The New Upsolve Office
It's been over a month since we settled into our new New York City office in Midtown, so I thought I'd share a bit about what makes it special. In the first couple years of building Upsolve, I never thought much about the importance of creating a nice physical space to work in, as there always seemed to be more important things to worry about. But now as we build our team, and I've realized that I spend more time at the office (a lot more!) than at home, we've set out to build a space that we really want to spend time at.
It's been over a month since we settled into our new New York City office in Midtown, so I thought I'd share a bit about what makes it special. In the first couple years of building Upsolve, I never thought much about the importance of creating a nice physical space to work in, as there always seemed to be more important things to worry about. But now as we build our team, and I've realized that I spend more time at the office (a lot more!) than at home, we've set out to build a space that we really want to spend time at.
Here are some of my favorite parts of our new office.
Our face wall! Earlier this summer, when we asked users to share their stories over video, we also asked users to send us their photos. Seeing these photos on our wall helps us understand everyday the human impact of what we're doing. In the early days, when we met everyone in person, it was always very obvious to us how we were making a big difference, transforming the lives of people who came to us. But as we've shifted to more of a technology-driven approach, we don't meet users as much anymore. This face wall is one way we can have a daily reminder of the impact of our work. Also, note our newest apparel!
Our view. We're lucky to have an amazing view down 6th Avenue. The stretch of 6th Avenue that we're on is also know as Avenue of the Americas, as it's a central part of New York City. Looking out the window personally gives me so much energy. When you see so many people working hard around you, buzzing in and out of their workplaces, you can't help but feel inspired to give your work your best everyday. Another perk of our location is that we're only a few blocks from my favorite park in New York City, Bryant Park. Ever since I started spending time in New York City in 2016 during college, my favorite place to have lunch or dinner has been Bryant Park. Nothing beats taking food to the park and eating at one of the thousands of tables already set up. I'm very vocal about how much I adore Bryant Park, so now my friends have started to propose meeting there even before I bring it up. I've joked with them that joining the board of the Bryant Park Corporation, which oversees the park, is my secret goal.
Our Framed Photo of Clarence Gideon. This past summer, I read the story of Clarence Gideon and Gideon v. Wainwright in a book called Gideon's Trumpet. In many ways, Clarence Gideon is the most famous self-represented individual of all time. While in jail in Florida, Gideon wrote directly to the Supreme Court of the United States, letting them know that he felt his trial and conviction were unfair because he didn't receive appropriate legal counsel when he couldn't afford one. His case eventually set the legal precedent in America for a right to counsel in criminal cases. Even when he wrote to the Supreme Court, he sensed that he could play a part in changing the legal system in America. So amazing.
Our first letter we received from a user. One of our first users, an elderly gentleman named Anthony from Queens, sent us this letter one year after we helped him relieve his debt. He ran his own small Tuxedo rental business for several years before folding it after hard times. When we helped him, he promised to make a donation. We never thought much of it. But one year later, we received this letter, along with a $100 check. The most meaningful part of my life so far has been to hear stories of users after they file. And it's hard to have a bad day when you have physical momentos like this to remind you why your work matters.
Thanks for reading! We have an open invitation to anyone who has used Upsolve :) If you happen to be in New York City and want to drop by our office, please come by and say hi. We'd love to meet you. We're at 1180 6th Ave. You can reach me at rohan AT upsolve.org to plan.
