20 Questions in 60 Seconds is our blog series in which we interview Communities In Schools staff members. This week's guest is Norma Zahory, Administrative Coordinator at the Communities In Schools National office.

1. What is your personal philosophy?

“Books can guide you, but your heart defines you.”

2. What would you like to be your greatest accomplishment?

Writing a novel.

3. Ten years ago, who did you think you would be now?

I thought I would be married with a pack of kids (For perspective, I’m single and have a dog).

4. What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?

My loved ones.

5. What is the one thing you cannot resist? (food/dessert/candy/etc.)

OREOS.

6. Where is your favorite place to be?

Niagara Falls (The Canadian side, sorry not sorry).

7. What is your favorite thing to do?

Experiencing or creating any type of art.

8. Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?

Afghanistan in 2006; I don’t think so much perspective and reflection has ever stemmed from one thing the way my trip to Afghanistan did. I saw my parent’s childhood homes, met family members I may have never met otherwise, and created my own connection with my culture. I was lovingly overfed, welcomed with open arms and surrounded by love.

9. Who is your biggest inspiration?

My older sister, Hanna. She never ceases to amaze me.

10. What does true leadership mean to you?

Making the tough decisions for the better of all, instead of a few.

11. What’s the coolest (or most important) trend you see today?

Huge conversations on current social issues are happening on an international stage.

12. What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

Artist.

13. Do you have any pets? What kind?

1 Dog. Sheldon, 7 yrs old. Love of my life.

14. If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?

Personal Assistant to Jay-Z.

15. What advice do you have for kids who are struggling in school?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if no one else has one. Don’t be afraid of not knowing the answer to every question.

16. What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?

LISTEN TO YOUR MOM (even though I still admit that somewhat begrudgingly).

17. What are your three most overused words/phrases?

“Girl, bye”; PN3; “I hate the metro.”

18. How do you define success?

Happiness always being a priority.

19. Tell us something that might surprise us about you.

As much as I LOOOOOVE dogs, Sheldon is my first one and I’ve had him for almost 8 years. Changed my life.

20. What is your favorite thing about working at Communities In Schools?

Hardest question to answer; but I choose our office culture. We’re like a little-big family.

Have more questions for Norma? Comment them below and she'll answer.