An old soul with a caring personality, a big heart, a “mom” to some of her suitemates and Pinterest extraordinaire–meet this week’s campus cutie, Jena Marinelli.
Name: Jena Marinelli
Year: Junior
Major: Educational Studies
Hometown: Broomall, Pa
Activities: President of P.in.K (Power in Knowledge), Member of Delta Alpha Phi Honors Society
Relationship status: Single
Favorites:
Food: Homemade cookies, chicken pot pie, spaghetti and meatballs, baked ziti
Songs: “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
Movie: Grease
TV Show: Modern Family
Book: Tuesdays with Morrie
Color: Pearl pink. It’s not just pink, it’s a Grace Kelly kind of color–elegant and classy.
Places on campus: For anyone who knows me, it’s the library, the chapel or somewhere outside. Mainly the library.
Reason for choosing Cabrini?
I love the campus and the Disability Resource Center was a huge influence on me. I enjoyed the family aspect of the campus.
What is P.in.K?
We want to educate all majors on campus that women empowerment is important. All genders–male and female–can empower women. Girls can do anything they set their minds to.
What are your goals for the honors society?
We are open to all students with disabilities. We are trying to get awareness on campus that we learn differently. We want them to know it’s a safe place.
What is your inspiration for cooking?
Coming from a big Italian and Irish family, our core place to go is the kitchen. At the end of the day, we get to talk and make memories. I love cooking and I can’t wait to pass down to my kids what I’ve done.
Who are your idols?
Mom and Dad: They tell me to always believe in myself and take each day one day at a time.
My sisters: They are just amazing girls that are so smart, talented and inspiring.
My grandmother: Every Tuesday and Thursday, she would always cook us dinner. That’s why I love to cook. Family is so important to me–reflecting on the past and striving for the future.
If you could go back in time, where would it be and who would you want to be?
I would love to experience all of the events of the ’50s and ’60s. I wouldn’t want to be anyone else because that’s replacing historical people. I would rather go back in time and experience things through my own eyes.
Where would you love to be in the future?
I hope to be a guidance counselor and a mom. I really want to travel. I want to travel to Europe–Italy mainly–and New Orleans or wherever God takes me.
Favorite campus memories?
When I received Dean’s list. Getting into the honors society was a great accomplishment. Also, when I met my best friends here on campus. One I met in philosophy. Even though she sat behind me, we became best friends in the end.
How would your friends describe you?
Hard-working, dedicated, friendly, open-minded and caring
Most prized possession?
A vintage diamond ring from my mom-mom. However, I recently lost it.
Ryan Reynolds or Ryan Gosling?
Ryan Reynolds, is that even a question?