Jenna Zielinski is an alum of the Omega Chapter at Rutgers University (2015-2018). She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Dance and a Master’s degree in Dance Education while there. She is currently working as a performer on the Trolls Live tour. Jenna loves getting to share her passion with people from all over!
Check out our Q & A to learn more about Jenna!
*Disclaimer: These responses are paraphrased and depict participant responses from an interview.
Q: What inspired you to join OPA?
A: I was looking to meet some new people. I was in the art school at my university so that kind of put me in a bit of a bubble so I wanted to branch out and meet some other like-minded people. I was always wary about joining a sorority, but when I heard about how OPA was service-oriented it seemed right up my alley. Once I started going to their events and meeting the sisters I felt calm and knew that it was the right place to be.
Q: Did you hold any offices during your time as an active?
A: Recruitment chair; I always loved recruitment and I wanted to be on the other side of that by getting to meet all the potential new members which was exciting. It was exciting to see who was going to get a bid and going through the whole process of recruitment. I will say though that prior to that, I ran for a bunch of positions and wasn’t elected for anything which was pretty devastating. It worked out though because I still did a ton in OPA before I had my leadership role. I think it’s important for members to remember that you are a leader in OPA regardless of if you hold an official title or not. There are still plenty of leadership opportunities within your chapter so it doesn’t matter if you hold a position or not. Just wanted to throw that out there!
Q: What is one of your favorite memories as an active sister?
A: I think for me it’s not a specific memory, but it’s more the support system I had while in college. Just having sisters that I knew would always be there for me and seeing familiar faces around campus made me feel supported. One event in particular I enjoyed was participating in Special Olympics. I remember having to get up super early but it was worth it because we all got to be together doing something that we loved.
Q: Tell me about your current job.
A: Right now I am a performer on tour with “Trolls Live” with Star Entertainment. This tour goes from about January-May, but we might be extending up through August. I get to play one of the characters and I love seeing the audience because the kids get into it and enjoy seeing their favorite characters. The energy on stage is great! I try not to take it for granted because I feel really lucky to get to do what I love.
Q: How did you choose your career path?
A: This is kind of cheesy but honestly I don’t think I chose it I think it chose me. I think this is always what I wanted to do and meant to do with my life. I started dancing when I was like 2 so it felt natural to me. For those sisters that know me well, they know I’m a performer at heart. I’ve always had a lot of energy and like to move so this is something that just called to me since it’s my passion.
Q: What obstacles do you face in your career?
A: My industry is very competitive and challenging. There are a lot of auditions and rejections and waiting for things to happen. With COVID it was obviously even harder. We didn’t have jobs for a while, unfortunately. Before COVID, I was actually working at Disney as a performer starting in January 2020, and then, of course, March came around and they were like “nope, that’s it”. So my job now is something I worked really hard for and it was scary not knowing if it would last. I feel like I really grew during the pandemic and that this tour really came at the right time for me. Overall, there’s a lot of uncertainty that comes with this career along with stigmas and whatnot, but I’m confident in myself and can better deal with the uncertainty coming out of the pandemic.
Q: What is your favorite part about your job/career?
A: I enjoy getting to share what I love to do with so many people, not just the audience but also the people I’ve met in the industry. I really get to know others through auditions and jobs and just making connections since so many of us know the same people. These people have become like my family and home away from home since I’m traveling so much. I think having that support is really important and special. Overall, I’m just happy to get to do what I love all the time.
Q: How has your experience in OPA influenced your life and/or career?
A: I think for me it’s how OPA has allowed me to have a life outside of my career. It’s also the people I’ve met and those connections along with the leadership aspect of things. The leadership skills I’ve gained are just invaluable.
Q: What’s one accomplishment you’re particularly proud of?
A: This is a hard question! I think for me it’s my Master’s degree. I did a 5-year program at Rutgers where I got my Bachelor’s in Dance and my Master’s in Dance Education. That was very challenging, to say the least. I was taking up to 24 credits a semester while student teaching and having a regular job all while pursuing my performing career, so when I finally finished it I felt very accomplished. To me, that was a very important accomplishment.
Q: What advice can you offer to your fellow sisters?
A: The advice I like to give to people is never to give up. Whatever dream you may have in life just keep on working toward it and don’t give up. Also, just believe in yourself and others will end up believing in you too. Find that support system and just don’t give up on yourself because you’re worth it. And just as a plug, stay connected and go to convention!
Q: Tell me about your personal life. Family, pets, hobbies, interests?
A: I’m really close with my family and friends and I have two dogs that I love. I also love going to the beach, reading, and shopping!
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
A: Well, my number one thing is to stay involved with OPA no matter what. OPA will always be here!