1. About Me! Jessica Shouse

2. 2 Danville, IL - Born and Raised  I was born in Danville on June 9, 1983, which is also where I still live today.  I love Danville and I hope I am able to build my career here in the future

3. Jessica Shouse3 Family  My family is a very important part of my life.  Both my mother and father are from the Danville area, so most of my extended family live close to Danville as well.

4. Jessica Shouse4 Educational Background  I continuously attended District 118 schools until I graduated from Danville High School in 2001. Danville High School Danville High School  While at DHS, I was very involved in student activities.

5. Jessica Shouse5 High School Activities  At DHS, I participated in softball, basketball, marching band, Students Against Drunk Drivers, Kiwanis Key Club, Student Advisory Board, National Honors Society and several other clubs.

6. Jessica Shouse6 Leadership Positions  During my senior year at DHS, I was captain of the DHS Girls Softball team, Vice President of Student Advisory Board and clarinet section leader in the Danville High School Marching Band.  I also was chosen to attend the Illini Girls State summer camp during the summer of 2000.

7. Jessica Shouse7  While in high school, I also babysat for several families. One family, the Lewis’s, I still baby sit now. Our families are so close, they are like siblings to me.

8. Jessica Shouse8 Danville Area Community College  After graduating high school, I decided to attend DACC. I chose to do this because I was not ready to move away. DACC  DACC also provided the small class size I was used to from high school.  I also liked DACC because many of my friends were staying in Danville and attending DACC also.

9. Jessica Shouse9 Illinois State University  After earning my associates degree from DACC, I attended Illinois State University. Illinois State University.Illinois State University.  I lived with a friend from high school, but I also met many new people while at ISU.

10. Jessica Shouse10 Eastern Illinois University  After two years and three different majors at ISU, I decided to move back home and commute to Eastern Illinois University. Eastern Illinois UniversityEastern Illinois University  I am extremely happy I have made this choice, because I love EIU.  I like that EIU is a smaller campus and that the staff is involved with the students.  The smaller class size is also something I enjoy.

11. Jessica Shouse11 Jobs  While I attended schools, I had several different jobs that I maintained.  The job I love the most is being a therapist for Autistic children, which is also my current job.  I am currently working with a four year old little boy, who is the second child that I have done therapy with.  The first child I worked with was a little girl  Her success in the program was amazing, which is why I love being a therapist so much.

12. Pastimes  One of my favorite pastimes is watching University of Illinois Men's Basketball. University of Illinois Men's Basketball University of Illinois Men's Basketball  I also am a Cardinals baseball fan. Cardinals  Both of these activities keep my family busy.

13. Jessica Shouse13 Future Goals  The most important goal I have right now is to graduate from EIU in May of 2007.  I would love to start teaching that following fall.  My ideal teaching job would be a Kindergarten teacher in District 118, which is the Danville school district.

14. Jessica Shouse14 The Present  I am happy with my life for the time being.  I have a wonderful family and wonderful friends.  I believe that once I graduate and start my career, my life will only get better from here.