Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile, ten questions with ALSC member, Joanna Ison.
1. What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?
I am ALSC’s new Program Officer for Projects and Partnerships. I started in this position in late December 2012.
2. What’s your favorite season?
Summer, my first Chicago winter can’t end soon enough!
3. What are you proudest of having accomplished in your professional career?
My proudest accomplishment is the two years I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kyrgyzstan. I had the great opportunity to work alongside motivated teachers, business owners, and community members to implement a number of education and development projects in our small village. The whole experience was fantastic!
4. What is your favorite word?
I can’t think of just a single word, but my favorite phrase is a Kyrgyz proverb: Ðки тоо көрүшпөй. Ðки адам көрүшөт. The English translation is “Two mountains can never meet, but two people always can.”
5. Carnivore, Omnivore, or Herbivore?
Herbivore.
6. What children’s book character did you most identify with growing up?
If you ask my parents they would probably tell you Alexander in Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst. But I think I identified more with the kid in Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
7. Eating out or eating at home?
Both! I love to cook but I also love to sample foods from all over the world.
8. Favorite Caldecott book?
Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg (1982 winner). I liked this book so much growing up that I named my dog Jumanji.
9. If you could bring a folk or fairytale character to life, who would it be?
Mulan from the Disney animated feature film — she is tough, she is witty, she stands up for what she believes and who wouldn’t want to meet the woman who saved China?!
10. Campfire or fireplace?
Campfire. I love hiking, camping, biking, climbing mountains… anything outside!
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Thanks, Joanna! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature! (Joanna can be reached at jison@ala.org)
Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile? Are YOU brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to alscblog@gmail.com; we’ll see what we can do.