Tower-Winter-2018

16 TOWER | WINTER 2018 For O’Neil, KU was essential for helping land the LEGO gig, not just because of the software program skills he picked up, but for something much bigger: giving him confidence in his creative talents. “I could say KU provided me with the connections that allowed me to get the job, but I think the most important thing that my time at KU instilled in me was a penchant for brainstorming, a hardworking attitude, and the ability to use creative criticism to my benefit,” the Kutztown native said. LIFE ABROAD The foursome, who spend time together outside of work, have adjusted to living abroad, including, jokes Blair, the strange Danish obsession for black licorice, which she does not share. Blair admits that aside from the obvious hardship of missing friends and family, she definitely misses her Amazon Prime, and confessed that when she visits the U.S. to see her loved ones on an upcoming trip, she has compiled a list of foods she has to eat, including making stops we might take for granted here, to places like Wendy’s for fast food and to convenience stores like Sheetz for snacks. While she misses those simple things and family, and the ability to go shopping at just about any hour, she, and the others agree that living in Denmark has definite perks, too. At the time of writing this article, King was on maternity leave, definitely a different experience in Denmark than in the United States. She stopped work at eight months along, and could opt to take a year of leave if she wanted to, about seven months with full pay, and five with partial pay. She believes that kind of benefit supports Denmark’s cultural belief in a strong work/life balance, saying, “Childhood is very cherished here. Kids have the freedom to learn and experience things in their own way.” O’Neil adds that in Denmark, “Healthcare is free, and we get an insane amount of vacation days and sick days.” He and Blair, boyfriend and girlfriend who reside together in Vejle, are also quick to sing the praises of the public transportation system and how easily they can visit other countries. Says O’Neil, “Since we’ve moved here less than two years ago, we’ve visited eight different countries. The public transportation system is easily accessible and well-developed. And we’ve met a ton of amazing people from all around the world who have come to Denmark for the same reason: to work at the LEGO Group!” For Carlson, somewhat of the lone KU wolf, living in and working in Denmark (as Blair and O’Neil live together and King resides with her daughter and husband, Brian), the ability to travel has been a gift that has opened him up to other cultures, and he’s enjoyed that experience, visiting places like England, Iceland and Ireland, a personal favorite. Lauren King ’08 AustinWilliamCarlson ’12