Aliah Lloyd
A shining example of the kindness in this world, and of everything DFW Young & Social is meant to be.
From Alexi and Marco
There are many people in this community that we absolutely adore. They have all left a lasting impact on the growth and direction we are taking this community. There are very few people who have made such a monumental difference as Aliah. I know for a fact we would not be as successful as we are if it wasn’t for her. She is a shining star of what this community is, and the warmth, acceptance and joy she brings to everything she is a part of is unmatched.
Aliah, from the both of us, thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to not only spotlight you, but to also be a genuine friend and an embodiment of what we can all strive to be.
1All over the place, and then Dallas
Where did you grow up, and what brought you to DFW?
I’ve grown up all over the place, from Arizona to Michigan to Washington State back to Michigan, but most of my life I’ve lived in Michigan. I originally moved to Florida for work, but when I had nothing to do and was stuck in my apartment 6 out of the 7 days a week I ended up asking my work about other places I can live and they mentioned Dallas. Thankfully I had a chance to make a trip out here to “feel it out” and lo and behold I decided to move to Dallas.
What do you do, and how did you end up doing it?
Admittedly… I’m still figuring it out, but right now I am moving towards the project manager route. I’ve always liked organizing and running projects be it the fundraiser I founded back in high school, fun festivals back in school, running clubs as a president or secretary in college, even now just hosting running small little things like coworking, you name it I was probably in a role similar if not doing it. I wouldn’t say I love what I am currently doing because I don’t see the substance and impact it has on many others as I do with other projects but that’s why I say I am still figuring out. Eventually I will figure out what I actually want to do with my life career wise but at least right now, it pays the bills and keeps me coming to do the things I love.
I know for a fact I will always love organizing and running something that can help make a difference and bring joy to others because when you finally run the event and see the smiles on people’s faces, see the joy of the kids, see the gifts they probably wouldn’t ever see, or feel that sweet accomplished relief after the job is done. It’s one of the best feelings that make the stress worth it.
2Never one to turn down trying something
Making anything at the moment?
Ohhhhhhh do I! I am never one to turn down trying something; I might turn down at the time due to the abundance of hobbies I have at the moment, but I definitely will always try to do something once (this includes trying food).
- Dance. With the help of Rusty and Rachel pushing me to try dance I finally mustered up the courage sooner than anticipated to finally try salsa. Now, I am trying all kinds of dances Alexi brings to the rotation.
- D&D. YAS also brought the dice goblin out in me when I tried D&D (my first ever event) and now I am creating oneshots myself, planning bigger games, and creating all kinds of cool backgrounds for future characters.
- Journalling / Junk Journalling / Bullet Journalling. Started doing all of this back in 2014 and have continued to try new tricks, methods, and templates throughout each year.
- Games! Love mahjong ever since my aunts and uncles taught me back in 2011, card games which is a family favorite, multiplayer pc/switch/ds games, more. Although I am very competitive sometimes.
- Plants! Recently gotten into growing house plants to liven my apartment especially since I work from home and can’t afford a dog.
- Learning Mandarin. I have loved learning my mom’s culture and to get closer and also speak with more of my family members in Malaysia I decided to learn mandarin in college. Even went to Taiwan to learn for a year. Am I good? absolutely not, I am subpar at best, but man is it fun to learn and I am still self learning to this day. Thinking of getting a teacher again to keep up with it.
What do you do with your free time?
Many things, on a rest day I enjoy reading or watching a movie, maybe some youtube videos on a new project I want to try to do.
On a regular day, I enjoy going to YAS to see what’s going on and/or work on my own little projects. I’m there all the time working, dancing, dnding, or doing whatever is on the YAS menu.
Do you collect anything, or have a hobby people find delightfully quirky?
Stationery and bullet journals (collection growing since 2014), plants, D&D dice (became a dice goblin), playing cards (can’t do magic tricks but love card games), and movies (love most genres especially horror, action, and romcoms).
Best place you have traveled, or the place you are determined to get to?
You will always hear me talk about Taiwan. Taiwan, for many reasons has been by far my favorite all around experience. Mainly because I got to live there for a year. With that I grew out of my comfort zone, saw so many amazing places including a 7 story tech mall, ate amazing food and drank all the boba, but most importantly because I went there all by myself with no family around… I made so many lasting friendships including one with a family during my own unfortunate circumstance (you can ask me about that story any time).
3Six people and a teacher
How did you first find DFW Young & Social?
I just moved to Dallas and started googling fun things to do by myself. I didn’t know many people around and I’ve always just gone to places myself, but I noticed this place had a beginner D&D class. I was like, “Cool! 6 people and a teacher I can definitely do that.” And the rest is history.
Which of our events do you show up to most?
If you asked me a year ago it would have been D&D, but now I’ve grown to love going to dance classes. You’ll still see me at almost any event.
Tell us about one moment here that stuck with you.
There’s too many to choose from! I’ve loved getting to know everyone slowly over this past year and try more and more things I’ve never thought I would ever try before!
What does having a community like this mean to you right now?
Being able to enjoy everyone’s company, learn from others, laugh with others, cry with others, and most importantly grow with others.
4Malaysia, Taiwan, and whatever is next
Anything you are looking forward to this year?
I have my friend who is getting married in Malaysia next year so I am really excited for her but also the trip I’ll be able to take to go celebrate with her. I will be taking a week to revisit Taiwan and my friends there as well. Oh and all the fun new things at YAS that’ll be fun too.
If you have not met Aliah yet, you will. She is at almost everything. Say hello, ask her about Taiwan, and if she offers to run you through a one-shot, say YES!