(Photos by Christi Mathis)
September 02, 2009
Ten questions with ... Beth Alongi
Job on campus/department you work in: Publicity promotion specialist at the fabulous Student Health Center.
How long at SIUC: 20 years
Hometown: Du Quoin
When you were a youngster, what did you want to be when you grew up? A nurse
People don’t know that I… have a degree in photography and a Web site that shows some of my work: www.bethalongiphotography.com.
If you could choose another profession, what would it be and why? I’d love to do a monthly travel documentary magazine where each month I would travel to a new location and give people the “real life” scoop on the best places to stay for the money, great restaurants, and of course have it filled with photos of the things they must see while there. That job would basically cover all my favorite things- traveling, food and photography! My second choice would be a makeup artist in Hollywood, creating cool special effects, masks, etc.
What is something you still want to accomplish in life? Play the violin beautifully. (My niece says when I play it sounds like a cat crying).
Cats or dogs? Cats!
What is your favorite food and why? Pizza…from Alongi’s, of course! I think I could eat pizza every day.
Who has inspired you, and how? My parents are my inspiration. I joke and say they are the Cleavers, but it is true. With all their hearts they love each other, love God and truly cherish the simple things in life. It doesn’t get any better than that.
What is your pet peeve? People who choose to be grumpy.
What would you like your gravestone to say about you? I once heard my dad read a beautiful poem by Linda Ellis called “The Dash.” It is referring to the dash on the tombstone between the date of your birth and the date of your death. My favorite part says it all:
“For it matters not how much we own:
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.”