December 2022 Newsletter

Meet Nicole Pettit, Relief Society President of the Manhattan Ward

Hey there! I’m Nicole Pettit. I am originally from the Los Angeles area. I am the oldest in my family and have two sisters and one brother. I spent most of my teenage years living in Switzerland, where I initially fell in love with Europe and vowed to go to college there. After my mission to Saint Petersburg, Russia I moved to Paris to study fashion design and pattern making. I spent last year making gowns for an haute couture brand in Paris and for my own clients and I loved every second of it.

This summer I decided to move back to the US and have ended up working for a bridal brand here in New York! I love the excitement, energy and history of the city.

Meet Sarah Jane Hansen, Relief Society President of the Lincoln Square Ward

Hello everyone! Sarah Jane Hansen here! (I go by Sarah Jane). I grew up in Salt Lake City and have been loving living in NYC for 3.5 years now. I came here to be close to siblings and to work as an actuary at New York Life Insurance Company doing math and analysis. To balance out the nerdy-ness I also love to travel, run, go to shows, and eat lots of food and treats.

Q & A with Nicole and Sarah Jane

Q: If time and money were no object, where would you live and what would you do?

Nicole: I would move to a (small and cosy) French manor, have tea with my friends and family, tromp through the fields and forests reading good books, spend my evenings hand sewing dainty little dresses and fulfill my Pride and Prejudice dreams. Every once in a while I’d travel to some exotic country to shake things up a little bit!

Sarah Jane: Right now in life I really do love living in New York so I’d stay here but probably upgrade to a really nice apartment on Central Park West with a view. Definitely moving out of a walk up. I would be a stats adjunct professor or go back to school in economics or stats. And also travel *a lot*.

Q: What is one of your most cherished memories of receiving service or being ministered to?

Nicole: A while ago when I was home sick and lonely on Easter Sunday a thoughtful friend brought me a little easter basket of soup, herbal tea and chocolate, hid it in the bushes around my apartment, and stayed to talk for a bit (socially distanced). Her kindness and pure love touched me so much! I think ministering is most meaningful when it is just an act of true friendship.

Sarah Jane: This last bit I’ve had one of my arms in a sling which has made random things much harder and time consuming. It’s a vulnerable experience being served and specifically asking for it, but I had two good friends from the ward fold and put away my laundry. I really needed it both physically and emotionally. They were so nice and helped remove any feelings of guilt or embarrassment. When I look out at my more clean room I am relieved and feel loved.

Q: What is your favorite way to unwind/relax?

Nicole: I love to unwind by doing yoga, going on a long walk in nature, (living close to Central Park was a necessity for me to be able to move to New York!) dancing around my kitchen, curling up with a good book or talking with a friend!

Sarah Jane: I definitely watch movies. It feels like such a strong contrast from the rest of busy life that I love it.

Q: When you are looking to receive divine inspiration, what techniques work best for you?

Nicole: When I am looking to receive inspiration I go straight to the temple if I can because it makes it so much easier to block out the noise and stress of the world and open my spirit to receiving guidance and help. I also spend a lot of time in other holy places like my room, my car or out in nature praying, writing my questions and thoughts, and looking for insights and answers in the scriptures.

Sarah Jane: I find that pondering is my new favorite addition. When I not only read, study, and pray, but also spend peaceful time pondering before and after, I open the door for more revelation throughout. Some of my clearest answers have come as I am walking or cooking or resting in bed reflecting.

Q: What is your "best-kept secret" food spot?

Nicole: A great place that I recently discovered is a Georgian restaurant called Cheeseboat in Hell’s Kitchen!

Sarah Jane: In general I feel like Ethiopian food doesn’t get the attention it deserves! There’s a place by me Awash (at 106th and Amsterdam) and it is such a fun unique experience! Great samplers which you can eat with your hands. Also great if you or a friend is vegetarian/vegan. Let me know if you ever want someone to go with!