Get-to-Know: Jennifer Leavitt, Your RLC

Hello again, all! I thought I would start out this blog by doing a series of "get-to-know-you" posts, and since I don't have to ask for my own permission, I'm going to start with me! Later in the summer, I will hopefully be providing some information on the GHDs, maintenance/custodial staff, and clerks in the area.

Jennifer Leavitt, Residence Life Coordinator for Beaty/Jennings


SHORT BIOGRAPHY: I grew up in Iowa and am the oldest of three girls in my family. After high school, I attended Simpson College (small private college famous for admitting the scientist George Washington Carver when no one else would) where I majored in History with a minor in Religion. I worked for two years as an RA while in college and decided to go on to graduate school to get my Master's degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Florida. While here as a grad student, I worked for two years as a GHD in Broward Hall. After graduation, I spent a summer working as the Food & Beverage Manager for Lake Lodge in Yellowstone National Park before moving back to the midwest to take a Residence Life job at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. I worked at UWGB for three years before moving back to Gainesville in the summer of 2008 for the RLC position. I love Gainesville and the University of Florida and I'm really happy to be back. I have a young son, Jackson (who just turned 3), and a boyfriend who currently lives in Chicago. Most people call me Jenny and that's how I usually introduce myself although I think Jennifer sounds more professional.

A DAY IN MY LIFE: Completely crazy! I'm usually in the office around 8:30. A typical day for me includes 3-4 hours of meetings: individual supervision meetings with the GHDs, training committee meetings, housing staff meetings, project/construction meetings, or meetings with students. I am responsible for the day-to-day workings of both buildings, including staff issues, programming, community development, judicial meetings, facilities work, administration, and so on. Much of my work goes on "behind the scenes." For example, I recently got to pick out the furniture and carpet for the new Jennings Library. I leave work around 5 and go pick up Jackson; we usually play outside for a while or go for a walk before dinner and then he goes to bed around 9. I do housework and chores for about an hour before I finally get to relax. Don't know what I would do without my DVR!

TV SHOWS I WATCH: American Idol (shameless indulgence :) ), The Amazing Race, Top Chef, Antiques Roadshow, Cubs Baseball, & Gator Football

ON MY IPOD RIGHT NOW: I listen to a lot of podcasts, particularly about hiking, travel, running and personal finance.

I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT MY: Family, friends and collection of books

TRUE COLORS/MYERS BRIGGS: I'm a Gold and an ESTJ (at least in the work setting). This means I'm hyper-organized and pay alot of attention to little things -- like being on time, working ahead, etc. I'm not very "fluffy" and tend to put business ahead of the personal. My brain works in very logical & sequential ways. At home and in my personal life, I tend to place less importance on some of these things.

WHAT I REALLY LIKE ABOUT MY JOB: I enjoy working with staff and the ability to mentor GHDS/RAs. I like that my job is a little different every day and that I get to stretch and grow and refine my skills. I enjoy that our lives have rhythm -- there is a natural beginning and end to our work and a chance to start over every year.

BIGGEST PET PEEVE(S): At work, my pet peeves include lateness and side-talk during meetings. I also don't really like hugging people I don't know well. In life, my pet peeve is cupboard doors/dresser drawers being left open.

ONE THING ABOUT ME THAT I'M PROUD OF: I think I'm a nerd and I wear it proudly. I know lots of random trivia and file lots of facts away in my brain. I'm likely to start a sentence with "Did you know.....?" I tried out for Jeopardy last summer, although I have not yet been asked to be on the show.

IF I DIDN'T HAVE THIS JOB I WOULD BE: A park ranger or a travel agent.