THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 6, 1995 TAG: 9510060042
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E9 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY GINA GINN HIGH SCHOOL, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 87 lines
WHAT'S MY homework? Where's my work uniform? What shift am I working?
On an average day, Norview High senior Joanna Collins will ask herself all of these questions and more. Joanna is among the group of teenagers who hold down a job as well as hold up a grade-point average.
They are also the ones who don't get much glory for being involved in extracurricular activities or sports because they always have to work.
Joanna is a hard worker who often goes without much sleep and always gets everything done. Of course, a rigorous schedule has it's down side.
``What's a veejay?'' she asked as I posed the question that we ask all Groovy Sapiens. ``Why should you be a veejay on MTV?''
Who could really expect her to know after hours and hours of asking, ``Would you like fries with that?'' Joanna's only extracurricular activity is DECA, an association of marketing students. But she also is a creative writer who has a penchant for poetry.
Joanna is shy, and with all her obligations, she is hard to get to know. However, once you manage to break the ice, you'll find that the chocolate craving, Melrose-watching, name-tag wearing Joanna is just as interesting as the dude in biology with green hair.
My full, entire, birth name: Joanna Elizabeth Collins
I was born: Feb. 27, 1978 in Virginia Beach
Job: Arby's
Bros and sisters: Stepsister Carla Esbrandt, 18, and stepbrother Jonathan Esbrandt, 16
Educationally speaking, I am . . . a very well-rounded student.
My school in four words: Loud, crowded, good teachers
The killer day means . . . I wake up and all the furniture is missing, the Christmas presents are gone and there are roaches on the floor.
Boy, I was pretty smart when . . . I decided to take creative writing.
But I sure felt like an idiot after . . . I discovered a supposedly faithful ex-boyfriend was cheating on me.
When I have a crazy midnight snack craving, I want . . . chocolate.
My personal Oscars go to: Mrs. Elaine Rider, my math teacher, for going above and beyond the call of duty.
The song of the century is: ``Another Day in Paradise'' by Phil Collins.
The grooviest musical artist is: Janet Jackson because she has a unique style.
When I don't have anything else to do, I'm . . . writing poetry because it frees my mind.
Best date I've had: I went to Busch Gardens with my boyfriend and bullied him into riding the Loch Ness Monster.
And the worst: An ex-boyfriend of mine promised to take me out to dinner and we ended up going to a friend's house and he started drinking.
If I could change one thing about me I . . . would be able to control my temper better.
I wish my parents . . . didn't work so much.
The best place for mouth-watering chow is: The Olive Garden.
The ultimate night on the town would include: A candlelight dinner, a movie and a walk on the beach.
I make special arrangements to watch . . . ``Melrose Place.''
The last time I had a vacation . . . was a year ago. My family and I went to a company picnic in Baltimore.
My best job: Working at Arby's.
And the worst? Looking after a poodle with a bad temper.
I can easily brag about . . . my boyfriend because he's the only guy I've found who treats me decent.
In 10 years, I'd like to be . . . a marketing specialist.
If I could change one thing in America I would . . . lower the crime rate.
If a film were made about your life, what would be the dramatic turning point? The death of my mother.
Who would star in it? Rebecca De Mornay
My heroes are: Amy Grant because she has good morals and my dad because he helps me deal with hardships.
I am unique because: I'm a survivor, I learn to cope with the complex problems in my life.
What makes you mad? People who don't show up for work because then I get called in.
My life summed up in four words: Difficult, unusual, groovy and fun. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Gina Ginn is a senior at Norview High School.
Staff photo by D. KEVIN ELLIOTT
Norview senior Joanna Collins enjoys creative writing and poetry.
by CNB