Staff Spotlight on Jessica Fansler
Contract Specialist
Q. What’s the most meaningful part of working with the Florida Network?
Jessica: “The most meaningful part of working with the Florida Network is that you truly work with the Florida Network, not for the Florida Network. You are a part of the Florida Network Family! We are a TRUE NETWORK stretching our arms across the entire state helping Florida’s families and youth when they need it the most. I am lucky enough to work at the state office with a bird’s eye view and am able to see the Network in action. It is so beautiful to see Networkers from different Agencies support one another in a time of need and to know that some of the friendships made will last a lifetime.”
Q. What do you wish you had more time for each day?
Jessica: “My plants! Over the last couple of years, I have really gotten into gardening. I find it so therapeutic! This is my first year trying to grow vegetables from seeds. So far, so good! I just spotted my first ever baby golden squash last night! (I am SO excited!)”
Q. What book have you read that has impacted you most and why?
Jessica: “Hands down, The Untethered Soul. This book stopped me in my tracks and was a definite life changer. It calmed the chaos in my mind; it taught me to observe my thoughts instead of holding on and wrestling with them.”
Q. What keeps you going when you feel pressure or uncertainty?
Jessica: “Knowing my now, faith and gratitude. When things get tough or I start to feel pressure, I stop. RIGHT NOW, I have a beautiful family; I have a wonderful job (that I LOVE) to help support that family; I have my parents who live across the street who have been and continue to be a tremendous support system; I have a roof over my head; I have food to eat! I could go on forever but when things get tough, I stop and remember all that I have to be grateful for and have faith that this too shall pass. (It always does!)”
Q. What is something about the Florida Network you wish more people knew about?
Jessica: “How family-orientated we are. Many people I talk to who are not quite sure about the Network think that we are more like a big corporate company, which could not be further from the truth. We are more of a support team at the base lifting you up, not at the top looking down!”
“’Be the change you want to see in the world,’ ‘It trickles down from the top’ or ‘Lead by example’ are a few quotes I think of when I think of the Network. We absolutely are a Family; and every person on our small but mighty team, leads by example and works diligently to be the change they want to see in the world. I know a few Networkers myself who can attest to this!”
Q. What’s your favorite weekend activity?
Jessica: “Family time! Softball season just ended, but I LOVED getting to go to the field on Saturday morning and getting to watch my youngest play ball!”
“My other favorite weekend activity is going to our local park, putting on my muck boots and exploring/hiking through the ravine! (While karaoke-ing the whole time of course! Juuusssst kidding! BUT! I have to say that it is also a favorite of mine and I do it frequently. And not just on the weekends! LOL)”
Q. Who inspires you?
Jessica: “My first inspiration was my mother. Her stature, strength, work ethic, love for her family and life was always something to strive for. Coming full circle, my kids inspire me! It is funny how before I became a parent, I thought it was going to be my job to “teach” my kids and I would become their inspiration. While that may be true, becoming a parent is constant learning, always trying to do the right thing, and always striving to do better for them.”
Q. What do you want your legacy to be?
Jessica: “I want my legacy to be that I lived life to the fullest! I want to live an authentic life with purpose, full of passion, courage, inclusiveness, forgiveness, learning, faith and love. In addition to living this authentic life, I hope to inspire others to do the same. Be the change you wish to see in this world.”
Learn more about our team at https://floridanetwork.org/
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