Joanna Nowinski

I grew up in Poland. I met my husband while he was vacationing there, and we became engaged within 11 days! I am generally known to be very conservative, responsible, and a thoughtful decision maker, so my quick commitment to my fiance was definitely outside the realm of my typical behavior.  When I moved to the United States, I arrived with only $60 and did not speak any English. I married my fiance two months later, and we just celebrated our 30-year anniversary.

Thirteen years ago, my husband and I moved to the Central Coast from Orange County. We have four children. Two are married and moved away, and two are still at home.

My childhood in communist Poland affected me deeply and shaped who I am today. I witnessed my mother work as a dentist to try to provide for our family. She had to trade her skills for food on many occasions.  Friendship and relationships can save lives.

This strong work ethic–that I learned from my mother–carries on through me. While raising my four children, I worked as a hairdresser for 25 years and then went back to school for my real estate licence. In the last four years I worked seven days a week with two full-time jobs.

Even though I work hard, I do find some time for fun. I love watching football! I also enjoy reading historical novels and self-improvement books. I like to cook and host parties for my friends. Someday I would like to go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and visit Vatican City.