THE WILLOW PROJECT | "Serving the Homeless of Sacramento since 2001"
JENNIFER ELIA
Contact: jmelia@ucdavis.edu
Committee: Undergraduate Co-Manager
Major: Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior (NPB)
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Career Goals: Doctor
Year in School: Senior
Favorite Color: Cerulean (the blue crayon in the box)
Favorite Vacation Spot: Cancun
What do you like best about the Willow Project?
Unexpectedly, I would have to say the best thing about the Willow Project is the people involved. Everyone is just so energetic, enthusiastic, and motivating. It doesn’t matter what mood I’m in when I go to clinic or the meetings but I definitely leave with a smile on my face.
What is your most memorable Willow Project experience?
I was at clinic one fine Saturday morning preparing clam chowder for the patients. We brought a lot with us so we decided to go outside and serve it to all the homeless people who were hanging around the Salvation Army. One man proceeded to ask me if I knew the difference between New England clam chowder and Manhattan clam chowder. Of course I had no clue so he was very pleased to explain to me that Manhattan clam chowder is actually made using a tomato base rather than the usual milky base. He then continued to express his opinions on cooking and how women are terrible at it. Luckily, I was all out of clam chowder and had to go back in to get refills…
What does being a part of the Willow Project mean to you?
Being a part of the Willow Project means being a part of an amazing organization that serves a community that is often neglected. Serving the underserved population of Sacramento has proved to be such a rewarding experience. The interactions with the patients and staff as well as the clinical skills obtained are just a few of the awesome benefits I have received from being a part of the Willow Project.
Give an interesting story or fact about yourself?
An interesting fact about myself would probably have to be that I’m Egyptian. And no, my grandfather did not help build the pyramids, as some smart people have asked me in the past.
What fruit are you and why?
I would have to say I’m an orange. It’s not necessarily my favorite fruit but it’s available throughout the year and always helps you feel better when you’re sick.
What do you really think about Ryan & Jarae?
I honestly think Ryan and Jarae are awesome. They have a lot of energy and enthusiasm for the Willow Project and they brighten up the group. I’m really glad they are running Willow.