Matthew Carastro
- Position: Human Resources Consultant
- Department: Human Resources
- Hometown: Mineola, New York
What was your path to this position?
The whole story would take up too many pages, but in a nutshell I would say my love of textiles and my background in human resources lead me here. I sort of fell into both separately, but when I saw this position posted, I knew it was a dream position for me.
Why were you interested in this position/in working at the Wilson College?
The position combined two things I truly enjoy: the human connection aspect of a human resources role and the world of textiles. I enjoy the process of human resources because it covers so many different avenues, but, at the end of the day, we’re essentially helping someone on their path at the university in one way or another. I’m fortunate that I get to be part of that for someone.
The fact that I get to do this at Wilson is really just an added bonus to that all, for so many reasons. Also, Wilson College of Textiles being on Centennial Campus doesn’t hurt either. This part of campus feels very alive and modern.
What are your duties on a day-to-day basis?
My position covers everything that falls under human resources. Essentially, I get to do a little bit of everything every day that I’m here. That is also one of the great aspects for me too. The fact that my day-to-day duties and responsibilities can vary all across the board keeps it all very interesting and a great learning process.
What is your favorite part of your job and/or working at the Wilson College of Textiles?
The environment. The existing knowledge of the faculty and staff and knowing I’m surrounded by the next generation of textile designers, creators and manufacturers makes the job exciting to me. It feels very alive to me when I get to walk through those doors in the morning.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Music, art and whatever my daughter Marlowe is interested in at the moment. If she’s into gem mining, I’m into gem mining. If she’s into bowling, I’m bowling. We do a lot of art together too, but whatever her hobbies and interests are, mine are by default.
Aside from that, I’m occasionally still out searching for vintage clothing, rugs, quilts and early folk-art pieces. More specifically, vintage workwear from the early to mid 1900s and when it comes to folk art, anything that was created with a functional purpose in mind really appeals to me. If it tells a story, or has a history, I love it and want to learn more.
I have a handmade tool box from the 1930s/’40s that was created from a metal advertising sign at the time. The inside was never intended to be seen, but to me that is the coolest part – and it still bears the company graphics in almost pristine condition. The person I got it from said their father needed a tool box, so he made one from materials that were available. It’s more than a toolbox to me: it’s a piece of art and I feel lucky to have it. It is similar to a lot of the vintage clothing in my collection. Each piece tells a story. The pieces are unique to those who owned and wore them, and, if you look carefully, they each tell a story.
I can go on and on about this. The invitation is open for anyone in Textiles to come to my office and listen to me ramble on about vintage textiles anytime they want.
- Categories:
