This month’s blog is an interview with GEAR UP’s College Coordinator, Jana Burd. Find out more about Jana below.
What has been your favorite GEAR UP activity/event so far and why?
Campus visits are always some of my favorite events, because students really get to envision themselves on campus as a future student. But my overall favorite event over the past 5 years is probably the 2024 Summer Bridge Camp we did with Student Success Agency and Arizona GEAR UP. It was so cool to work with so many people we hadn’t met before, but also a lot of familiar faces. The students had so much fun and built a stronger bond with not only each other, but staff too!
What is one thing about you that surprises people when they find out? Why is this surprising?
People are often surprised to learn that I am an introvert and really enjoy being alone in the quiet. I have such an extroverted role on the team that requires me to be loud and outspoken, especially working with students all day, so it’s surprising that I actually prefer to do the opposite. I do really love my job, but there’s something about peaceful solitude that is invaluable for me.
What new skill(s) would you like to learn and why?
I really want to learn American Sign Language (ASL). I have always been interested in learning languages, and I’ve known many people throughout my life who use ASL. I’ve noticed several signs lately that I should learn ASL, so I think it’s time I dive into learning this new skill!
What movie or TV show could you re-watch forever and why do you like it so much?
I’m not sure if there’s one specific show, but mostly kids shows from the early 2000s (Disney, Nick, PBS/Discovery Kids, etc.) I could watch on repeat. Shows like That’s So Raven, Kim Possible, The Proud Family, Ned’s Declassified, Danny Phantom, Avatar: The Last Airbender – there are too many to choose from (including DCOMs)! These shows bring back great memories with my siblings, as watching these shows was often how we bonded at home.
If you could live the life of a fictional character, who would you choose and why?
So I wouldn’t necessarily want to live the life of a specific character, but I’d like to live in the world of Netflix’s “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power” – specifically the end of season 5 (spoiler alert: it was a happy ending). I just really loved the characters and enjoyed the story so much that I never wanted it to end! If I got to live there and be friends with the characters, then I’d get to experience the awesomeness first hand and it truly would never end – so yay!
Give us a fun fact about Jana!
I love the library! Growing up in a military family, my siblings and I used to do the summer reading programs at our local libraries wherever we lived. This summer, I am excited that I get to do the summer reading challenge with Clark County Libraries. I read all kinds of fiction novels, but usually I’m reading romcoms & romantasy stories. If anyone has book recommendations, I’m always adding to the TBR list!
