21 Questions ... Wokie Nwabueze

THE NEW OMBUDS OFFICER AVOIDS INTERIOR DECORATING, KEEPS MUM, AND STANDS HER GROUND AGAINST BLACK SQUIRRELS.Name: Wokie NwabuezeCampus title: University's ombuds officerHometown: New York CityWhat is your favorite quote? Harmony makes small things grow, lack of it makes great things decay. ~ SallustIn one sentence, what do you actually do all day? I listen, educate, coach and offer people a safe space to raise issues that are important to them and to the Princeton Community.What is your greatest guilty pleasure? Candy.What was your ‘welcome to college’ moment? This might be a welcome to Wellesley moment but it has to be wearing pajamas to class.What was your 'welcome to Princeton' moment? When I saw a black squirrel on the grass outside of my office.What are your goals as university ombuds officer? My immediate goal as ombuds officer is to raise awareness of the office’s existence and to invite and create opportunities to inform the community about the services that the ombuds office offers.  As university ombuds officer, I strive to be a trusted resource on this campus for individuals and groups needing assistance, for training and education around conflict management and for coaching and advice on the day to day challenges any of us can face in such a dynamic environment. Ultimately, I want the ombuds office to support the University towards its goal of ensuring that members of this community are treated equitably.Where do you do your best thinking? Near water.What are you pitching this week? The Ombuds Office, of course.Describe your 8-year-old self in five words or less. Curious. Funny. Roller skating superstar.What is hanging above your desk? Nothing yet. Decorating is not my strong suit.  Suggestions are welcome.Where did you go for your last vacation, and can you tell us a story from it? My last vacation was to Sapelo Island off of the Georgia coast for a close friend’s wedding.  There are many, many stories from that trip but I’ve been sworn to secrecy.  The most memorable image for me however was watching a child, no older than 8, driving his grandmother to church on Sunday in a pickup truck.What is the best place on campus? This is only my third week at Princeton but so far, the Fountain of Freedom.Worst place? Washington Road during rush hour.Last book you managed to read for pleasure? The very last book I’ve read purely for pleasure is Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss. I highly recommend it at every new phase of life.What songs are you playing on repeat this week? All of Prince’s One Night Alone…Live!, Disc 2; 'Avalon' by Roxy Music;  'As' by Stevie WonderWhat is the first thing you do when you wake up? The first thing I do in the morning is watch my daughters as they sleep.What makes you laugh? All of the brilliant, quirky, hilarious people in my life.What makes you cry? My amazing kids, inspirational moments and sad movies.Pet peeve? Any sound made by styrofoam.In ten years, you will be … I am incredibly fortunate to have a great family, funny friends and a career that lines up squarely with my natural talents and who I am as I person. In ten years, I’d like to be watching my daughters as they sleep, laughing with my family and friends and doing what I am doing today.What makes someone a Princetonian? A Princetonian is someone who is curious, committed to  learning and not stopped in their tracks by black squirrels on the lawn.