Why did you want to join the USC Newcomers’ Club?
To meet other people in the neighborhood. Other than my husband’s family, we didn’t know anyone when we moved here two years ago, and Newcomers seemed like a great way to start making new friends.

Where did you recently move from?
Washington, DC, where we lived for five years.

Where did you grow up?
North Florida, outside of Jacksonville, and south Georgia.

Where did you go to college and what did you study?
I went to Lee University, in Cleveland, TN, for my undergrad. My major was in political science. I also have an MS in Public Policy from Georgia Tech.

What do you do for your day job?
I work for Booz Allen Hamilton as a contractor at the National Energy Technology Laboratory. I’m an energy policy analyst. I write reports on things like the reliability of the electric grid, and how new or proposed environmental policies might affect energy markets.

Do you have any kids?
I have two daughters.

If so what are their names and ages?
Hope is six; she’s a kindergartner at Eisenhower. Naomi is 19 months.

Do you have any pets?
I have both a dog and a cat.

What do you like to do for fun?
Hang out with other Newcomers! Most of my free time these days is spent doing family activities with my husband and kids. We like to go hiking on nearby trails or visit the Strip District on the weekends. I read whenever I get a chance. I used to sew, too, but I haven’t even pulled out my sewing machine since my younger daughter was born.

What books on your shelf are begging to be read?
The next book on my reading list is Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. I read her book Housekeeping a few years ago, and I loved it so much.

What’s the biggest goal you are working on now?
Finding that elusive work/life balance. I’m always forgetting something on my to-do list.

What upcoming Newcomers’ event are you looking forward to attending?
The progressive dinner. This will be my first one; I’m really excited about it.

What other things do you want your fellow newcomers to know about yourself?
Is this the part where I share random facts about myself? I make a really good veggie lasagna, and one time I bought a manual transmission car because I thought being able to drive one would be a good life skill to have. Then I had to figure out how to drive it home.