What is your routine for the first few hours of your day?
I like to kick off my day with a workout before heading into work. Once on campus, I’m looking through the incident reports from the night before and checking any emails that may need responses before going into a day of meetings.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?
Focusing on your overall well-being is not selfish. You truly cannot give 110% at all times and be everything to everyone. You have to know your boundaries and learn how to show up as your best self. Taking care of yourself is what allows you to be present in this work.
What is your favorite campus dining hall meal?
At Purdue, our dining halls will have a variety of dips with chips available. My personal favorite is our spinach artichoke dip. When I see that on the menu, I know where I’m going.
What is something that someone has done for you lately for which you were most grateful?
My fellow associate director brought me coffee on a Friday morning. We will often alternate who brings the coffee on a morning at least once a week as a way to cheer each other on for the week, and I don’t know what I’d do without him or that coffee.
What was your favorite class when you were a student?
Abnormal Psychology. At one point in time, I thought about becoming a therapist and found this course so interesting, just to learn more about how the mind works.
What hobby would you pursue if time and money were no object?
I would love to roast my own coffee beans. Coffee is something that has become a major interest for me, and I have enjoyed trying all different kinds over the last several years. I’d love to invest in learning more.
What is your favorite tradition from any campus where you have worked?
While at the University of Iowa during their On Iowa! orientation program, the culminating event is Kickoff at Kinnick, which includes all first-year students on the field creating an “I.” It's such an amazing event at a legendary stadium to be a part of.
What song do you count on to hype you up to start the day or help you celebrate at the end of a long one?
“Last Nite” by The Strokes.
Jessica Watts is the associate director of residential life for staffing for university residences and Purdue Dining & Culinary at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Do you want to see yourself or a colleague included in the Snapshot column? Complete the questions on this form or share the link with someone who you think we should get to know better.