The UAB Department of Neurosurgery is spotlighting staff to focus on the importance of hobbies for stress relief, wellness and self-care.
 
The goal of the series is to connect individuals across the department by highlighting their hobbies as they relate to mental, physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, social and financial wellness.
 
Originally from the small town of Platteville, Wisconsin, Eva Gilliam is the administrative assistant to Department of Neurosurgery Executive Administrator Donna Bailer, J.D., L.L.M. Gilliam, who has a Bachelor of Science in both business administration and human resource management, has worked in the Department of Neurosurgery for two years. She retired from UAB in 2018 after working as a program manager II in the Diabetes Research Center for eight of her 25 years at UAB. 

What hobby do you currently focus on in your downtime?   
Collecting Depression Era glassware and traveling are two of my favorite things to do.

What inspired you to explore this hobby?
I recently visited my Aunt Alisa who lives in Wisconsin, and she turned me on to collecting Depression Era glass. I started my collection with a type called Fire King. My particular color is peach, an iridescent orange tone. It is something you can only find in antique shops and flea markets. I enjoy really having to search for items for my collection, it is relaxing and fun to go with my sister and walk every isle hunting for treasure. I also like to travel and have made several trips to Central America, including 3 trips to Guatemala. My husband is from there and has two daughters still living there. During my last trip we went to the mountains where he grew up to visit his sister who still lives there. We also went down to El Salvador to celebrate our good friend’s 60th birthday. I love the culture, food, music and beauty of Central America.

Have you noticed a change in your well-being since beginning this hobby and how does that translate into your work?  
My collections and travels totally take my mind off anything stressful if there is anything stressful in my life. It is my mission not to be stressed and it usually takes a lot to get me there. I am grateful for my life, my work, my family and my friends. I think gratitude is what really benefits one’s wellbeing.

What are you most proud of?  
I am proud of my life and everything in it. I have a wonderful husband, close family, great friends and, to top it off, I work with wonderful people. I am absolutely blessed.