Get To Know Jaymie Bianca, Distinguished Young Woman of Connecticut 2017

Hi everyone! My name is Jaymie Bianca and I am the Distinguished Young Woman of Connecticut for 2017! I am currently an eighteen-year-old freshman at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut and originally from Bristol, Connecticut! I do not declare a major until next year, however, I plan on majoring in Educational Policy with a possible minor in Creative Writing.

I would love to say that my adjustment to college life has been easy, but that would not be the case. Entering a whole new world without my high school friends by my side has been both tough and confusing. I felt as if I was put in football game with no prior experience, no pads for protection, and little wisdom. Nevertheless, I preserved through the obstacle of unfamiliarity. The factors that really helped my transition would have to be joining clubs and trying new things. I have joined Best Buddies, two community service clubs, have written two articles for the Trinity Tripod (our school newspaper), and I will be acting in our upcoming production of Macbeth! Everything is slowly but surely falling into place, and I cannot wait to see what my future holds here at Trinity.

Now, I would love for you all to get to know me better! Here is a short little quiz to get a glimpse into my personality!

Q- Favorite TV show?

A- This is Us! I cry every episode! It is so beautifully written and executed.

Q- Favorite holiday tradition?

A- Every Thanksgiving night, my family and I drive to Hubbard Park in Meriden, CT to see all of the lights they display every year. We make hot chocolate and cookies and bring them with us while admiring the lights. We started this tradition about five years ago, and it has continued ever since!

Q- Favorite quote?

A- “You can’t control the cards you’re dealt, but you can control how you play the hand.”

Q- Favorite time of day?

Dusk! The sky is usually an array of different colors. If it is summer, the heat has usually subsided during this time, and it is a beautiful hour for a walk or for just sitting outside and reading a book!

Q- Favorite time of year?

The holiday season! Different towns are usually decorated beautifully. People truly make an effort to give back to their communities as well, which is wonderful to see.

Plan ahead OR procrastinate

-I unfortunately believe I do my best work under pressure, but I know that procrastination is a terrible habit I must break?

Paper OR plastic

-Probably more of a plastic kind of gal!

Glass half-full OR glass half-empty

-Always half full- I’m quite the optimist!

Introvert OR extrovert

-I identify as an extrovert, but also need time to recharge and reconnect with myself and the world as well.

Cats OR Dogs

Both!

Morning person OR night person

-There is nothing like a late-night study session!

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you absolutely need for survival?

My brother, a blank journal, and a pen!

What would I find in your refrigerator right now (if you have one)?

Orange vanilla seltzer (the best seltzer ever!), strawberry yogurt, and clementines.

What is your biggest fear?

That I will die before I am able to accomplish all of my dreams in life. 

Sum yourself up in three words.

Compassionate, Vivacious, Outgoing 

What do you want to be when you grow up and why?

I want to be an advocate for individuals with disabilities. I have seen the struggles my brother has endured growing up with a disability, and I desire to advocate for policies and initiatives to improve the quality of life for the disabled population. 

My favorite DYW moment would have to be from nationals. One Sunday, we went to Dauphin Island. After the festivities were complete, me, my roommate Neha (DYW of Mississippi) and our host parents drove us around a bit, showing us the different houses and a specific place where the waves were quite prevalent and visible. I just remember this moment of calmness and simplicity; sticking my feet in the sand, feeling the coolness given off by the waves. It was a moment of pure relaxation with my lovely friend and host parents, and I will forever recollect that memory, noting it as a time where I felt completely and utterly at ease.