The Un-Mentioned Superhero By: Dixie Robinson

At Avila University, there is a building named Dallavis that houses the Communication and Art Majors, but what many people don't know is that it's also the home of five superheroes that lurk throughout the classrooms. They are known as the Communicators, each possessing unique talents that help their students thrive not only in college, but also when they enter the real world where evil comes around every corner. However, amongst all of these superheroes, there's one that's missing. This superhero is one that works behind the scenes, but is arguably the most important one yet: The Mighty, Mighty Multitasker!

Her civilian name is Janine Urness and her official title is the Office Manager of Dallavis, but she is much more than that. As she states, "My focus is actually to make the department run smoothly, whatever that entails. It entails everything actually." Many would assume that her job just has to deal with paperwork and budgets because one can always find her in her office, but she makes it clear that that's not even half of it. To put it simply, she does whatever is needed in Dallavis whether it be IT problems, student affairs, advising, paperwork, or even just being a friendly face to say, "Hi," to every day. Being pulled in so many directions at all points of the day seems as though it would be tiring or stressful, but just as a true superhero she states, "It's easy. I mean, you know, because things come up at the last minute all the time and I just get up and I'll do it, unless I'm in the middle of something I absolutely have to have done right now. Generally I'm usually on top of everything, so I'm not running behind."

 Janine Urness

With all she does for Dallavis, one would assume that everyone would recognize and know her, but that's not the case. In fact, many students didn't even know her name when asked about past experiences they may have had with her. Bear in mind that even Batman and Spiderman aren’t seen too closely in order to keep the mystery as to who they really are. Don't be discouraged though, because there are loyal, Janine-loving students who have only the best things to say about her. Four students from Dallavis were interviewed with one general statement: “Tell me about Janine,” and all four had only positive things to say about her. The main things mentioned were her kindness and willingness to help. It doesn’t just stop at the students either. Dr. Joseph Snorgrass, another superhero who roams the Dallavis halls, doesn’t even hesitate to ask Janine for IT help during his classes when he can’t find the solution.

The entrance to Janine's office

Janine didn’t just become the superhero that she is today, overnight however. In fact, she originally started out in nursing, and left because it was too high of a stress job. This is ironic because one would think that being in such high demand to those in Dallavis would be very stressful, but according to Janine it’s not stressful at all even though she acknowledges that to some people it would be. She also has been working as the Office Manager at Avila University for 11 years, so she definitely has had years of practice with handling Dallavis’ needs. Her favorite part of this job though is, “interacting with the students,” and that makes all of the matters that come her way worth it.

The key to really understanding a superhero is realizing that they’re just like normal humans too. Although she no longer has animals, she used to have two dogs that both passed away. Also like average humans, there are small things about her job that annoy her as well such as people running to her for help before trying to fix the problems themselves. Lastly, her music choice includes variety artists including Bon Jovi, Taylor Swift, and Adele. She pretty much stays on Pandora, and people who have been in Dallavis can hear this first-hand.

One of the rare times shs'e not in

 

Her art work says a lot about her

More artwork!

Unfortunately, as with all superheroes, there must come an end to their salvation. When asked about this, Janine had many things to say, the first of her plans being, “To not work here [Avila] anymore,” as she chuckled honestly. Her future goals and plans don’t all include work or the lack of work though. She also wishes to get her son through medical school, travel (primarily the Caribbean), and just enjoy her life without working, whatever that may be at the time. Until that time comes however, students and teachers at Avila University are lucky to have such a vital superhero in their midst to help solve their problems regardless of what they are. Janine Urness is a superhero by all definitions of the word because she not only handles the business aspects of Dallavis, but also the social and technical aspects of Dallavis. Janine is by all counts, The Mighty, Mighty Multitasker!

Janine and myself

For more about Janine, follow:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL47n2JLykE