Memorable Jennys: Bonds of Friendship and Career Dedication

Jenny 1 and Jenny 2

Jenny was a very popular name when I was growing up. I probably met quite a few Jennifer’s over time. But two stand out most.

Jenny was a high school friend. She was two years older than me. Sweet, cute as a button with a button nose.  Long blond wavy hair and brown eyes. She was average height and size. She actually lent me her prom dress which I wore to my prom.  Jenny had a good job out of high-school while she went on to college. She worked in an insurance agency.

Jenny was one of the quiet ones, she had one brother who was special needs.  Jenny loved him dearly. She would pass up going to concerts. She passed up hanging out with friends to spend time with her brother. She was the sacrificial friend. Putting her social life on hold to be there for her brother.

It was with a heavy heart to all of us when Jenny’s brother had a seizure and died.  In some way we were glad to see Jenny gain more freedom in her life.  But she definitely was devastated by the loss of her brother. The bond of these siblings was admirable.

The second Jenny I knew was one of my sales reps. She was Marriott trained and very talented. Her Dad repaired watches for a living, I found that interesting, not sure why.  Jenny was a red-head and had the spitfire personality to match. When she wasn’t making a sale, she was riding horses. I remember her office being lined with ribbons.  I found that to be a bit strange for someone in her position and her age.

Jenny was a rock star when it came to sales. But her life seemed less than full. She had no interest in men or dating or getting married.  Her horses were her children.  I guess I learned dedication from Jenny. She wanted what she wanted and she dedicated her life to it. Riding horses and winning ribbons.  She was also persistent. Which probably comes hand in hand with dedication.  Some would say relentless, but she was more professional than that, not the aggressive sales type. Just the knowledgeable and dedicated sales professional.

One weakness Jenny had back then, which I found in most sales reps I knew, was lack of direction.  They did not know north from south or east from west.  Thank God for GPS these days.  People don’t need to print and study Mapquest directions step by step before heading out.

I hope Jenny can now spend her time as an Equestrian. She truly fits the part. She looked like she belonged on a horse.

Like others that I have met in life, Jenny’s passion is what defined her. Jenny one’s passion for her brother and Jenny two’s passion for horseback riding.

Having a passion for something in life should be encouraged more as children. It is important to have a passion as you get older. Careers fade, and family members get busy. It sure would be nice to have something to dedicate your time to!