Year: Second

Major: Criminology

Involvement: Member, Brandywine Benefitting THON; member, Student Government Association; member, Student Initiated Fee committee

Brandywine: What was your deciding factor in coming to Penn State Brandywine?

Jones: I always knew I wanted to come to Penn State. When I went to apply to Penn State, I chose to apply to Brandywine because it looked like a really nice campus; it wasn’t too big or too small. I was excited when I got accepted here and knew that I wanted to commit here.

Brandywine: How did you choose your major?

Jones: My grandfather was an FBI agent, so I was always around someone in a criminology career path. I thought that career path stood out to me the most, so I chose criminology. I also want to go to law school after I graduate. My parents always told me how it would be a great career path for me because I debate with people a lot.

Brandywine: What challenges have you faced at Brandywine, if any?

Jones: One challenge I’ve encountered during my time at Brandywine was learning how to manage my time. My biggest struggle was trying to figure out how to juggle my social life with school, while also adjusting to living out of state. Speaking with my advisers definitely helped me get over this hurdle.

Brandywine: Who at Brandywine has supported you, and how?

Jones: My adviser has helped me out a lot. Also, I’ve had such a great support group of friends who have gotten me out of my shell and pushed me to get out of my comfort zone. My friends are the ones who pushed me to join Brandywine Benefitting THON and the Student Government Association.

Brandywine: What made you interested in joining Brandywine Benefitting THON? What do you enjoy most about it?

Jones: When I first got to Brandywine, I wanted to join but I got kind of scared because I didn’t know anyone. Once I made my group of friends, they encouraged me to join THON with them. The second I joined, everyone was really helpful and welcoming.

Brandywine: What advice do you have for students who are looking to get involved?

Jones: Just do it. Don’t be like me and be hesitant. Everyone here is so welcoming, so the second you join, you’ll be accepted. You’ll make great friends, and all the worries you had before will melt away.

Brandywine: With your involvement at Brandywine, how has your time on campus been impacted?

Jones: When I joined clubs, my time on campus got better. I was meeting different people and forming all these connections. I’ve gotten so much happier since putting myself out there and joining all these clubs.

Brandywine: What's your favorite memory you've made at Brandywine?

Jones: My favorite memory was definitely making friends. Every time I’m with my friends, we’re making great memories together.

Brandywine: What has been the most valuable lesson you've learned at Brandywine?

Jones: I’ve learned a lot about maintaining a balance between school and my social life. I ended up getting a planner, and it’s helped me out a lot. When life gets hectic, I write my tasks down in my planner and get myself organized. I also make sure to allot time for myself, even if it’s just an hour. It’s definitely helped a lot.