Who am I? By: Jena Taylor

My Family I was born in Peoria, Illinois on January 7, 1985 and have lived there ever since. I have two older sisters, Andrea and Natalie, and one younger brother, Cameron.

School Years I attended two years of Pre-School at Little Bo Peep and Jack & Jill. I then went on to St. Philomena’s Catholic Grade school in kindergarten, and graduated from there in I went to high school at Peoria Notre Dame Catholic High School and graduated there in 2003.

My Grade School Years I took dance and gymnastics from the age of five and continued throughout grade school. I loved to play with all of my friends in the neighborhood, before I moved in 2 nd grade. I played soccer, basketball, volleyball, and ran track in junior high.

High School I was a member of the cheerleading squad and was captain my senior year. I was also a member of the French Club, Honors Society, Student Ambassadors, Liturgy Club, and an Office Runner.

My Girls I have three best friends from home and we all went to different colleges. We always have fun weekends at the lake house over the summer and breaks. It’s our little reunion and time to catch up!

The College Decision I applied to 5 different colleges and decided Eastern was the one. My dad and mom, and oldest sister Andrea all attended Eastern also. It was the perfect distance, close enough, but yet far enough away. I moved in on August 19, 2003 and started a new chapter in my life.

Alpha Gamma Delta On November 11, 2003, I became a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity. Joining Alpha Gam was one of the best decisions I made. I have made some wonderful friendships and great memories.

Freshman Year I lived in Andrews Hall on the 8 th floor. My roommate was a random named Lauren and we became great friends. I also grew very close with some of the other girls on my floor. 8 th Floor Andrews was a great way to start off my college experience.

Sophomore Year I moved into the Alpha Gamma Delta house and roomed with Kristin, a girl from 8 th Floor Andrews. I quickly learned that our friendship was something special and I was lucky to have her. I have made some great memories with the girls in the house and am a little sad to move out in May.

Jobs In grade school, I started baby-sitting and still continue to make it a big part of my life. I worked at Baskin Robbins for a few months my senior year at ND. I was a nanny all last summer and plan on doing the same this year.

My Major My major is Elementary Education. I hope to teach first grade back home in Peoria. Andrea teaches at St. Phil’s and I realized 1 st grade was the perfect grade for me. I can’t wait to start!

My Hobbies I still love to cheer, even though I don’t at EIU. I love to hang out with family and friends and go shopping. Singing and dancing is another one of my passions, even if I’m not good at singing!

My Dreams I hope to move to Chicago for a few years after I graduate and teach somewhere up there. I want to get married and start a family. I want at least 5 children and then want to move back home to be with friends and family!