SEEING RED is a good thing

This past month the Go Red For Women Luncheon took place at Sanctuary Events Center in Fargo. The fun filled and encouraging event had its attendees dressing in red from head to toe to bring a bold awareness to heart disease. According to the event leaders, “Heart disease and stroke cause one in three deaths among women each year — more than all cancers combined.” The purpose of the American Heart Association and their local chapter in the Red River Valley is to raise awareness and “encourage women and their families to take action and live a healthier life.” One of the many highlights of this year’s event included an inspiring survivor story from Lynette Anderson (read her story in last month’s issue). This event is one you need to put on your calendar next year and every year! To volunteer, participate, raise awareness and donate, visit heart.org/fargogored and contact Julia Dangerfield at 218-280-1317.

HOMETOWN: Houston, TX

OCCUPATION: Assistant Professor of Violin and Viola, Concordia College; Associate Concertmaster, FM Symphony; Director, Concordia String Preparatory Program

My late grandfather, Donald Worth, was an educator and had a contagious love for classical music that influenced our entire family. My uncle, David Worth, was professor of piano at Concordia for 40 years. I always remember aspiring to follow in his footsteps. We share the same alma mater, the Cleveland Institute of Music, and now here I am at Concordia – very fun to have been colleagues for a year!

My mom, Jan Harasim, is incredibly creative, supportive and inspiring. She taught music in public schools for 35 years and since retiring, she has been working up a storm. She’s on the board of Apollo Chamber Players in Houston, makes her own jewelry, and practices piano four hours a day. Her zest for learning and life, along with her proclivity for positivity, continues to inspire me every day.

My dad, Paul Harasim, has always encouraged me to believe in myself, work hard and be open to new adventures in my career and in life – you never know where it may lead! He is an incredibly hard-working journalist, but will spontaneously take a trip to the mountains or go hear a great blues artist in town. Because of him, I try to say “yes” as often as possible, keep my eyes peeled for new opportunities, pursue my ever-evolving dreams, and enjoy the ride.

My best friends all have one thing in common: they inspire me. They are all so passionate about life, people, art and learning new things. I always learn so much from them and leave our interactions feeling energized to pursue new ideas and interests. And they all make the people around them feel like a million bucks. It is a privilege and honor to know them.

I take bowling somewhat seriously and am on a league with some good friends and my significant other, Ryan — an accomplished scientist-musician-bowler. Until I met Ryan, I thought being a musician-bowler was impossible — I didn’t want to injure my hands! Ryan’s taught me everything I know about bowling, and it’s opened the door to another avenue of fun.