Today we’d like to introduce you to Jane Becnel.
Jane, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in New Orleans and consider myself a true southern girl until Hurricane Katrina struck the city, I called home which prompted my family to move away for one year. I left everything that I knew behind and started school in Aspen, Colorado. You could say New Orleans and Aspen are quite literally on opposite ends of the spectrum, and I soon figured that out after 1 year turned into 2, which turned into 3, which ended up turning in the 8 years of living in Aspen full time. When it was time for my younger brother to enter high school, the family decided it was time to move back to NOLA in order for him to have a chance of playing sports in college. So, after 8 years of living in one of the most beautiful ski towns in the world, I moved back to New Orleans to finish out my last two years of high school. After graduating from Metairie Park Country Day School in 2017, I decided to attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas for my college career. Soon after moving into my freshman year dorm, I began my journey as a foodie. While at SMU I was involved with the Spoon University Chapter and ended up being the photo director for over a year and a half. This prompted me during my sophomore year of college to create a food Instagram of my own that truly gives me joy. I love to connect with others, explore different cultures and cuisines while posting for my followers to see. One thing that truly changed me forever is the wisdom teeth removal I had going into my sophomore year of college. What was supposed to be a in and out routine procedure ended up changing the trajectory of my college career as I had to medically withdrawal from school and work my butt off to graduate in a little over 3 years. I graduated from SMU in the spring of 2021 with a degree in Public Relations and Strategic Communications and with a minor in Spanish. After graduation, my family and I traveled to Africa for about two weeks, and safe to say that was a trip of a lifetime. I am currently earning my Master’s in Sports Management from SMU and work part-time for CBS sports when they need help for local college football events and games. Growing up with a younger brother who was the star athletes in all sports throughout high school sparked the love for professional sports, which is why I am pursuing this degree. I had the decision between going to Georgetown or SMU for this graduate program but after my 3.5 years at SMU, I was sure that I did not want to leave the great state of Texas and my new home. I am an avid 818 Tequila fan and supporter as well.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was absolutely not a smooth road, but then again isn’t that what makes life interesting or challenging? Again, my medical withdrawal during my sophomore year of college was not only a setback academically, but emotionally, socially, and spiritually as well. A huge challenge that I am still working to overcome is being sure in who I am as I enter into the professional workplace after I graduate from this program in May of this year.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Sports Management at SMU. I would love to work with a professional football or basketball team in the near future post-graduation. Until then, I am most know for my own specialized food Instagram account that attracts many, many viewers @eatingwithjaneb. I have been featured on various verified Dallas food blogs such as Best Food Feed, Eating the Big D, and a handful of others. I post and review from local restaurants around the DFW area while also highlighting the food associated with my most recent travels. I truly love exploring new cuisine while traveling, because I see food as the lens into the soul of a city, country, community, or its people. I believe I have a strong respect for different cuisines having lived in one of the city’s most well-known for is eclectic offerings – New Orleans. Also having been fortunate enough to travel throughout Africa this past summer, I gained incredible insight into completely different cuisine. I am very much looking forward to my trip to Machu Picchu in just a couple of week as I hope to indulge in the culture and cuisines that Peru and South America have to offer.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I was definitely a goofball. I was always making myself and others laugh – no matter the circumstances. While I had such a silly side, I also learned to be extremely empathic with my friends and others. Especially after experiencing Hurricane Katrina as a young kid and seeing and living through the extreme devastation of my community, I learned that doing for others is something that brings me incredible pride and a sense of purpose. As a young kid, I was interested in going to summer camp in Marshall, Texas, and attended Camp Fern for 9 years in a row. Looking back, I think my summer camp experience was very impactful in creating who I am today. I loved all of the tribal competitions, daily classes, nightly activities and excursions that Camp Fern exposed me to. During my last year as a camper, I was elected Chief of the Bena Tribe, meaning I was in charge of the tribe of 60 girls for the 4-week session throughout intense competitions. I ended up leading my tribe to victory and won the “Feather” on the Indian headdress for the girls’ session. I definitely have a competitive side! As a middle and high schooler, I found happiness on the soccer field or skiing or snowboarding. However, I am a true water baby at heart and find the most peace while in the water or on the beach. I grew up vacationing in Florida and Mexico and would spend hours on end in the ocean. This love of water ultimately led me to earning my scuba diving certification and has allowed me to dive in places such as the Cayman Islands and the Blue Hole in Belize.
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