As a senior paralegal in our long-term disability department, Jennifer is an integral part of writing successful appeals for our clients. In her seven years here, she’s developed a deep understanding of what our clients have gone through. “Most of our clients have been treated unfairly by insurance companies,” she says. By the time they come to us, they’re understandably wary of anyone offering to help. “This is their life,” Jennifer empathizes. Jennifer knows it’s up to her and her team to show people they’re not alone. Coming from a background in criminal and family law, Jennifer started as an attorney’s assistant before discovering she had a knack for writing appeals. The attorney she worked with had a lot on her plate. “I took it upon myself to learn. It really frees up our attorneys to handle other aspects of a case,” she says. Jennifer is diligent about uncovering every facet of a client’s case to create an HOW JENNIFER ADVOCATES FOR OTHERS Giving a Voice to Our Clients a new language and minimum wage jobs. She struggled to make ends meet, even sleeping in her car at some points, but, despite the overwhelming challenges, she committed herself to her education. She worked her way up to honors courses and, eventually, admittance to the Honors College at the University of Houston — all while working full time. For Ya, the scholarship means an education. When she found out she’d won, Ya says, “I almost screamed. I was so surprised and very grateful. I can’t thank Marc Whitehead and Associates enough.” It was an inspiring teacher, Dr. Carlin, who helped Ya settle on her future path and who has helped her along the way. As Ya wrote in her moving essay, “I admire Dr. Carlin because she eliminated the word 'impossible' from my vocabulary.” Ya has found many supportive teachers at the University of Houston who’ve taught her an important lesson: “School is not just to teach you knowledge but also to teach you how to be a better person,” she shares. Ya knows that her education is the key to her future. “With a degree, I know what will be possible. I think about what’s most important — getting a job is most important — and I think about how I can achieve that,” she says. “Education drives me forward. Having a degree, no one can take that away from you.” ....CONTINUED FROM COVER
AMERICA’S WEIRDEST AIRBNBS
This Ain’t Motel 6!
When Airbnb was founded a little over a decade ago, the developers hoped to provide an alternative to traditional travel accommodations. Today, with annual revenue in the billions, the service is an industry unto itself. While most people use Airbnb to “live like a local” while traveling, you can find some truly wacky lodging options if you spend some time searching the platform. Here are just a few of the many contenders for the title of “Weirdest Airbnb in the U.S.” For ease of searching, the listings here have the same titles as they do on Airbnb.
Brand New Studio Earthship Taos, New Mexico
Earthships, houses run by clean energy and featuring reused materials, are a fixture of the Taos area. This one, which looks almost like a crashing wave with a living space in its undertow, combines the rustic charm of truly getting away from it all with modern amenities like Wi-Fi and in-home laundry. It’s a truly unique living space surrounded by pristine nature and not far from the historic Taos Pueblo.
ManCave Apartment/Airplane Hangar Geneva, Florida
Airbnb super hosts Dan and Deborah have no shortage of quirky properties for rent — including yurts and treehouses — but their apartment fashioned out of an airplane hangar surely takes the cake. You’d be forgiven for thinking it was a theme restaurant featuring eclectic aviation. Memorabilia lines the walls with a bar front and center, and the bed is in a loft high above the ground.
Dog Bark Park Inn B&B Cottonwood, Idaho
As you approach the Dog Bark Park Inn, you won’t have to guess if you’re in the right place. After all, how many buildings are shaped like beagles? When describing the space on Airbnb, the hosts make no bones about who this rental is aimed for. “Stay in a giant dog!” they say. In addition to being inside a massive wooden dog, you’ll find canine-themed games, books, and more. Talk about ruffing it.
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