PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE – Tiffany Dimmick
You’re probably used to seeing Tiffany’s name in your email inbox on a regular basis, as she coordinates meetings, promotes events, and keeps everything running smoothly in Simpkins Hall. An alum who graduated in 2011 with a B.A. in English Education, she’s worked at WIU since 2013. She now serves as the office support assistant (and backbone) of the entire Department of English.
What is your current state of mind?
My current state of mind is thinking of what I can do every day, little-by-little, step-by-step to be the best version of me. Also thinking: how many layers of covers and clothes (specifically fuzzy socks) are acceptable to sleep with during cold months? Asking for a friend.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I want to be an expert at writing, graphic design, sewing, and healthy cooking. That’s a one-talent-combo to hopefully start my own type of business one day.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
I don’t know about overrated, but the most underrated is simplicity. Everyone is trying to stand out and be special. Always something to say, do, get, or become. It’s okay to just BE sometimes. To listen to the different, beautiful silences and appreciate the world and yourself as is.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
I don’t know. Yes, that’s the phrase. I’ve already used it in the last question! I overuse hashtags too. #guilty
What is your motto?
You were meant to fill a purpose that only you can do.
Who is your hero of fiction?
Jesus. He always humbly knew what to do and say. And continues to change hundreds of people’s lives every day – fiction or not.
What is your most treasured possession?
Can you possess a kid? Because if so, it would be my 6-year-old! Otherwise, it would certainly be my computer devices and gobs of notebooks. I have all my ideas on there and everything I’ve ever written or took pictures of. I’d never emotionally recover if they were lost. It’s my soul’s nucleus!
Where would you most like to live?
Somewhere warm. Even hearing the word “winter” makes me shiver into heating blanket mode.
What do you most value in your friends?
Vulnerability. To genuinely open up one’s self all the way to the darkest of darks, uncomfortable parts, the fractured heart, to be selfishly consumed at times, and they still want to stay through it all.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
Probably a persistent weed. Or a polka dot. I like polka dots. Or maybe even as the tune of a single musical note in a heartrending indie rock song. Was that too much?
When and where were you happiest?
My life feels like different lifetimes. Am I really in the same continuum?!? My first lifetime of happiness was the late 90s – just sitting in one place all day playing Barbies, reading chapter books, conquering video games, and watching Nickelodeon. Then there’s my other lifetime where I first held 8 pounds of a part of myself and knew I’d never be the same. Forever happy of such a miracle to call mine.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Being able to wake up every day knowing I’ve been true, kind, goofy, reflective, and empathetic in the world no matter what has happened. I’m still the same me. And having the opportunity to pass those traits on to another human existence! Even if that individual calls me Queen Mommy and Slave Mommy within the same hour…haha.
