Name: Jessica Meyers

Year: Second Year

Major: Economics and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Hometown: Yorktown, VA

1.    What brought you to the Women's Center?

I dropped by the Women’s Center one time last year just to study, and I felt incredibly at home. A lot of spaces at UVa feel really competitive, even the library. I’ll think to myself, “Oh no, I’m on twitter, and that person is studying, so I need to be studying!” It can be really motivating, but it can also be really difficult. At the Women’s Center, though, that feeling of competitiveness disappears. Everyone works to make you feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed.

2.    What other organizations are you involved with at UVA?

I am a Career Peer Educator at the Career Center in the Public Service and Government Community, a campaign fellow with University Democrats, and the Co-President of University Leaders of Planned Parenthood. I also attend the Spongebob Club from time to time.

3.    If you could describe your intern team in 3 words, what would they be?

Funny, supportive, and thoughtful

4.    What is your favorite memory of UVA thus far?

The Anderson Paak concert last semester was amazing. He is one of my favorite artists and getting to see him live (for free) was amazing. Also, literally anything to do with Cavman. I think he is such a hilarious mascot that anytime I see him, I crack up. He was in Newcomb one time just giving people high-fives and I would not stop laughing. He is so ridiculous. I don’t even know what it is. Those animated videos before football games are cinematic masterpieces.

5.    What does leadership mean to you?

To me, leadership comes down to the ability to listen, empathize, and act. I think the best leaders are the ones that inspire thought-provoking dialogue, and then transform those ideas into a plan. You can learn so much more from listening than you can by talking.

6.    What is your guilty pleasure?

I have too many. Of course, I love watching Netflix and eating snacks (ideally popcorn or extra toasty Cheez-Its). I have been watching Breaking Bad recently. That show is wild. I also love Food Network shows: Chopped, Cutthroat Kitchen, and Halloween Baking Championship are some of my favorites.