‘Do what feels right’

Katie Fishman, ’09, is a fervent solo traveler with experience learned from visits to 103 countries and counting. Naturally, she has a lot of good advice. After interviewing Fishman (above, at the Great Wall of China) for that advice, UR senior Amy Ogle asked her to take the Spider Questionnaire.

Here’s how Fishman responded:

What’s the best thing to happen to you in the last few years?
I recently achieved what I consider my ideal lifestyle. I found a way to balance all the things that are most important to me, in large part due to my ability to work remotely. I’m able to travel around the world, live just a few blocks from the beach, and have a wonderful community of friends who have become my family. I also live closer to my sister and talk to her every day!

At this point in your life, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned?
Almost nothing is permanent. If you choose to do something and it doesn’t go as expected or it wasn’t the right thing to do (or you simply change your mind), it’s OK. You can always change course and do something else. It’s better to take the risk or make the change than to wonder “What if?”

What makes you optimistic?
There are some truly amazing people in the world. There are a lot of not-so-great people (and things) out there, too, but the outstanding ones make up for it.

What’s something you've held onto since college?
My pink mini backpack. I was obsessed with it in college and used to wear it all the time when I went out instead of carrying a purse. It’s still in my dresser.

What’s something you’ve had to learn the hard way?
People will disappoint you. Even when they’re doing their best, sometimes it isn’t enough. I’ve also learned that things rarely turn out the way you imagine, even if you are intentional and plan excessively.

What’s your advice for students on campus today?
Try less hard. Or maybe instead of that, aim for a balance. When I was younger, I definitely overemphasized my studies and work. Grades are absolutely important, but they aren’t as important as spending time with friends and enjoying the freedom that college allows. You may never have so much time, flexibility, or proximity to close friends again, and in a few years, it literally does not matter if you got an A- or a B+ (nor what your major even was).

What’s the most surprising place you’ve ever run into another Spider?
I’ve repeatedly run into people I know on the other side of the world. Like in a hostel in rural Indonesia, for example. The world is so big, yet somehow so small. It’s unbelievable.

What does being a Spider mean to you?
To this day, the University of Richmond remains the most challenging and rewarding intellectual environment I’ve been in. I’ve never been surrounded by so many bright, motivated people in a single place. So, I equate being a Spider with intellectual curiosity and hard work. Also, D-hall.

What’s one thing you've learned not to worry about?
What everyone else is doing or what society says you are “supposed” to do. It’s your life, and it ultimately doesn’t matter what others are doing or what they think of the path you’re taking. It’s important to do what feels right or works best for you, even — especially — if it’s different from the norm or what’s expected.

What is something about yourself or the world that you hope is different in 10 years?
I hope people will pause to think about the implications of technology on society, human interaction, and even basic principles like trust. Technology unquestionably has benefits, but as we continue to advance and adopt rapidly, things are being lost. I hope people will take a step back to regain human connection and revert to spending more time together than in front of devices and screens. I hope people will literally go outside more, talk to one another more, and experience the real world.