Member Spotlight: Siusane al'Cuyler
Author: Nyavene al'Meer, October 2012
This month I took the time to interview our newly appointed Servant of All Coordinator, Siusane al'Cuyler.
She's an Aes Sedai of the Red Ajah, seems to be one of those people you don't hear bad things about, and I positively dig her sense of humour.
Nyavene: How did you get interested in the Wheel of Time initially and what made you decide to join TarValon.Net?
Siusane: I have always loved fantasy and other novels, and many of my favorites have come from a friend's recommendation. The Wheel of Time was recommended by a friend of my mother. Years later, when I came across TarValon.net, it looked like a real community and a place where people had respect for each other, so I decided it would be worth jumping into.
Nyavene: What is your new administrative position about and what are you hoping to do as Coordinator?
Siusane: There has already been much thought and effort put into developing the Servant of All program; I think right now my role includes keeping up momentum and making that final push to get it off and running. The program will recognize and support the many ways in which people can serve others, and I hope it will become a lasting part of the community, and encourage members to truly grow in being servants of all.
Nyavene: What made you decide to apply for the position?
Siusane: I have been looking for a way to give back to the site that would be a good fit. I have been active in community service since high school; right now, I'm less able to physically go out and volunteer, but this is a way in which I can support others in their service.
Nyavene: What do you do to earn your crust in Real-life?
Siusane: Professionally, I am a landscape architect, although right now, I take care of my small child and am paid in hugs, giggles, and all that. I guess I get plenty of crust because she doesn't like to eat it...
Nyavene: If you had a million dollars at your disposal right this instant, what would you do with it?
Siusane: Oooh, that would buy me a lot of horses! Well, really, first we would have to pay off the house and debt, and make sure the kid has a college fund... as far as sharing with others, my husband and I have discussed this before for fun, but I don't have a good answer... give to church? Give to an umbrella funding organization? Endow a scholarship? We would want any donations to go as far as possible, but I don't know for sure. But if anyone wants to give me a million dollars, I assure you I would use it wisely.
Nyavene: What is your favourite thing about TarValon.Net?
Siusane: Primarily the respect for others. But I like that, for a small community, it is so varied. There are places for serious discussions, fun and games, real life events (even though I haven't yet made it to any), and more.
Nyavene: Why the Red Ajah?
Siusane: Besides the fact that Reds are just awesome? In terms of being a servant of all, serving others can be difficult, but being Red includes doing what one believes is right and needs to be done, without being stopped by fear. I'm not claiming I do that, but I work towards it. Red is what I strive to be.
Nyavene: Now, we all know Reds cannot bond any Warders on the site, but if you could choose one character out of the books, who would you like to have as the Warder at your side?
Siusane: Hmmm... you know, I think Talmanes would make a good warder: he possesses loyalty, intelligence, dry humor, and is good in a fight. And we can go drinking with Mat.
Nyavene: Is this new appointment all a part of a Red Ajah domination plot?
Siusane: Shhhhhh!
Nyavene: Is there anything else you'd like to tell readers about? Suggestions for prospective bribes or such?
Siusane: Bribes? Gasp! I would never. Well, maybe only because no one can give me extra sleep or extra time in the day... I do hope that people will participate on the Servant of All program!
