First Person (Anna Berlinski)

Family: Parents, Steve and Jane; brother and sister-in-law, Andy and Erin; and two nephews, Rockne and Koby.

Occupation: Site supervisor for T.C.O.C. Head Start classrooms in Spring Valley, Lacon and Wyoming.

What was your first job: Cashier and cook at LaGondola in Kewanee.

What is your favorite movie: “Wizard of Oz” and “Pretty in Pink.”

What is your favorite book: “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed.

What is the best concert you’ve been to: Taylor Swift or Kesha.

If you met a genie who granted you one wish, what would you wish for: To pay off my student loans and/or more tolerance and less hate in the world.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done: Being a Peace Corps volunteer in Macedonia from 2006 to 2008. I taught English to students in Grades K-8.

Where do you most want to travel, but have never been: South Africa.

What is one thing you’re truly passionate about: Helping children and families in need.

What is your favorite area restaurant, and what do you like to order there: Los Ranchitos, strawberry margarita and Allan Special.

What is something you like about your hometown: The strong sense of community pride and how kind everyone is to each other.

Is there anything you would change about your hometown: More options for public transportation, and I’d love to have an Aldi in town!