friday takeout

Jayne Curtis

Bookstore Assistant Manager | Peosta Campus

List off all of the job titles you have ever had, and which among these do you think was/is the most important?

Some of my past job titles include waitress, dishwasher, lead cook, deli server, bartender, student, mom, cashier, food service associate, personal business owner, retail department assistant manager, IT help desk, special needs paraprofessional and special needs school bus driver.

I have had many job titles in my past, but I think the most important one is mom. Having the job title of mom is an automatic commitment of 18+ years of mental and physical support, encouragement, frustration and other emotions. This job required me to teach my children to love, respect, be patient, take care of themselves and help others. This is a hard job because not only do I have to be a caregiver and teacher, but there are no instruction manuals for this job position. But it is also a very rewarding job: getting hugs and kisses from them when they are young and watching them grow into educated, mannered, hard-working young adults is a great reward.

What experience most prepared you for your current role at the College?

Going to college as a full-time student and working two part-time jobs at the same time. I know what some of these students are facing when trying to get homework done and still pay bills. It is very difficult deciding which direction to go when bills need to be paid, and yet you still need books for class. I truly understand the struggle.

What is the most important memory you have and why?

Memories of my Dad sitting down with us at nights and helping with our homework. Whether it was English, science or math, he had such an easy way of helping us understand our homework. During the holidays and after chores were done at the end of the night, he would sit down and play board games with us until midnight or later. We actually played Carrom Board until we wore the pattern off of the board. I think he enjoyed it as much as we kids did. The presents were nice, but the time spent playing board games and card games were the best.

Which famous person would you like to be BFFs with?

I think it would be Ellen DeGeneres because of her funny, easy-going attitude. She loves to play jokes on people, but always looks for the good in others. You don’t have to be rich to impress her; all you have to do is to be kind to others, and do the right thing for someone else who could use a little help.

What kind of songs get wedged in your head, like an "ear worm"?

I guess nursery rhymes like "Baby Shark." “Baby Shark, do do, do do do do, Baby Shark, do do, do do do do …” OH NO. Not again.