Hometown: Madison, Wis.; currently, Montpelier, Vt.
Role: Second Assistant Clerk, Vermont House of Representatives
Years of legislative service: Three
The skill or talent she’s most proud of: “I speak at least a little bit of nine languages. I am fluent in French, can get by in Icelandic and Pohnpeian, and have a handful of phrases in Italian, Swedish, Thai, Pingelapese and Yapese, and I have recently started to learn Spanish. Three of these languages are from my time living in Micronesia. Learning languages has been good preparation for learning the language and decorum of the General Assembly.”
Why did you choose to work at the Legislature?
I have always loved visiting statehouses in different States. As a college student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, I used to walk into the Capitol building and stare in awe at the ceiling of the main atrium as I lay on the floor. Later, my first job after law school was as the staff attorney of the state Supreme Court on the island of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia. This experience gave me a great appreciation for a strong rule of law. When my law school classmate sent me the position description for an opening in his office, I knew I would love working in parliamentary rules and procedure.
What’s the best advice you were ever given?
In college I met with an academic advisor who asked me if I enjoyed my psychology courses that were required for my major. I said, no, I hated them. She said, “What are you doing? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore your interests. You are going to look back on these years with disdain. You have an opportunity to take courses you’ll love. This time and this place are for you.” I changed my major to French and I have lived with this sentiment ever since.
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by those who work in public service to build a brighter future for the community.
What’s one thing you love about your state?
The Green Mountains are breathtaking and the views from the mountaintops are extraordinary.
What are you currently reading/listening to/watching?
I’ve recently finished several audiobooks read by the authors. Autobiographies of Shonda Rhimes, Viola Davis, Oprah, and now I am on to Prince Harry’s new book, “Spare.” I was interested in Harry’s book after watching the Netflix documentary on his and Meghan Markle’s departure from the royal family, or “Megxit.”
These email responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
For its “Staff Snapshots” series, State Legislatures News is asking legislative staff about their role in the legislature. To suggest a staffer for this series, please use the email icon above to contact Holly South.