Jennifer C.

2009 Scholarships.com Resolve To Evolve Scholarship Winner

Scholarships.com: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Jennifer C: That’s hard to say. There’s lots of things that happen, opportunities that pop up, people that I meet that I never expected. In my ideal world, 10 years from now I’d be working to improve the usability and design of technology, interfaces and environments. I’d be living in an apartment with modern, organic décor, and I’d be chummy with my significant other, friends, family, and my Flemish Giant rabbit.

SDC: How do you think a college education will help you get there and what would you say to students about the importance of a college education?

JC: College builds a good foundation for analytical thinking which can be applied to a whole host of situations. It’s also a great place to meet people and build relationships. The college experience is definitely eye-opening and heartwarming. My undergraduate education expanded my horizons and really forced me to work for the things I want. My graduate education is helping me pinpoint what I want to do. It’s giving me direction and setting me up with people that have experience in what I want to do.

SDC: Winning a scholarship means different things to different students. What does your scholarship mean to you, or why do you feel it is a significant accomplishment?

JC: Scholarships.com has been a great resource for me to find the available scholarships that are out there. I feel honored to have been chosen as one of the winners. To me, winning this scholarship feels like having my own cheering squad encouraging me to go on with my education and helping me succeed. It also inspires me to apply to more scholarships!

SDC: Where do you go to school, and why do you attend that school?

JC: For undergrad, I went to the University of Pennsylvania. At the time I was applying, I did not understand what a great a choice I had made. I met many people that I admire and cherish. Campus-life felt like campus-life, self-contained and protected from the city, but at the same time, it was easy to explore downtown Philadelphia. I am currently attending George Mason University for grad school. There are not many colleges that have Human Factors programs. I got in touch with a student from the Human Factors program at George Mason and chatted to her about the program and student life. She was enthusiastic yet honest about the program. The program is relatively large and is composed of a tightly-knit group of faculty and students. It seems I never stop hearing what a great Human Factors program George Mason has!

SDC: What do you think about college life so far?

JC: College has been one of the most satisfying experiences I’ve had. There are always events going on, people to visit, and experiences to be had. Word of free food (or free anything) events spread quickly. Bring your friends along! I would say that I never knew how to really study until I got to college. I would also say that it’s an experience that I will definitely miss.

SDC: What advice would you give to the class of seniors who are now making decisions about their college careers?

JC: If you don’t know what to do, I’d look for larger, well-known departments in your areas of interest. If you plan to do research, I’d look for faculty members researching and producing work in the areas you’re interested in. A thriving, harmonious student body is essential for experiencing a true college experience. I, for one, particularly enjoyed living on a campus that was close to a city yet had a relatively enclosed campus. I would visit the campus and get a feel for its environment and try to jump into a few classes and see what they’re like. Also, go live in a freshman dorm the first year!