I am Ruslan Smirnov, a Squarespace Circle member sharing my OCCC student journey, summer psychology memories, and growth as a TBI survivor, SEO strategist, and mental health creator.
Morning light. A new semester, and another chance to grow. Looking back, my fall began with an email from Squarespace on my first day at SUNY Orange. I remember the mix of hope and uncertainty as I got ready for intermediate algebra and computer literacy class.
My name is Ruslan Smirnov. I am a brain injury survivor, an SEO strategist, the founder of Memorable Design, and a mental health content creator in web design. I’m building confidence through learning and creativity. I am a student at OCCC in Middletown, NY. I’m building confidence through learning and creativity. I am a student at OCCC in Middletown, NY.
As a circle member, I remember Summer and Psychology
Summer reminds me of my psychology class and my work as a designer building WordPress and Squarespace sites. I learn, think, and question how people think and feel. That curiosity is what connects me to the stories I want to tell today.
My subjects may differ, but my purpose remains the same. Autumn arrives. I manage work, and as a developer, I solve algebra problems step by step to build optimised Squarespace websites. It is now mid-term exam time. My computer literacy comes from my interest in technology, electronic devices, and content creation as a web designer.
“Discussion Question: About Productivity Apps: How could the software companies leverage this info to influence the person's decision or build services around it? How does animation help education? It has to do with what the Squarespace experts told me today when I was creating a Squarespace portfolio
I live with a traumatic brain injury, and I need space to live at my own pace. Successes are part of my story, as are asking for help, reviewing a lesson again, and taking a break. A hard job doesn't erase how it began with a client or partner at my web design agency, Memorable Design
From Squarespace to My Personal Brand
I could hardly imagine beginning an influencer journey during the COVID-19 pandemic, building sites, working with Squarespace designers, and focusing on SEO. My marketing plan began with research on how membership would benefit my agency and included a Squarespace website. Since joining Squarespace Circle in 2020, I've kept exploring design, web design business, and ways to connect with people online.
I should also include my memories of Squarespace Circle Day in this chapter. They tie my interest in a creative community to the day-to-day work of developing my voice.
I take that curiosity to SEO and branding in Orange County, NY, through Memorable Design. “I want my website and social content to be clear, answer questions that are helpful to people, and give people a reason to connect.
My Journey Begins
Thank you so much for your help and thoughtful advice as I navigate my TBI and busy life as an influencer and student. It’s always hard.
My OCCC Influencer Journey Continues
Being an Amazon influencer and mental health creator brings different parts of my life together: student routines, creativity, everyday tools, and honest reflections. 🧠💛📦
I am learning to value the process: preparing for class, making time to study, and sharing something meaningful when I can. Every step is a blessing, including the quiet ones that never become a post.
Follow @brandmemorable for my SUNY Orange journey, personal branding, and life after TBI. What new beginning are you working toward? 🌱
FAQ: From Squarespace Circle to My OCCC Journey in 2026
How does Squarespace Circle Day connect with my OCCC experience?
Both experiences connect learning with community. Squarespace Circle introduced me to fellow creative professionals. At SUNY Orange in Middletown, NY, I continue learning through classes, conversations, and asking for support. Each setting gives me opportunities to build confidence and contribute.
What do my Circle Day memories mean to me in 2026?
Looking back, I value the conversations, creative connections, and sense of belonging. Those memories remind me why I started Memorable Design and encourage me to keep developing my voice as a designer, SEO strategist, and mental health creator.
How do my college classes connect with personal branding?
Summer psychology encouraged my curiosity about people and their experiences. Intermediate Algebra is good to practice solving problems step by step . Computer Literacy is related to my work in the digital world . Together, these topics give me new perspectives to bring to my content.
How does being a TBI survivor influence this journey?
I bring my lived experience to how I study, work and communicate. I’m learning to accept my own speed, to ask for help and to notice small wins. That’s part of the personal brand I want to build with sharing those day-to-day realities.
What connects my SEO work and mental health content?
Clear communication connects them. Through Memorable Design, I work to make useful content easier to find and understand. As a mental health creator, I share personal reflections on learning, creativity, and life after TBI.
Follow @brandmemorable as I continue connecting education, design, and everyday growth. 🧠💛
