?
I grew up in Bay Area libraries - while I am new to Mechanics’ Institute, it feels like a homecoming to be spending my afternoons in the library. I read across genres, though my favorite recent reads have been How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell and Severance by Ling Ma.
What will you be doing? How do you hope your work will help MI?
I will be assisting our programs team with author talks, CinemaLit, and special events. You can find me behind the bar, at the check-in table, or greeting guests at our events - please come and introduce yourself! My professional focus and background is in transformative education - when learning something new alters and widens your worldview - and I see Mechanics’ Institute as an educational space that is constantly challenging and reimagining how we see San Francisco and the broader arts and cultural scene of the Bay Area.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve discovered/learned/enjoyed about MI in this short time?
I am constantly blown away by the literary legends we have hosted at Mechanics’ Institute - Joan Didion, Jennifer Egan, Maxine Hong Kingston, to name a few. To have shared the same space as them makes me a little giddy.
What do you envision for the future here?
I hope to continue Mechanics’ Institute’s legacy of literary and cultural programming while expanding to meet the needs of modern-day San Francisco residents.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
What I enjoy outside of work is not too different from what I do at work - lingering in book stacks, enjoying sweet treats, and meeting new people!
Tell us something interesting/fun you’ve done recently
I recently saw Stop Making Sense (several times) in theaters. Getting to see the Talking Heads perform “live” was a great joy I thought I’d never experience.
Final Fun Fact:
One of my favorite literary themes is the monstrous woman (Medusa, Grendel’s mother, etc.) and reimaginings of these folklore and myths through the feminine gaze. I welcome any recommendations!
