Profile: Jodi Gillis

Jodi Gillis, a 1995 graduate of Princeton High School, can most often be seen with papers in hand, head up, zipping through the halls, all as part of her work for the UC Women's Center (UCWC).

Gillis is a full-time, evening student majoring in African American Studies and German. She has worked mornings at the UCWC for two years.

"Working at the Women's Center has helped me to grow," she said. "I've learned a lot in areas of women's issues. It has helped me define my own feminism, my personal viewpoints and stances on women's issues."

Talking with Gillis is easy. She melts listeners with a shy smile. Then, she looks you straight in the eye and responds to others' concerns with perfect diction and a bright, fresh outlook.

Being near Gillis when is at her desk is like sitting next to a high-voltage transformer. Outwardly, everything seems placid but enormous energy percolates just beneath the surface. Even though she appears deep in silent thought, the air is static with snapping energy.

Gillis said she studied German in high school "almost by accident. I liked the teacher so I followed the subject." After high school graduation, she worked as an au pair in Germany for a year.

Gillis will graduate in June and is trying to decide whether to take a job or go directly into graduate school. "I could work for the Peace and Freedom Center in Switzerland. If I go there, it will help me find out what I really want to do."

Gillis' graduate school choice include American University in Cairo, Egypt, and the University of Rochester (New York). She wants to study teacher English as a second language.

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