#frequentrider

“I mainly ride the train as a way to meet new people while still getting through my normal life rhythms. I could drive downtown — my work provides a parking space — but this way, I can talk to people and get to know them without having to do a bunch of extracurricular activities. I also don't arrive angry at work or home like I would if I had to deal with traffic both ways. Not coming home and chewing out Tim because some jerk cut me off is wonderful. Tim thinks so, too!”  

“Taking the bus is really just an economics thing for me. It'd be nice to say it’s this big altruistic thing, where I'm doing it for the environment or whatever, but I save a lot each month just by taking the MetroRapid every day. Plus, I'm less stressed when I get to work, which is also a big help for me and my marriage.”

“If I could work with teens in the library forever I’d probably be really happy. There’s something about middle school to high school — books just do so much for you during that time, and you’re learning about yourself and escaping. And it’s great. Books help you learn a lot about the differences and similarities between your life and other people’s lives. For instance, I read I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and I got into the head of someone who had experienced prejudice. It wasn’t my experience growing up, but after reading the book, I understood. I can’t say I know exactly what they went through, but now I have some idea.”

“I guess I’m the typical anarchical punk rock kid. My passions in life are motorcycles and music. My brother was a biker when I was young, and I’ve always been a fan of bikes in general. Pretty much all my friends ride and rebuild. Riding just turns your frown upside down, really. Anything you’re worried about is gone. It’s just freeing, real fun. I have friends I get out on the road with, explore new places without getting too lost. We just hit each other up and see what’s going on. It’s real loose.”

James moved from Aggieland to Longhorn country to earn his B.S. in architectural studies from UT. “I learned how to be a critical thinker and developed a design aesthetic eye.” As a local community activist, he is passionate about establishing sustainable communities in urban landscapes and chooses a simple, free-flowing lifestyle. “I learned that the walls we are building are what really separate us. So I fell in love with designs inspired by nature, landscapes and urban planning.” He expresses his thoughts and dreams through writing and on occasion shares spoken word poetry at Austin Poetry Slam.