What job would you do for free?

I’d happily stage homes for free. There’s something magical about revealing a home’s best qualities and unspoken potential. It’s art; it’s science; it’s pragmatism—and, frankly, it’s the tactile version of what I already do every day for a paycheck. But it nourishes me in a way no paycheck ever could.

Katya Popova is assistant dean of marketing and strategy at the Kogod School of Business.

I would gladly serve as Pennsylvania’s secretary of education without pay, if necessary. Now more than ever, it is essential that our state departments of education remain stable, strong, and ready to meet the moment so that every child can learn, regardless of race, gender, creed, or socioeconomic background.

Tamir Harper, SOC/BA ’22, Baker/EdD ’27, is senior director of development, external affairs, and impact at Philadelphia Academies. 

Recently, I’ve discovered that there are people who traverse the country year-round performing at storytelling festivals. Having been in a few local shows, I’d love to be among the ranks of traveling storytellers.

JR Denson, CAS/MS ’16, is the alcohol and other drugs prevention specialist at AU’s Center for Well-Being.

I would love to give tours and work at a bourbon distillery. I represented a distillery in my legal practice, and when the partner told me who I was working for, he cautioned me that I could not offer to do the work for free, and I could not sample the product during calls with the client. It was a thrilling opportunity to use my outside knowledge of their products combined with my legal expertise to guide them through a tricky business decision.

Austin A.B. Ownbey, WSP ’01, is a partner with the law firm Akerman.

I’d be a crochet instructor. There’s something magical about turning a string and a hook into joy—plus it’s cheaper than therapy and far more productive. I love sharing the craft with others, watching creativity unfold one stitch (and the occasional knot) at a time.

Jeehyun Davis is the university librarian.

I’d happily lead historic tours in my free time, walking people through the stories and ideas that shaped a place. I’d also love to volunteer in theater, especially in roles that involve research, context, or helping audiences make sense of what they’re seeing. Both let me do what I naturally enjoy: making history feel alive and connecting people to something bigger than themselves.

Jaclyn Jecha, CAS/MA ’08, is a social studies teacher in New Berlin, Wisconsin. 

I’d happily run a “Dear Abby”-style advice column. I love helping people talk through life’s nonsense and offering a take. Results may vary, but enthusiasm will not.

Hallie Seltzer, SOC/BA ’07, is the founder of PinPoint Productions, a live event agency. 

I would design Lego sets all day for free. There’s nothing more relaxing than setting aside a tough day in DC and building one of Lego’s modular buildings with clear instructions and a definitive sense of progress. 

Aaron Alberico, SPA/BA ’12, is the cofounder of Raynor Ave., a public affairs firm. 

I am inspired by the stories, wisdom, and vulnerability of the human experience. I would love to travel the world, documenting the experiences of others in celebration of our shared humanity.

Vanessa Collier-Robinson, Baker/MAT ’09, is senior manager of Book Harvest, a nonprofit in Durham, North Carolina.