20 Questions is a blog series where each month we will be interviewing Communities In Schools of Jacksonville staff members. This month’s guest is Mattie Robinson, AmeriCorps VISTA Resource Development Coordinator.
- Where were you born/ raised?
- Mattie was born and raised, and has always lived in Jacksonville Florida.
- What’s one of your most memorable moments from your childhood?
- Mattie felt like she was the “off child,” one year on her birthday. All day long, from the beginning of the day to when she got home from school, all the way to dinner, in 6th grade on her birthday, her entire family said nothing to her. Mattie thought that her family had forgotten her birthday, and birthdays are something that are big and important to her. That night, her mom brought out a cake and her entire family sang to her, and celebrated her, which made it a memorable moment for her.
- If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and who would you go with?
- Paris! Mattie has wanted to go to Paris her entire life. She said that on her first trip there she would go with her girlfriends, so that she could really go and see everything and enjoy it, and on her second trip she would go with her significant other.
- If you could learn anything what would it be?
- If Mattie could learn anything she would learn how to be an engineer. She said it does require a lot of math, but she would love to work on a boat or an airplane, but emphasized that she would not want to fly on it!
- What are three traits that define you?
- The three things that define Mattie are her personality, her will and determination, and how humble and helpful she is.
- What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
- The weirdest job that Mattie ever had was an outbound call customer service representative. She said she didn’t like being the one who made the calls, because people would hang up on her and it was not a very enjoyable job. She said she lasted for about 3 days!
- What’s one thing you wish you could tell your 15-year-old self?
- One thing Mattie wishes she could tell her 15-year-old self is to not let people walk all over her. She said that it is important to be helpful and humble, but to not be so naïve.
- What was your favorite subject in school?
- Mattie’s favorite subject in school in school was math. She said she loved dealing with figures, such as money.
- What is one of your pet peeves?
- Mattie said that one of her pet peeves is that she has a little OCD, and then she said, “maybe a little more than OCD.” She loves to have things organized, neat and in order!
- Do you have any hobbies/ activities that you participate in?
- Some of Mattie’s hobbies include watching movies and music. She said she loves them both, and all varieties. She also said she loves to clean, and has her own cleaning business. She said it makes her feel free.
- What is your favorite movie?
- Mattie’s favorite movie is the newer Beauty and the Beast. She said she loves the concept of the movie, and that she wanted him to stay the Beast the whole time because she loved the character!
- What is one thing you dread doing?
- Mattie said there aren’t many things she dreads doing, but if she had to choose it would be folding clothes, and getting gas. She says she’s on “E” almost every day.
- If you could meet one person, dead or alive, who would it be?
- Mattie says if she could meet one person, it would be Harriet Tubman. She says she admires her determination and willingness to help people be free. She also emphasized Harriet’s ability to start something and finish it. Mattie says she loves helping people, and really admires the amazing things Harriet Tubman has done.
- What is the last book you read?
- The last book Mattie read was a book titled, “Shift happens.” She says it is a great read, and a motivational book.
- What motivates you?
- Mattie said she is motivated by people, including her children, mother and grandmother. She said that helping others is also something that motivates her.
- If you won the lottery, what is the 1st thing you’d do?
- Mattie said the first thing she would do if she won the lottery would be to pay her tithe at church. She also said she would immediately set up a college fund for her children, and would never let her mother work again. She would buy a 5-bedroom, 4 bath house with a two car garage, and would buy a Lexus and a Tahoe. She also had a great idea as to what she would do for the homeless population. She would book an entire hotel for a night, and allow people to come in eat, and take a shower. She said she would hire someone to do their hair and nails, and would have designer clothes for them to wear. She said she would give each person a care package with gift-cards and money, and motivate them that they’re not alone! She also says she can’t forget to donate to Communities in Schools of Jacksonville!
- How long have you worked at Communities in Schools?
- Mattie has worked at CIS for 7 years!
- What advice do you have for kids who are struggling in school?
- Advice that Mattie has for kids who are struggling in school is to never give up! She said even though you may struggle, it is in your struggles that you find strength.
- What is your favorite thing about your coworkers?
- Mattie’s favorite thing about her coworkers in how much they love each other, and how well they get along. She said they are funny, and they are always willing to compromise, as well as work hard and work together.
- What is your favorite thing about working at CIS?
- Mattie first started working at Communities in Schools, because of how much love she has for children. She says that every day she gets to see the things that they go through, and how CIS is there for them. She says she loves the love and willingness that CIS has, and they will not give up. She also loves how CIS treats each child like it was their own child, and loves the amenities such as food pantries, and closets of clothing that they can offer to these children. She says she has an awesome job!
