In this new blog series, we'll be introducing you to members of the Library's Synapse Team. Today, we're excited to introduce you to Jusdina from Nanini Library.
What do you do to turn things around when you’re having a bad day?
I’m a huge animal lover so when I’m feeling really down or overwhelmed my favorite thing to do is spend time with my animals. I’m very lucky to have a bit of land so we have goats, chickens, dogs, cats, and a hedgehog. We also just experienced our first kidding season (time when baby goats are born) and have the cutest doelings hopping all around right now.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
I feel like I have been given a lot of good advice in my life and the one that always sticks out in my mind is when my 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Allen, started telling me “Don’t sweat the small stuff”. I was always upset when I didn’t do something perfectly and she knew that my perfectionism was causing anxiety and her telling me this refrain over and over throughout the school year helped me let go of things that were not a big deal in the long run. Over 20 years later, I still remember it clearly.
What energizes you at work? What kinds of activities energize you in general?
Potlucks and my coworkers are the two things that really energize me at work. I think food is always a great way to put anyone in a good mood and I am so lucky to work with amazing friends where the amount of laughter we share is good for my soul. Outside of work I get recharged in more introverted ways like listening to an audiobook while sitting with my chickens.
What’s a small act of kindness you were once shown that you’ll never forget?
Once when I was out with my 3 kids and it was obvious that they were giving me a run for my money there was a kind older man who came up to me and said your children are beautiful and you are doing a great job. It cost him nothing but instantly made my day!
Where would you be right now if you had zero obligations and money didn’t matter?
A beautiful island with warm, clear water, cuddled up with my hubby on a comfy lounge chair on the beach, listening to the sound of waves crashing on the shore. Beaches are my happy place.
What motivates you most to come to work?
Whenever I think about leaving my job - usually this thought comes up when I am missing something my kids are doing at school or with sports – I get sad, I start to think about how much I would miss my coworkers and I realize that the work family that we have created at my library is special and being a part of that team motivates me to go to work.
