Sarah Strain

WORKING AT ST. JUDE

I’ve been here for about three-and-a-half years. Recently I’ve been working with St. Jude nursing leadership to help them work through the nursing shortage and it has been an amazing opportunity to try new recruiting techniques and pivot quickly. It’s one of the things that I am most proud of lately.

But generally speaking, I’m so proud to work here. St. Jude is an amazing place and there’s just this overwhelming support network; this place believes very much in its employees and the people are wonderful and the mission is so worthwhile. There are many incredible benefits; there’s even a farmer’s market every Friday.

A SURPRISING FOOD SCENE

Everybody talks about Memphis barbecue, and it’s definitely good. But what I think Memphis does really well that people don’t give it credit for is pizza. One of my favorite things to do is try new pizza places or revisit favorites. Aldo’s is my favorite specialty pizza, Broadway Pizza on Broad is my favorite heavier style pizza and Little Italy is one of my favorites for classic-style pizza. And a newer one I love is Little Bettie’s pizza!  

SEEING INVESTMENT IN MEMPHIS

In Memphis there’s a surge of grassroots energy to take the city and make it even more amazing than it already is. There are countless fantastic bars and restaurants and activities. From my house, I can go right down the street to Crosstown Concourse to see a concert, get a cocktail, grab a pizza. There’s a resurgence happening and there’s big investment in the city. People are embracing what it is while cultivating what it could be.

LOVING MY NEIGHBORHOOD

I live in Evergreen historic district and so I’m a stone’s throw from so many things. I can walk to the zoo or to Overton Park where they have free concerts all summer long. And the homes are beautiful. I live in a house that’s 100 years old and my neighbors are wonderful. The vibe feels homegrown and there are lots of locally owned bars, restaurants and shops and it’s amazing to be a part of a community that supports small businesses.