Lights, Camera, Quotables! 

Hello Movie Buffs and Friends,

I hope this message finds you in the midst of your own blockbuster life scenes! I'm here to share a little bit about my lifelong love of the magical world of movie quotes and scene reenactments. 

I knew I was in deep at age 6 when my sister and I could stage a full-on lip-sync rendition of The Wizard of Oz using a trusty rolling ottoman as a time machine to a world of technicolor. Ah, the 80s rolling ottoman – throwback. 

Yes, we went all out with the blanket-over-the-TV technique, creating a cinematic masterpiece that surely would have earned us a couple of Oscars if they recognized lip-sync brilliance back then. In my wild and whimsical adventures, I've been caught turning my closet into an impromptu orphanage for Annie, encouraging friends (ahem, cast members) to bunk in my closet shelves.

And when my grandma up the street got wind of a mysterious voice belting out "Maybe" from a rooftop, it was probably me. Those old Beta movie tapes may have (diabolically?) vanished into thin air at some point, but hey, thanks, Mom, for putting up with our theatrical antics! 

Our parents were entertainers. So, naturally, we had to entertain ourselves. My childhood was a unique and enriching upbringing in the world of music and creativity. It has shaped me in ways I have grown to sincerely appreciate. Fast forward to today, and I'm still at it. 

While I didn’t exactly land in the theater other than a short stint to learn improv at Second City (although, I may be able to pull off Miss Hanagan?), I feed my theatrical bug now by quoting movies at home, in hallway conversations, in meetings, the grocery store … basically any chance I get. It's become my secret language, and I've managed to form some of the most rewarding, rock-solid friendships with those who can catch my not-so-subtle movie references. 

There's nothing quite like that feeling when someone calls you out on a veiled quote, am I right? Instant connection! (“Did we just become best friends?”)

For me, quoting movies isn't just about the lines; it's a way to communicate and connect with others in a relaxed and hilariously fun way. A little humor goes a long way, especially for this once-shy introverted girl. Who knew that reciting lines and throwing in a few zingers could be such a fantastic icebreaker? 

Preferences? I may have started out melodramatic, but now I have a great love for comedy. What can I say? The more absurd, the better! I certainly have a trusty repertoire of recurring scenes that I keep in my back pocket for the perfect moment (see above). 

To my friends here (you know who you are!), thank you for always being up for impromptu movie quotes and my attempts to recreate those classic scenes. I love that I have found a community of creativity here and in my own work. Whether it be music, acting or an improvised movie quote that turns into a disrupted meeting really quickly (insert former supervisor’s name here, my sincerest apologies), I am grateful for the laughter and memories this medium has brought to my life. And I love more than anything to share that with others.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a good laugh, or in an awkward situation, or at the grocery store, throw out a movie quote! It’s life changing. And you can quote me on that.

Stay cinematic,

Jennifer

Talent & Engagement Specialist

Office of the Dean