Staff Spotlight: Teri Hruby

This month’s staff member in the spotlight is Teri Hruby, Administrative Assistant in Bloomington Evaluation Services and Testing (BEST). We asked her a few questions and here’s what she had to say:

What is your name and what do you do; how long have you worked here in OVPUE?

I’m Teri Hruby and I’ve been the Administrative Assistant at BEST since March, 2015.

What three traits define you?

• Stubborn
• Persistent
• Resourceful

What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

Can you make a career out of volunteering? Because I would love to spend my days volunteering at the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center in the USVI. They have such a great team doing amazing things for the animals on-island and helping them find forever homes on the mainland. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that?

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

I’ve always wanted to learn to play the banjo. Which doesn’t make any sense at all since I’m not coordinated and have zero musical talent.

What challenging thing has happened (to) for you, and what did you gain from it?

When I was 13 my mom died of cancer. I’m an only child and she was a housewife, so I was used to her always being there…when I woke up, when I got home from school, at swim lessons. Dad and I had to create a new normal, but I don’t think either of us really understood all she did. The first few loads of laundry were an adventure. That pie made with a Bisquick crust was a learning experience. And did you know that you have to change the bag in the sweeper? But I was determined to help so I kept trying. I’m not one to give up and I think, looking back, losing her is when that trait surfaced. I’d be a doormat in a second if it meant getting her back, but I’m also pretty happy with the person I am and like to think that she would be, too.

How do you define success?

Success isn’t restricted to work. It’s being happy and content, regardless of the situation. The BEX billing posted without any errors? Success. The dog shares her sofa with me? Also success.

What do you do in your spare time?

I love to cook and have fairly adventurous taste buds, so I love to try new recipes (or just make-up something!). I also love to spend time with Nellie Rae, our beagle. She’s a senior girl who still loves to go for her walks, so we make time most days to explore the woods or wander around campus.

What is a favorite book, movie, and/or tv show that had an impact on you?

There are a few movies that, if I see them on, I’ll stop what I’m doing and watch for the umpteenth time. Steel Magnolias. Key Largo. Gone With the Wind. Pretty much anything with Doris Day. But I vividly remember reading The Notebook for the first time. I had just gotten the book and was reading it on my lunch break at work when a friend saw it and said, “You’re braver than I am reading that in public.” I didn’t get it then, but it didn’t take long. “Read this to me and I’ll come back to you.” Gut punch. That book just wrecked me. It made me wish, for the millionth time, that my parents had the chance to grow old together, even if they had to face the same challenges in the book.

Where would you like to go on a dream vacation?

A long, leisurely cruise through the Windward and Leeward islands of the Caribbean on a tall ship.

What is your favorite thing about working at OVPUE?

I really enjoy the team at BEST. The past year has been a struggle for everyone, but I feel like we’ve shown a lot of resilience and have continued to grow despite the obstacles. We’re just a solid unit and I’m really proud of how we’ve pulled together and been there for each other. We trust each other, share silly stories, make each other laugh. We’re a good team and I’m happy to be part of it.