Storm Corps Team Leaders: Getting to Know You Questionnaire
The Basics
Name: Jenn Novesky
Nickname(s): JNo (like J-Lo, get it?)
Hometown: Staten Island, NY
Where you live now: outside Washington, DC in Alexandria, VA
Favorite thing about where you live now: I'm a political junkie, so I'd have to say being able to drive by the U.S. Capitol practically every day/
College(s) attended and degree(s) received: SUNY Cortland, B.A. in Political Science and Communications Studies
Work
United Way where you work: United Way of America, Alexandria, VA
Job title: Senior Associate, Public Policy
Work accomplishment you are most proud of: I think that, overall in my career, I'd have to say actually getting jobs in my field -- getting an opportunity to work for a U.S. Senator, fundraise for a national campaign, lobby on GLBT issues as well as those issues important to United Way and communities all over the U.S.
What first brought you to United Way: Actually, I didn't know much about the United Way, other than at my previous job, I gave money through the workplace campaign. But more and more, I realized (especially after the 2004 elections) that EVERYTHING starts within a community. And I decided I wanted to work impacting communities.
Why you stay with United Way: The easy answer is that they do good work. I mean, no matter what the department, everyone within the United Way system is connected by the want to actually do something, That's why I am so glad I not only get to work there, but that I have this opportunity to partake in Storm Corps.
Storm Corps
Why you applied to be a Team Leader: Short answer is that I wanted to help, like I am sure so many of us do. The long of it? I want to understand -- I can't imagine being without a home for 6 days, let alone 6 months or in the case of Hurricane Ivan, years. And I am not saying that I will ever fully understand, but I think taking the time to work 24/7 for a week is putting my money where my mouth is, so to speak. Plus, I loved the work I did working with my peers on my college campus (way back when) -- I was an RA, Orientation Assistant, Judicial Review Board Justice and in tons of organizations. I thought I would be a good fit (and that it would be fun too!)
First reaction when you found out you were accepted: Elated!
What you are most excited about: I think this is a great way to lend a hand and be able to gain some first-hand knowledge to bring back to United Way of America as well as to my community.
What you are least excited about: Hearing there will be very few showers for 150 of us!!!!
What you could step up and do really well if needed: I am a great communicator. Heck, it was one of my majors! This is going to be a long (yet fulfilling) week. I can be there at any time--day or night. I am good for a joke or two as well. But if anyone needs anything (an ear, a shoulder -- you get the idea), don't hesitate to come ask!
What you would rather not have to do: Wake up super early. I am so a night owl. B\ut, it goes without saying that we'll have to be up early!
What you are hoping to get out of Storm Corps:I am going into this without expectations so that the entire experience will be that much more fulfilling!
Fun
Secret – or not so secret - talent(s) you are willing to share: I can touch my tongue to my nose AND my chin. Special, aren't I?
Hobbies: reading, going out dancing, working out, shopping...
People and/or animals you live with: My fiance, Nicole and our two cats, Aimee and JoJo
Things you want/plan to do in the near future: Planning a wedding is one thing but actually living to tell about it is another! I hope September gets here quick!
Things you want/plan to do in a while: Buy a home! We just moved (again) and rent is way toooo much. Plus, we'll want some un-furry kids some day...
Three adjectives that best describe you: funny, caring, outgoing
Three adjectives that definitely would not describe you: introverted, morning person, rich
Personal motto or mantra: "Live every day as if it were your last, because someday it will be." -John Lennon
What you are most proud of: I guess where I am in life. I've got a good head on my shoulders, a great relationship. and I am doing what I love to do. Things could have gone an entirely different way but I kept focused and here I am!
Favorites
Food: I am NOT picky but if I had to narrow it down, Thai and Italian
Book: ONLY ONE??? That's like asking a parent to chose their favorite child! She's Come Undone, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Life of Pi, Good in Bed, anything by James Patterson, anything by Shel Silverstein, White Teeth, The Pigman, A Separate Peace
TV show: Law & Order, Gillmore Girls, The L Word, Las Vegas, The Cosby Show, FoodTv, The Daily Show
Movie: Mr. Holland's Opus, Boys on the Side, Bound, Chutney Popcorn, Shawshank Redemption, Miss Congeniality, Crash
Quote: "A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead
Anything else you want to share? This can be fun, personal, medical, work related, etc. Basically anything else you want us to know about you.
Well, I am gay, in case you didn't read the obvious answers above. Also, even though I love cats, I love dogs too. Even though I tend to joke a lot, I also have a serious side. And, I think that's it. If you want to know something, my life is an open book so just ask!
Go SUNYs!!!!!!!!
Not sure if the other TLs know what a SUNY is.
Posted by: Ben | March 07, 2006 at 02:30 PM
LOL Ben! I was like, he attended SUNY AND he likes ostriches? ROCK ON!
(State University of New York for the non-lingo'd)
Posted by: Jenn | March 07, 2006 at 03:14 PM
Actually I don't like ostriches after that experience. Soon after the picture was taken, one of them takes a jab at my arm. They are mean birds!
Posted by: Ben | March 07, 2006 at 03:41 PM
LOL well you were brave to get near them! I hate them AND Koalas (another bad experience)
Posted by: Jenn | March 07, 2006 at 05:25 PM
Good luck girl! It's an amazing thing you all are doing!
Posted by: Trisha | March 10, 2006 at 02:12 PM
I'm looking forward to hearing about your good works Jenn! Have a terrific experience and thank you to you and everyone else joining you in Mississippi!
Posted by: Kathy | March 12, 2006 at 07:45 PM
I too, look forward the stories you will have. Good luck and God Bless you.
Posted by: Karen | March 12, 2006 at 11:23 PM
you're awesome. :)
Posted by: Holly | March 13, 2006 at 01:10 PM
She was the best team leader EVA!
Posted by: T-bone | March 17, 2006 at 07:42 PM
Hey Jenn!!!! :-) I just wanted to know whats going on. Are there any plans for another stormcorps? Is there any way to state something like what are we doing now that the hurricane season started? Is there the possibility to do something like where are we after storm corps, what are we doing? I hope everybody is ok. Rock on!!! You were the best! I love you all BEAUUUU!! the meat LOaf!!!! peace Out says Puerto Rico..
Posted by: Alex | August 25, 2006 at 07:29 PM