Sarah Levine is a Creative Project Specialist who works with other RTD employees to complete various creative and fun projects. Sarah brings a wealth of experience and skills to the position, such as following closely various administrative style tasks. Prior to joining RTD, she spent seven years at PNC Bank, where she sharpened her general office skills and expanded her knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Sarah graduated from NYIT in 2004 with a certificate in Office Skills. As part of her coursework, she completed internships with various organizations including MetLife, Computer Associates, and Long Island Cares – The Harry Chapin Food Bank.
Sarah brings along her creativity as well – in her spare time she is an aspiring novelist and an avid reader. Sarah reads an average of 120 books per year!
Getting to know Sarah
What do you enjoy most about working at RTD?
What I enjoy most are the people surrounding me at RTD. I find myself encouraged by my coworkers’ enthusiasm and passion for their work. They are supportive of me, and the open lines of communication between us create an atmosphere of harmony, hope, and optimism. This environment allows my administrative and creative skills to emerge easily and, as a result, I can put my best forward.
What makes you good at what you do?
My creativity, attention to detail, intuition, and ability to relate to others help me connect with my coworkers and understand their needs. I use these traits to successfully carry out the various tasks I am assigned, including scanning, assisting with Microsoft Office projects, and creating helpful reminders of company etiquette.
What is the greatest piece of advice you have received?
Since I was a young girl, one of my favorite songs has been “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from the Wizard of Oz movie starring Judy Garland. I believe this song deals with not being afraid to follow your dreams. Growing up I faced some significant learning challenges and found this song inspirational. Although my challenges held me back in many ways, I held onto the hope that I could make my dreams come true. This is the greatest advice I have ever received – to not be afraid to follow your dreams. I feel I have accomplished many of the dreams I had hoped to reach when I was younger, but like Dorothy, I am still reaching to make some of my dreams a reality.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
My proudest moment took place when Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Southern New Jersey recognized both me and RTD as “Employee and Employer of Excellence” at its 14th Annual Vocational Breakfast. Attended by over 300 community members, it was a pleasure and an honor to stand by Jeff Weiand and Maureen Blom to receive my award. Having both coworkers and family members supporting me at this event made me so happy because I truly do see the people I work with as a second family.
What book has had the greatest impact on you and why?
As an avid reader and aspiring novelist, I have loved many books over the years but very few have impacted me as much as “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte. This book has remained a favorite of mine because I adore the journey that the protagonist goes through to become a strong female who never truly lets go of her morals. It’s a book that I have been reading since I was a pre-teen, and I love the intelligence, compassion and strength of character that the author portrays in Jane Eyre throughout the novel. This novel has definitely left an impact on me as a woman.
The “Outlander” series by Diana Gabaldon has left its own impact on me as an aspiring author. I find myself constantly rereading the books in this series as they are beautifully written and well-researched. I find them written with an understanding not simply of history but also the emotional depth and genuine trauma with which the main character ends up struggling.
What’s the most exciting vacation that you have ever taken?
When I was a teenager, I had the opportunity to spend a few weeks in Israel with a group of friends traveling from town to town and exploring various sights which still hold much meaning for me today. More recently, I visited the Margaret Mitchell House in Atlanta. As a fan of “Gone with the Wind,” I enjoyed learning more about the author and the creation of both the book and the movie. I enjoyed this visit just as much, if not more, than my travels to Israel.