This Is Their Place: Jessica Petersen

This is Jessica and this is her place.

Who are you?

I'm Jessica Petersen, Sr. User Experience Designer @ Omniture, Inc.

What is your place?

Sandy City Dog Park with my mutt, Twink.

Why is this place special to you?

Because it makes Twink, my dog really happy. She was abused and is really shy around people but is completely in her element when she's around other dogs. She is even outgoing with people at the park.

What do you enjoy most about Salt Lake City?

The awesome people I've met since I moved back. When I first left, the people here were generally my least favorite. My perspective has changed.

What do you dislike about Salt Lake City?

The culture battles. There are two major cultures in this city and I really dislike the constant battles between the two. I'd like to see more open mindedness from both sides.

I was raised Agnostic in Utah. It's tough growing up here when you're not a member of the major religion. I was constantly ostracized by other children. I would encourage everyone to teach their children tolerance. Don't perpetuate the hate.

Why did you leave Utah and where did you go? And, why did you come back?

One week after Sept. 11 I was laid off from my job at an DSW, a local advertising agency. My ego was bruised and I was fed up with the culture in Salt Lake City. In Feb. 2002 my boyfriend and I decided to pick up and move to Portland, OR. We picked Portland only because we had visited once and really liked it - we had practically thrown a dart at a map to make this decision.

It was a great experience and I recommend everyone try to move away at least once. In fact, I'm sure I'll move again one day - but not right away.

In late 2006, I was recruited by Omniture for a UI Design position. They contacted me 5 times before I responded - I was going to be damned if I was going to move back. Nonetheless, when I finally interviewed with them I was convinced it was the right move. They brought me back and I broke up with my boyfriend shortly after.

Since moving back, I've come to realize I'm much happier here than I was in Oregon. I loved my experience in Portland, but I experienced a lot of unhappiness while I was there. I also have a greater appreciation for Salt Lake City and I have noticed a marked improvement in attitudes since I've returned. If you want to know more about how I've found happiness in Salt Lake, I've written a blog post about it: Happiness in a town called Salt Lake.