If you really knew me, you’d know that I’ve always felt different than other people and I’ve been called mean, ugly, and hateful things because of my differences. But despite the things that make me different, I’ve always wanted to belong somewhere, so I made my own community of people who love and support me. That’s why diversity is important to me.

I have more friends online than I do in real life because I am so shy in person.

I support GLBT rights because I believe love is for everyone.

I am an artist and I see beauty in everything that surrounds me.

I am a wife, a daughter, a sister, a niece, an aunt, and a best friend.

I am a godparent even though I do not recognize formal religion.

I am often the most overweight person at the gym, but I don’t let that stop me from trying to be a better, healthier version of myself.

In a world of technology, I still have an overwhelming love of books. I love that I can get lost in these amazing and creative worlds that authors create. I read more books in a month than most people read in a year, and I’m not embarrassed that they are mostly Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. The amount of creativity that these authors possess and the fact that they have the courage to share never ceases to amaze me.

I may be from Ohio, but I have a love for Eastern North Carolina Shag Dancing and Beach Music.

I advocate and volunteer to raise money for Cancer awareness. This has become even more important to me since my husband was diagnosed with Cancer last year. While we were very lucky, the experience taught me to never take one second of life for granted.

Before you judge someone because they are different, think about what it’s like to walk a mile in their shoes.

Jennifer works in the Document Delivery and Interlibrary Loan department.