Hi, I’m Jess… (and Jess I am?)

Weather.com tells me that it is going to be 52° Fahrenheit today. Fifty. Two. Degrees, people.  I’m fairly certain that means spring is right around the corner. Right? Well, I will pretend that it is. Given that I grew up in Pennsylvania and have been living in New York since 2004, when I arrived on Vassar’s campus as a freshman, I really should know by now that winter doesn’t end in mid-February. Then again, Punxatawney Phil did predict an early spring (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPCrp7qW0SY.)

What is your favorite dish on campus?

The Chili served in the Retreat is a solid choice, especially during the colder winter months. When I was a student, a vanilla milkshake with a shot of espresso from UpCDC was one of my favorite late night pick-me-ups.

What is your favorite dish off campus?

Off campus, a panini from Rossi’s hits the spot every time. When the thought of spending time with me isn’t enough of a reason for my friends to visit Poughkeepsie, simply saying “Rossi’s” normally gets them on the MTA train from Grand Central.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

The quad. If you have visited us during the fall or spring, you know why. I don’t know what the quad is like during the winter because I have been hibernating surrounded by towers of application files since my Thanksgiving food coma wore off. You think I’m kidding, and I assure you I’m not.

What song gets you through traffic?

When stuck in traffic, 80’s songs can’t be beat. And as much as I hate to admit it (and I already regret beginning this sentence), Taylor Swift is a pretty fantastic option. In fact, I am pretty sure that it has been scientifically proven that singing along to Taylor’s relationship angst greatly decreases road rage.

What are your responsibilities in the Office?

I am the admissions officer responsible for Southern California, Eastern Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado. Once I come out of file-and-snow-induced-hibernation, I am happily doing work as a Multicultural Recruitment Coordinator and am also one of the people responsible for QuestBridge.