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SARAH CRISER CLASS V FELLOW "It's called a fellowship, but in reality, it's life. Responsibility, thoughtfulness and drive are factored into every decision we make - all with the understanding that we are impacting lives beyond our own. There is no such thing as relative integrity."

FELLOW SPOTLIGHT: JENNIFER CAMPBELL, CLASS V

Our mission is to tell you a bit about current Florida Gubernatorial Fellow Jennifer Campbell. However, part of what makes Jennifer so interesting is also what makes profiling her a bit tricky.

It's like that corny joke people sometimes use when you ask them a question: "I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you." Interviewing Jennifer, you sometimes get the impression she might actually have to kill you.

At least your sacrifice would be for a good cause: National security. Jennifer's career plans lie with the federal government, but she can't elaborate much about what that entails. She will be interning with the Department of Defense this summer.

Don't get the wrong impression, though: Jennifer couldn't be sweeter, friendlier or more charming. At first glance, she's about as intimidating as Hello Kitty.

On second glance, it turns out she's one tough cat.

For example, when Jennifer and the rest of her Class V Fellows visited the Camp Blanding Joint Training Center outside Starke, the first Fellow who volunteered to rappel several stories down a wall - out a class of 10 men and four women, mind you - was Jennifer.

"That was one of my proudest moments," she said. "Leadership is about being able to take action even when you're scared. I'm not afraid to dive into a challenge."

So when Jennifer "can't exactly say" all the details of her current and future assignments, you're well served to just nod your head and keep moving.

Considering Jennifer's interest in national defense, one might presume she was motivated in part by the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. After all, 9/11 came at a formative time for her, just as she was becoming a teenager. It was an event that affected every American in some fashion.

It would be easy for Jennifer to give that answer, but it wouldn't be honest. She said 9/11 really didn't play a role in her career decision. Actually, it was something entirely different. "I'll tell you the truth," she said, then paused. You'd never have anticipated what came next.

She smiled. "It's because of The X-Files. I loved that show. X-Files was the greatest show ever created."

As a kid, Jennifer grew up religiously watching the sci-fi drama, which detailed the adventures of two FBI agents investigating paranormal mysteries. She identified with Dana Scully, played by Gillian Anderson, whose grounded, scientific approach was a counterpoint to that of her partner Fox Mulder (David Duchovny).

"I wanted to be Scully," Jennifer said. "I even dressed up as her for Halloween."

Scientific matters have always interested Jennifer, who will receive a Master of Science in International Affairs this spring from Florida State. She grew up dreaming of being an astronomer before becoming more intrigued by foreign policy and issues between countries. For that she credits an international relations course she took as a senior at Archbishop McCarthy High School in Davie, near Fort Lauderdale.

"I love studying conflicts - why something happens, how it happens, how we can prevent it," she said. "I love it because it's so broad - it's history, politics, public administration."

Even before X-Files and high school, though, there were influences that attracted Jennifer to the nation's capital. From ages 2 to 10 she lived in Columbia, Maryland, just outside D.C. She always found government agencies fascinating and thought working for one would be a great way to serve her country.

In her Fellows placement with the Governor's Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development, Jennifer focuses on defense issues. Part of her job has been dealing with Florida's military bases and issues relating to their safety and security.

"It's been interesting because the military is so important to Florida's economy," Jennifer said. "If the Department of Defense closed its bases and moved, Florida would be in big trouble."

Jennifer will bring excellent analytical skills to whatever positions await her. She'll also bring experience in spoken Chinese language, specifically Mandarin, which is the most popular standardized form of spoken Chinese.

It's a fair bet Jennifer's career will lead her at some point to the Pentagon, which she's visited twice. "It's really cool," she said. "You're there and there are four-star generals walking down the same hallways."

That's mighty distinguished company, but Jennifer's learned to handle high-pressure environments. She chalks that up in part to mentors such as Joe Marino, her direct supervisor.

"He's taught me some important lessons," she said of Marino. "One of my favorite mantras is 'Be the calm one in the room.' In a time of crisis, be the one who is calm and takes action. (Former New York Mayor Rudy) Giuliani said that, and he's one of my heroes. Joe is always good at slowing my hyper behavior - which is good, because I drink too much coffee. He really gave me a lot of responsibility in my fellowship and I am thankful for that."

Jennifer also has learned a lot from Colonel Glenn Sutphin, Legislative Director for the state's Department of Military Affairs.

"I like genuine, real people, and you will not find another person like Col. Sutphin," Jennifer said. "With him, it's not about getting credit for something; it's about getting the job done."

Click here to view the previous featured Fellow.