Student Spotlight: Jessica Popp

By: Sarah Duchow

Posted: 12/9/09

Each month the Student Spotlight recognizes students who are active on campus. This month we recognize Jessica Popp and her involvement in the organizations Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer, and Straight Pride Alliance (LGBTQS Pride Alliance), which has recently been reactivated on campus.

Returning student Popp is a junior at UW-Waukesha. Popp previously attended UW- Madison in 1999, but her time there was brief. She said, "I couldn't get beyond 'Library Mall' without being seduced by street cats, drums, and Bohemians"; she ultimately realized it was not a good fit.

Popp came to UW-Waukesha after "a series of unexpected and sometimes unfortunate events… and an epiphany while weeding potatoes on an organic farm." She said, "I was tired of bartending, tired of waiting tables, but mostly tired of bosses who benefited from my exploitation. I wanted a chance to provide for myself and my kiddos that would help me grow as an individual and allow me to have a positive effect on society. Education! Education! Education, I say!" Popp chose UW-Waukesha to help liberate her.

When considering college, especially after her experience at UW-Madison, Popp knew that finding a campus that fit was important. When asked what she liked about UW-Waukesha, Popp's feedback was very complimentary. "You know, I truly cannot say enough positive things about this campus. My experience here has done nothing short of changing my life. The faculty is completely amazing and supportive, the students are wonderful, the tuition is affordable, and it's not too far from home." Popp described herself as being "grateful to be here." She said, "I will always recommend UW-Waukesha to new students. It really is a great place to be."

While on campus, as previously stated, Popp became involved in two organizations, the LGBTQS Pride Alliance and SDS. She was excited to be a part of both: "I have only attended one SDS meeting so far, but my impression is that SDS is an active liberal group intent on addressing issues of social justice. I'm looking forward to learning more." However, Popp's enthusiasm was also evident when she talked about LGBTQS: "The Pride Alliance is my main interest as of late, and I feel very devoted." Popp even took on the role of co-president of the club. Popp said, "It's vital and important and I'm more than happy to be a part."

When asked why she became involved, Popp's passion for the club became even clearer: "Gay Rights is the civil rights issue of our time. Hands down. I can no longer sit back and watch my fellow brothers and sisters suffer from a very real and pervasive discrimination." Popp continued: "I think there exists an ignorance about gender and sexuality that is at the root of homophobia and misogyny alike. Pride is a place to speak openly about huge issues and personal issues alike. It's all connected. We are all connected."

If her "wits, time, and energy allow," Popp plans to remain involved in these organizations throughout the duration of her time at UW Waukesha.

Besides being involved on campus, Popp is working toward a secondary education major. She intends on "obtaining my Bachelor's from UWM with a certificate in Bilingual education." Popp is passionate about this area because "there are so many students who are in need of empathetic teachers, and the students who are learning English as a second language are at an incredible disadvantage." Her main focus will be Spanish.

It turned out that Popp is also busy during her time outside clubs, organizations, and school. "I work hard, I take care of two absolutely beautiful children, and I play just as hard," she said. She describes herself as "a music maniac, a budding fashionista, a queer rights activist, a welfare mother warrior, and a sex-positive, feminist activist."

Popp concluded the interview in a way that reflected her personality: "Word."

A little bit more about Popp:
Q: What are your plans for Christmas?
A: "Christmas?! Bah-humbug! Nah, I'm kidding. The holidays can be hard for my family. I come from a family that suffers from the stress and heartache of mental illness. I'm mentioning this because I know I am not alone. So, sometimes the holidays are just stressful and tiresome. But on the sunny side, I have a lot of generous and loving people in my life that help provide us with all we need. We're lucky and super grateful."

Q: Does Santa visit your house?
A: "Indeed! And it's the real deal! We are fortunate enough to get gift donations from local church organizations, amazing friends, and the Christmas Clearinghouse Council. Magic Elves visit our abode with gifts already wrapped, so come Christmas morning, even I am surprised at what's in the packages! It's all really fun and really beautiful."

Q: What is your favorite Christmas time activity?
A: "Listenin' to swing and drinking wine while trimming the tree, and making paper snowflakes to deck out the windows."

Q: What is your favorite Christmas cookie?
A: "Don't really dig Christmas cookies. But I like white chocolate peppermint bark. That count?!"