Blogs

5 Things You Didn't Know about Jessica Pennington

Jessica PenningtonJessica Pennington is the Behavioral Case Specialist for A&S and also works with the residential colleges.  Before starting with A&S in June, she worked as a Research Assistant for the Collaborative Center for Literacy Development.   Jessica’s is a UK grad with both a BA in Psychology and MS in Educational Psychology.  Jessica was born in New Jersey, and grew up half in California and the other half in London, KY. She lives in Lexington with her husband of 2 ½ years, Adam.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Questions: 

1. What do you do in your spare time? 

I am a pretty serious crafter, I crafted my entire wedding everything from my garter to making over 250 paper flowers. I still love wedding crafting, woodworking and making homemade gifts for people is my favorite. Other than that I like to read and spend time with family and friends.

2. Are you a cat person or a dog person (or do you like another species entirely)?

Levi

Dogs for sure! My 6 year-old mini dachshund, Levi, is like my child.

3. What is the most interesting/your favorite place you've been? 

Tie between Nagasaki, Japan, and Cape Town, South Africa. Nagasaki is my favorite because even though it was the least English speaking place I have been the people were the most welcoming, we had a man walk us three blocks out of his way to show us where the ATM was. Cape Town was such a gorgeous place and so full of contrast; one day we hiked table mountain and visited the local winery and the next we spent visiting the slums with houses made of plywood and street signs.

4. What is your favorite food? 

Just like Joey from friends, sandwiches are my favorite food.  I like them all really, but the best would be piled with lots of veggies.

5. Have you ever had a brush with fame? 

One time I saw Arnold Schwarzenegger in an ice cream shop in California, he was wearing an truly tacky Hawaiian shirt and was twice as big as his body guards.

 

Tags:
five questions
staff

Community Member Spotlight: Laura Hornback, A&S Wired

Community Member Spotlight: Laura Hornback, A&S Wired

> Q1: Why did you choose your community?

I chose this community because I wanted to be able to connect to a group of dedicated individuals who all shared common interests. I heard about the classes offered through the wired program, and the ones offered for the Fall semester really caught my attention since they were so unique and different f...rom anything offered on campus. Also the coffee chats sounded amazing, and they truly lived up to my expectations. I love all the different people of different backgrounds we have come in to talk to us, they really have broadened my view of our world, both local and nationally.

> Q2: What has been the best part of your involvement with your community?

The best part about being part of this community is defiantly the connections you make to other people. In Keeneland it doesn't matter who you are or were back in highschool. You can sit down and talk to anyone and its like you've been friends for years. Everyone here is so open and connected, you know you always have someone you can fall back on.

> Q3: Would you recommend this community to other students? If so, why?

I absolutely would recommend this community to other students. Wired has really shaped my campus life and has gotten me involved with so many people and things. This community gives you opportunities to find something bigger than yourself and get involved. The people you meet in this dorm and in coffee chats really help change who you are and offer you so many opportunities to go outside your comfort zone and try something new. This community is filled with new experiences, interesting people, and great opportunities. I really wish everyone living on campus got to be part of Wired.

> Q4: Describe your community in 1 word.

If I had to pick a word, I would have to say it would be "Creative".

Peer Mentor Spotlight

Peer Mentor Spotlight: Rebecca Boom, A&S Wired

Q1: How did you decide to become a Peer Mentor?
A1: I decided to become a peer mentor because I love the relationships that I formed at Keeneland, the A&S Wired Living Learning Program.
Since the Wired Program takes students from all majors, I was able to have a wide variety of friends. I cherish the fact that my friends are all different. They taught me other ways to interpret and understand things about this world. Overall, I choose to be a peer mentor because I want to aid the new Wired students in forming their family, their community.

Q2: What has been the best experience of being a Peer mentor?A2: The best experience is seeing my mentees form the same relationships that I have made. Also, it is great to see them branch out and feel comfortable to be themselves around other residents.I think that the concept of community exists in Keeneland Hall a great deal.

Q3: What is a program/event that you've done with your residents?A3: The Wired LLP conducts Coffee Chats. These events bring in local business men and women to speak to the residents. The topics of Coffee Chats range from Asian Studies to Equal Justice concerns to the medical field.The fact that the Wired Program is not confined to a specific major or college allows Coffee Chats to have a wide range of discussions. The variety of topics allows the students to open their minds to other professions or inform them more on their current major or career goals.

Q4: What would be your recommendation to students considering to apply to the Peer Mentor position?
A4: I would highly recommend future students to become peer mentors. Helping other students find their place at UK is rewarding in itself. As a peer mentor, you can be the catalyst for the community as well.You can shape a friendly atmosphere and watch how the students succeed in academics as well as in social interactions.