Biography

 

My name is Jennifer Terrio. The Terrio name itself is French, however according to my relatives I am also Italian, Irish and Spanish as well. The Terrio side of my family is big however, it is rare that I see my relatives on this side. My father keeps in touch with only his three siblings and very few cousins. My grandfather, John Terrio, passed away in his early 40’s leaving my grandmother, Agnes White, with four children. My father and his siblings were placed in foster care when my father, Stephen, was only age 8. My father and his siblings lived in Westchester, NY with a foster family until moving to Brooklyn, New York. My mother had been born in Brooklyn, New York, and was also in a family of four. My grandparents, James and Jeanne Guidice raised my mother and her siblings in a Catholic church and lived in the traditional Italian ways with large Sunday pasta dinners and loud conversations. Both of my grandparents worked most of their lives. My grandfather for an oil company and my grandmother for a vitamin company. My grandfather, 68, is retired yet continues to work while my grandmother, 67, has just retired in 2013.

I currently live with two of my three siblings. My eldest sister, Christine, is my father’s from a previous marriage, although I consider to myself to be quite close with her. My brother, Stephen Junior, is a Siena alumni and now works as the Financial Analyst at a State Farm office. It was my brother’s influence that guided me into my decision to attend Siena College. My youngest sister, Kaitlyn, is four short year younger than me. Overall, my family has a very close knit relationship. We love and support each other through daily life issues. Even our extended family has grown closer within these few years. The passing of my grandmother in July 2013 has helped our immediate family grow closer to my father’s extended family. As well as the scare of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting where my little cousins attend school. Thankfully, my cousins returned home safely and soundly, however this event has impacted our family. In addition to teaching me to love and appreciate my family, it has also lead me in a possible career path working with younger children that are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

I am currently a Senior Psychology Major at Siena College with Sociology and Health Studies minors. In my free time, I enjoy being with my friends and family. At home, I work quite often at a deli near my house. I am a huge movie buff but I also love the outdoors and being outside. I am interested in learning about parents with addictions or parents with psychological problems and how these issues effect the family structure.