Name: Lydia Dewees.

Lives in: Cape Girardeau.

Family: Single.

Job: Marketing director for Chartwells Dining and Catering, currently pursuing MBA at Southeast.

What do you like most about the area? I think that Cape Girardeau is a place that you become attached to. It has a lot to offer when it comes to the people, community involvement and things to do in town.

Favorite food: Chicken fried rice and Funyuns.

Favorite TV show: "American Dreams" and "The Apprentice."

Best advice: "Never regret the choices you make in life. Never be sorry for what you did yesterday; it was what you wanted, what you chose. Accept that fact, and move forward."

Person you most admire: Laura Bush. She is a great first lady and an interesting person.

What would you do if you won the lottery? I would pay off student loans, buy a house, take flying lessons, and of course do some shopping. Then I would split the remainder, putting half into savings and invest the other half.

Pet peeves: People who do not vote or take action in their life (and community) yet are full of complaints and excuses while offering no help or solution. People who spend more time watching television and not enough time reading, enriching themselves and being productive with their lives. Poor etiquette or decorum, especially when it comes to cell phones, chewing gum, attire, language or treating others with respect.