Jennette '25

Major: Knowledge Management

Minor: Project Management

Orange Trivia: In the spring, she will become the first in her family to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

“I was stunned the difference the scholarships have made to my bottom line and grateful that they were available to people like me, who believe that higher education is not just for the young.”

 

Describe your Syracuse experience in a couple of sentences.

Being a student at Syracuse University has been a very positive experience. I have been encouraged and supported by my advisors and professors throughout my time as a student. I have felt that they see me as “Jennette” and not just as “a student.” Academic and financial advice is personalized, and the professors seem to take a personal interest in their students, often remembering in detail those who have taken more than one class with them.

 

How is the College of Professional Studies preparing you for your future career?

The College of Professional Studies allows me to take courses and obtain my degree while working full time. I am able apply my studies directly to my current position, making me a more valuable employee. I am learning time management skills and developing the ability to say “no” when faced with the options of completing homework or going to a social event. It is also giving me a deeper understanding of myself, of how to determine where I want to go in my career, and how I can get there. The very existence of the College of Professional Studies shows the importance Syracuse University places on post-traditional learning.

 

Why did you choose to return to school as a post-traditional student?

I have always had a strong desire to learn and wanted to pass this love of learning down to my children. I also wanted to lead by example and prove that it is never too late to further your education.  Next year, I will become the first in my family to obtain a bachelor’s degree. This is the type of example I want to set.

 

How has donor generosity impacted your time at Syracuse?

Living paycheck to paycheck is difficult for anyone, and even more difficult for those who make the decision to return to school as post-traditional students. As a person who has made the choice to take the hard road, the scholarships I have been able to obtain, both academic and need-based, have eased some of the stress I have felt when thinking about post-graduation student loan payments. I was stunned the difference the scholarships have made to my bottom line, and grateful that they were available to people like me, who believe that higher education is not just for the young.

 

Why do you think giving to the University is important?

The high cost of living puts many people in the position of having to choose to meet their monthly expenses over furthering their education. Even those who qualify for student loans are aware of the heavy financial burden they will carry after graduation, and many people who would benefit from a degree are unable to meet this challenge. It takes courage and strength to face these hurdles, and I believe those with the desire to better themselves should be given the opportunity. Donating to the University is an excellent way to have a positive and long-lasting impact. Knowing that scholarships are available can encourage potential students to take that final step toward improving themselves through higher education.

 

What does it mean to you to be Orange?

To me, being Orange means striving for excellence, and embracing the depth and diversity of our administration, faculty, staff and students. It means cultivating a desire to share my experiences as an SU student with others and instill in them a need to create experiences of their own.

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