This week I am so excited to introduce you to a young woman who is inspiring, motivated, strong-willed, and genuine. She is stronger than I can ever imagine myself being, she competes in NPC Bikini Competitions, and she even does makeup on the side. I have the honor of calling her friend…the lovely Jessie Weiner.
Q: What are the competitions that you compete in?
A: I compete in NPC Bikini competitions. NPC is the National Physique Committee and these competitions are physique related events that focus on muscle definition and appearance.
Q: Why did you choose to compete? What motivated you?
A: I have ALWAYS been into fitness. Struggling with weight my entire life, I have always been interested and invested in eating healthy and working out. In high school, I took a weight lifting gym class and I loved it. I have never been very athletic; I was a cheerleader, but that was the extent of my athleticism until I began working out. I started learning and researching competing after sophomore year of college and when I returned to school the fall semester of junior year, my good friend Nick badgered me about competing. That summer, multiple people at my local gym asked if I competed. I was so confused because in my head, I was still chubby and clearly did not know what I was doing. After a few weeks of Nick bugging me, I said, “screw it!” I signed on with Nick as my coach and began prepping for a show in October. At first, I only wanted to do the show to give myself an end goal and to hold myself accountable. Let’s face it, bouncing around on a stage, wearing what is supposed to be considered a bikini, in front of a giant audience, is definitely something that will keep my diet in check. After seeing my body COMPLETELY transform, I was hungry for more. I was motivated by the results that were occurring both physically AND mentally. I am finally beginning to love my body… I’m not completely there yet, but this sport and the people involved constantly motivate me to be better and do better.
Q: What are your dreams for the future?
A: In the fitness realm, I am shooting for the stars – I want to earn my pro card and compete in the Olympia one day. For those that don’t know what this means, after winning a National show you earn a pro card, which means you are now considered a professional athlete. Then, Olympia is the top of the top – it’s like the olympics for bodybuilding; only the best make it.
For the rest of my world, I just want to be a better person. I dream of changing lives and making a positive impact on those around me. I love to help people, which is part of the reason why I want to be a teacher. In the long run, though, I want to go back to school to get my masters in psychology, working with troubled teens that struggle with substance abuse, eating disorders, self mutilation, etc.
Q: Are you involved in anything on campus?
A: With working two jobs, getting school work done and prepping for shows, it is definitely hard to stay super involved. However, I joined the ECE club freshman year and hope to become part of KDP this year!
Q: Favorite thing about Rowan?
A: My favorite thing about Rowan is how intimate the class settings are. There are only 9 of us in my cohort for ECE/Literacy Studies and we have become the best of friends. I know I would not have had anything like this at any other school and these girls have helped me grow so much as a person, during these four years. The professors, too, become part of a family that we establish during our time here. They truly care about your life both in and out of Rowan and because of this, they really help you become successful.
Q: Favorite song at the moment?
A: “Perfect Strangers” by Jonas Blue; but my ALL TIME favorite song, my happy song, and the song I play whenever I need a pick-me-up is “You Make My Dreams Come True” by Hall and Oates.
Q: Favorite meal of the day? What do you have?
A: My protein ice cream! For my post workout meal, I am supposed to have a scoop of Whey Isolate Protein Powder and white rice…for my protein shake, I blend it up with a bunch of ice and sometimes cashew milk to make it a soft serve ice cream! YUMMMMMMM!
Q: Favorite coffee flavor or favorite coffee shop?
A: I am a total coffee snob. I prefer small, privately owned coffee shops, like Crescent Moon in Mullica Hill. But otherwise, Starbucks is my go-to. I like Americano’s pulled ristretto with a sugar free flavor shot.
Q: What’s something you want people to know about you?
A: In a year’s time, I transformed from a thick, party girl to a much leaner, first time, bikini competitor, but that is not the biggest transformation I have made. I have changed so much within myself. Before this season, I was angry, insecure, and unsure of who I was. In the past, I struggled with depression for six years, feeling hopeless that I would never find myself. Pushing myself past my comfort zone, I was able to uncover a girl that was strong and happy and excited about life- that is something I can’t capture in pictures, but it is something everyone can see in me and something I can FINALLY see in myself.
Q: Current mantra?
A: Do not claim you want to grow and then run away the minute you feel growing pains.
Q: Favorite quote?
A: “Every saint has a past, every sinner has a future” -Oscar Wilde
If you want to keep up with Jessie & her journey, follow her on Instagram! (@missjesss16)