Where Are They Now?

Name: Jill George

School:

Class: 1975

Occupation: Interior/Floral Designer

What was your career path leading up to your current job?

After graduation, I went directly to floral design school in Cleveland and was a florist with Aherns Florist. In 1979 I moved to Pittsburgh PA to attend The Art Institute of Pittsburgh and earned my degree in Interior Design. I worked several positions in the design field including the government architectural and interior firms. Then I landed in the Store Planning department for the corporate grocery chain. After about seven years, I had to "retire" due to severe health issues. Now I am currently back to my original career, working part time as a floral designer.

What does your job entail, and what is your career goal?

I have always kept my hand in the floral world so I pretty much can design anything the customer wants. The shop I work in does a huge funeral business. We do weddings, proms, hospitals, parties and other events. Yes, working with flowers is as nice as most people think it would be. It’s hard, dirty, back-breaking work, and I love the creative process.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

As an interior designer, I was chosen from a nationwide search to be on a team of three to design, install and activate a V.A. hospital and nursing facility here in the Pittsburgh area. The day of activation, the National Guard move both staff and patients in four hours. As a florist, when I can make the bride and her mother cry with my designs, then I know I won.

What’s your favorite high school memory?

I had a lot of friends that I went through 12 years plus kindergarten with, but I most cherish my 10th grade meeting of my best friend Marian who went to the Elms in 9th grade. She didn't know anyone and we sat next to each other in homeroom. My high school years were never the same after that. She and I had a lot of fun together. We are still friends today. I also was friends with all my brothers’ friends. There are six of us so the numbers grew rapidly.

Which restaurant, social gathering place or other place did you enjoy spending time at in the Falls when you were in school?

Boy that would depend on which years. After football games we would walk from Woodridge to a burger joint on Route 8 called BBF. I think it's a now. After we could drive, it was The Pancake House further up Route 8 towards Akron. It would get jammed after the bars closed at 2 a.m. A lot of fun times were had at the Big Boy restaurant on Steels Corners and Route 8. It was called Manners at that time.

What advice would you give to future graduates?

In my fifties now, I would say don’t be in such a hurry to grow up. I guess most adults would say that. It's harder than you think it is. If you have to work for the summer or in college, get a part time job related to your field. In my career, I worked in flower shops cleaning, cutting flowers and other tasks. If you’re interested in interior design, work in a carpet warehouse or a Home Depot or a lighting store. Know the industry you're interested in.