5 questions with…career counselor, international traveler Genine Apidone

As a career counselor in the Career Center, Genine Apidone is used to giving advice. So when she suggests her top spot in Cleveland or her all-time music favorites, you might want to listen up.

While she’s got your attention, notice her enthusiasm for life and Case Western Reserve University. A native of Cleveland and a devoted world traveler, she mixes her love of both by being a host family for the International Family Friendship program. In her free time she loves the outdoors and volunteering for Canine Lifeline.

What else? Read on to find out.

1. What’s on your iPod?
My favorites: All of bands who participated in Woodstock ’99—yes, I attended this awesome event—Alanis Morissette, Counting Crows, G Love & Special Sauce, Bush, Jewel, Red Hot Chili Peppers and so many more ’90s alternative bands. Pearl Jam is another favorite.

2. What’s your favorite spot in Cleveland and why?
Le Petit Triangle Café! It is a beautiful little French café in Ohio City. I love this spot for so many reasons: they have amazing food, beverages and people watching! I also love having brunch there on Sunday mornings, especially when the weather is warm so I can sit outside. Also, all of their teas and coffees are pressed.

3. If you could only take three books with you to a deserted island, what would you take?
The books I enjoy reading actually have to do with career counseling, but I would not bring these with me on a deserted island. I would need something to do.

So another passion of mine, in addition to counseling, is cooking and making delicious smoothies (although I can’t imagine that I would have a blender on this island, but I can always dream!). So I would bring books like Simply Sushi and Island Cooking: Recipes from the Caribbean. I imagine I would be thirsty, too, so I might have to bring 500 Smoothies & Juices: The Only Smoothie & Juice Compendium You’ll Ever Need.

4. What one word would you use to describe yourself, and what one word would your friends use to describe you?
I’d describe myself as “fun,” but others might describe me as “original.”

5. What’s your favorite thing about Case Western Reserve University?
I love the students here at CWRU! I am lucky to work at the Career Center in a role where I am privileged to talk with so many students about their dreams and aspirations and offer advice on how to reach their goals. Plus, I’m a part of the International Family Friendship Program, and I’ve been matched for a year now with an amazing graduate student, so I’ve been able to get to know even more students.