Janet Adams, our November Activist of the Month, lived in three locations while growing up- Hicksville, NY, Saudi Arabia, and Albany, NY with two brothers, one older and one younger. Her father was in the oil business and her mother was an office manager. Her father worked for Aramco Oil, so she spent four years, while she was a young child, in Saudi Arabia. She says, “This gave me the fortunate experience of traveling throughout the world by age ten. I consider this a gift as it gave me an appreciation for diversity.”
Janet went to college at Russell Sage College in Troy, NY and State University of NY at Albany. She earned a BS in Social Sciences and Education and a MS in Reading. After college, she married her husband, Ken. They have two children--Stephen who is an engineer and lives in CO and Elizabeth who is a professor at University of South Carolina (U of SC). She also has a new son-in-law, Michael, who works at U of SC in recreational sports. She used her degrees working as a teacher and literacy specialist for 40 years in 5 states, teaching almost all grade levels. She moved to Central Florida in 2003 when her husband took a job as a Criminal Justice professor at UCF. Janet recently retired from Seminole County Public Schools.
The week after she retired in June 2020, she signed up to be a volunteer with SemDems. She thought it best to stop complaining and get involved! She completed a survey of her interests looking for the right match for SemDems activities. Janet says, “I wanted to help a cause that I firmly believe in.”
She enjoys working with the SemDems and believes that it is an honor to work with a diverse group of people who are all extremely dedicated to moving our country forward. She has tried a variety of activities looking for the best fit. She enjoys working in the office and doing computer work. She has also done some polling and phone banking. “Working election day was quite rewarding and exciting,” she exclaimed. “I am so proud to be a part of this dedicated and giving group of people,” she continued.
Janet enjoys many other activities when not volunteering for SemDems, including reading. She exercises by swimming laps, taking classes at the YMCA, and practicing yoga. Her very favorite hobby is spending time with her therapy dog, Molly, a very friendly and happy Golden Retriever. She brings a bit of happiness to everyone, but especially the elderly and children. Right now, they regularly visit Molly’s favorite friend who is 96 and Molly “listens” to kids read at the local library. They also volunteer at Nemours Children’s Hospital where Molly happily greets patients, families, and staff. They participate in Reading Paws at Nemours, in partnership with UCF education students, which involves visiting patients and bringing them a book to read to Molly.
Janet concludes, “I believe we are put on this world to do some good, so I enjoy giving in ways that are important and rewarding.” The SemDems is grateful to have such a caring volunteer!
