By DONNA HARRIS
Understandably, beginning a new life in a new country can be both thrilling and scary, and Janine McEwen knows those feelings well.
A career opportunity for her husband brought McEwen, the receptionist/human resources secretary at the Bartow County School System's central office, from England to the United States more than a decade ago, and the move to a different culture required some adjustment.
"The experience was very exciting for us, the not knowing what to expect, and we were basically starting a new life with a 10-month-old baby," she said. "One of the most terrifying things was having to retake my driving test on the right side of the road. Also, how l say certain words; for example, windscreen/windshield, 'trunk' is 'boot.' It’s the terminology, and, of course, l have a very thick Yorkshire accent."
Name: Janine McEwen
Age: 50
Occupational title: Receptionist/human resources secretary for BCSS
City of residence: Cartersville
Education: Diploma in business management
Family: I have been married to Gareth for 17 years; we have one daughter, Fern, who attends Cass High. We are all originally from England.
Daily Tribune News (DTN): When did you start working for the Bartow County School System, and why did you want to work there?
Janine McEwen (JM): I started working for BCSS on July 2, 2018. I really wanted to work with people again after working in England in a very large corporate office. I truly am a people person and love to help so when this opportunity came up, it was the perfect job for me.
DTN: What do you enjoy most about your job and why, and what do you like least about it and why?
JM: I enjoy working directly with the families in the Bartow County community and our senior citizens. I have been very lucky to be part of the Read to Grow program, greeting our wonderful volunteers and also hearing about the great things happening in our school system, one of which is the professional learning communities. I can honestly say there is nothing l dislike about my job. Every day can bring a variety of challenges. No day is ever the same.
DTN: What brought you to the United States, and when did you move here?
JM: It was my husband’s company that gave us the chance to relocate to the United States. We originally relocated to Dallas, Texas, in 2005. After three years, we again relocated to Georgia, and this now feels like we are home. We love Cartersville, and the people are so friendly.
DTN: How did you end up living in Bartow County?
JM: We actually started out in Acworth. After taking many camping trips around Bartow County and hearing from friends about the great schools in the county, Bartow was the obvious choice to put down our roots here, and we love being part of this community.
DTN: What are some things you had in England that you miss not having in the United States, and what are some things you have here that you like and didn’t have in England?
JM: Well, of course, l miss my mum and not having public transport or being able to walk everywhere. I really miss Yorkshire fish and chips with mushy peas. I also miss my home city, Leeds, England, and the beautiful countryside we have. But with that said, we love being able to go outdoors in the great weather here, hitting the walking trails or hanging out by the community pool, which you cannot do back home in England. I also like grits. Never had them before l came here, and now l love them.
DTN: What would the title of your autobiography be and why?
JM: "My Life Across the Pond." Most people wonder what it is like to leave everything behind and start a new life in a new country. I feel l have the experience to talk about my life across the pond and give people an insight into life in the United States from the eyes of an expat.
DTN: How would you describe yourself in three words?
JM: Firstly, outgoing. l have often been told l am an icebreaker and find it easy to communicate with people on all levels. Next would be loyal. Either if you are a friend or a work colleague, I will have your back. Third, caring. I have a love for all living things from people to animals to plants.
DTN: If you could visit any period or event in the past, what would you choose and why?
JM: I love everything about "Downton Abbey," the television series and movie. So my favorite period to visit would be 1912 and the early 20th century.
DTN: Do you have a bucket list, and if so, what is the one thing you most look forward to accomplishing?
JM: Top of my bucket list is to hopefully one day live by the ocean in Florida.
DTN: What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
JM: Well, this would be my newfound love of country music and line dancing. This would probably be more of a surprise to friends back in England.
DTN: If you could have dinner with any historical figure or celebrity, past or present, who would you pick and why?
JM: Princess Diana. She was the People’s Princess and always will be. I would have a lot of questions to ask her about what really happened within the walls of Windsor Castle and her life with the Royal Family and Prince Charles.
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February 09, 2020 at 11:49AM
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BARTOW BIO: Life in new country exciting, scary for McEwen - Daily Tribune News
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