I Am West Georgia

Jonette Larrew

Years at UWG: If you count my years as a student, the answer is five. I recently completed my first year as a staff member.

My job title: Senior Secretary.

What I really do: Continually search for stuff and arrange things.

Birthplace: Honolulu, HI.

Family: Husband, Cliff Larrew; two sons, Stephen (27) and Joseph (25); two daughters, Constance (24) and Faith (20).

People describe me as: Friendly and intelligent.

My favorite things to do: Play on the computer, cook dinner for my family (now that they’re all grown-up, I don’t get to do it that often), travel and play word games.

My proudest accomplishment: Probably earning my B.A. in English and French last May.

My passion: Shoes or chocolate, depending on my mood and budget.

My pet peeve: People who block entrance ways.

Before UWG, I: Raised my children, or tried to.

I joined UWG because: I get a buzz from all the creative energy I usually sense in this department.

I stay because: I’m surrounded by poets and writers.

One thing I would change about UWG: It would be nice to have a swimming pool again.

The best advice I ever received: Keep practicing.

The best advice I’d give to new faculty and staff: There are several quiet little tucked-away garden spots on campus. Find the one nearest you and sneak away when you need a moment or two.

When I was a child, I wanted to be: A hair stylist.

Most people don't know that: I was born in Hawaii, but my parents moved away before I was old enough to remember anything.

My favorite quotation: Currently I favor “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” (Henry Ford)

The book I think everyone should read: Do you know what a cruel question that is for an English major?

The movie I think everyone should watch: The Philadelphia Story (with Carey Grant, Jimmy Stewart and Katherine Hepburn).

My favorite memory: From March 2003-2004, my son was stationed in Baghdad. He told me that he wouldn’t be able to come home for Christmas in an e-mail, then walked in one afternoon while I was baking. I guess that’s my favorite Christmas memory.

The person (alive or dead) I’d most like to meet: The inventor of paper plates. I’d like to personally shake her hand and thank her. It had to be a woman. Seriously, I’d really love to meet Robert Frost. I’m not sure if he’s the person I’d most like to meet, but he’s close to top of the list.

What I would most like to have if castaway on an island: A laptop with an Internet connection.

What I would do if I won the lottery: I like to think I’d stash it all in some high yield CD or some other investment tool, then live off the interest. I’d be more likely to buy a big house and spend all the money decorating.

What I most want to contribute to students: I hope that I help students find their way through all the paperwork conduits that finally lead to their graduation ceremony.

Although you didn’t ask, I’d like to tell you anyway: The elephant is the only mammal that can’t jump.