THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, February 10, 1995 TAG: 9502090090
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E14 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: GROOVY SAPIEN
SOURCE: BY HOLLY WESTER, CAMPUS CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Long : 105 lines
WHEN SHE WAS growing up, 21-year-old Jan Thornton spent a lot of her time in the backyard garage, watching her dad fix cars.
Thornton, now a senior at Norfolk State University, turned those hours of observation into a job last February, when she joined the Ford Motor Co. assembly plant. She works on the No. 2 trim line every weeknight, usually from 5:30 p.m. to 4 a.m., installing electronic fuel injection and air cleaner brackets and diesel battery trays.
Besides spending 50-plus hours a week at the plant, Thornton volunteers about 24 hours each month with Davis Corner Volunteer Rescue Squad as an emergency medical technician. As an ambulance driver and attendant in charge, she is responsible for the crew and medical care at any scene.
When she isn't hitting the books, assembling trucks or helping others, Thornton spends her time decorating cakes for anniversaries, weddings and birthdays, a trade she learned while working at Farm Fresh.
Full name: Jan Alice Thornton
Birthdate: July 7, 1973
Birthplace: Norfolk
Siblings: One sister, Shannon Barger, 25
Education: Graduated from Bayside High School in 1991, went to Old Dominion University from 1991-93 and now attends Norfolk State University pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing.
What is your idea of a perfect day off: Having my to-do list completed so I have no worries and can relax and sleep on the beach, maybe with my best friends.
Last smart thing you did: I went to work at Ford, yet stayed in college. It was smart to do but very difficult.
Last dumb thing you did: I shut my hair in the car door.
Favorite meal: Mexican food with chips and cheese.
Favorite movies: Any comedies - I loved ``The Flintstones.''
Favorite singer/band: Changing Faces, Vince Gill and Randy Travis
Last book read: Stephen King's ``Delores Claiborne.'' I read school books all the time or freshen up on my emergency medical technician book, otherwise.
Hobbies: Cake decorating
Best date you've been on: I can't think of any great dates I've been on, but an evening on the water (like the Spirit of Norfolk) for a moonlit cruise with someone I really care for would be a night to remember.
Worst date you've been on: I had a date with a really nice man - dinner and a movie. Then he started rubbing my leg and wouldn't take a hint. He rubbed it for over two hours. It drove me crazy! I even tried holding his hand, but he rubbed my hand. Ugh!
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My knees! I have knock-knees, so I'd make them normal.
If you could change one thing about your parents, what would it be? I'd make them rich, so they wouldn't have any more financial worries.
Secret vice: Being optimistic. Things don't bother me much, and I treat others nicely, even on bad days. Others have nothing to do with your personal life or problems.
Favorite restaurant: El Rodeo
Favorite place to shop: Any clothing store
Your favorite night out on the town: Dressing up, going to dinner and then dancing with friends.
Favorite TV shows: ``Flintstones,'' ``Rescue 911'' and ``ER''
Last vacation: An extended weekend in Nags Head with friends. We stayed in a beautiful house on the water and relaxed.
Pets: A Pomeranian named Molly.
Best job: Ford is the best paying, but I enjoy helping people, so the Rescue Squad is my best job.
Worst job: Making doughnuts at Farm Fresh. It's lonely and hard work. Some of the jobs at Ford that ergonomically don't fit me are not fun.
What achievements are you most proud of? I'm most proud of helping people or just making someone smile, whether it was a child I helped with reading or a hurt person I helped. I'm proud that I've maintained a 4.0 grade-average at NSU since I began working at Ford. I'm proud of earning my new car - a red Mustang convertible.
What would you like to be in 10 years? An emergency medical physician or pediatrician.
If you could change one thing in America, what would it be and why? I would take criminals away and make peace between all people, so people could live happy together and not worry about their safety.
Heroes and role models: I look to my father quite often for advice and some of his philosophies on life, some of which are passed on from my grandfather.
Your most unique trait: My ability to accomplish everything in my daily/weekly routine.
Best subject: Math
Worst subject: History
What makes you mad? Dishonesty, because I don't like to be lied to and racism, because I want people to look at others for who they are, not their color.
If a movie was filmed about your life, what would be the dramatic turning point? My entire life has changed since I've been working for Ford. Before, I worked three jobs, went to school and still baby-sat or made cakes outside of work (I was enterprising). Now, I'm still just as busy, but I'm saving for a future. I don't worry about my finances quite as much. I still have a goal, and I work day to day hoping to fulfill my goals and dreams. MEMO: Holly Wester is a sophomore at Virginia Wesleyan College. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by JIM WALKER, Staff
Jan Thornton, 21, attends NSU and works on the trim line at Ford
Motor Co.
by CNB