From the Blog
Learning New Tricks
Blog by Samira Rajan January 10,2026
I started work at “Bushwick” Coop Federal Credit Union as an Americorps*VISTA in Sept 2001. I didn’t even have an email address (LOL!). But I got there eventually and this September, I will mark 25 years working for this small but mighty institution. Lately I have been thinking a lot about what that means.
I know more about Brooklyn Coop than any other person: how the technology works, who our members are, tracking the finances, remembering the mistakes we’ve made as well as what we got right. Each month I have conversations inside the credit union and out in which I draw upon that well of experience in a way that informs current decision-making. It can feel like that is where I contribute the most value; my experience must mean that I am best possible person to do this job.
But maybe it isn’t? The successful mayoral campaign of Zohran Mamdani relied strongly on his youth and lack of experience. New Yorkers responded positively to the idea of a leader that is unencumbered by old-fashioned thinking or entrenched habits. The shadow of Joe Biden’s unsuccessful presidential campaign hovered in the background provoking the question: what really is the value of deep experience? The world can change pretty fast as 2025 definitively demonstrated. The last thing I want is to get in Brooklyn Coop’s way, but can an old dog learn new tricks?
I hope all of you had restful and joyous holidays. My family traveled to India to be with loved ones plus we visited the Taj Mahal, which is far more fantastic than any photo can convey. It was a great start to 2026.
It is a good question for me, one that I have purposefully made space for in my day-to-day. Clocking the years is not enough: telling stories about the days when I hand-folded, stuffed, and stamped every member statement every month doesn’t actually qualify me to have the final word on how members can access their e-statements. For sure some days I feel I’ve already put in the work and why do I have to keep repeating myself? Honestly, do I have to do another annual Bank Secrecy Act quiz???
Yet, the world can change pretty fast. There is a time to reflect on the accomplishments of yesteryear* but there is also time to stay quiet as younger folks tell their own stories. After all, they are the ones we’ve been building this credit union for. And they are good stories, sometimes poignant, sometimes forceful, sometimes they are more jaded than I am and sometimes more idealistic. I respect that the energy they bring is real. If I keep my mind open, I hear them teaching me and I find myself grateful to be the old dog in the room.
Happy New Year!
*stay tuned for details on our 25th anniversary party!