The Dolphin Family with Donya

Transcript

Here at JU, we talk a lot about the Dolphin family, but what does that mean exactly? Our next student has a unique perspective on that. Donya is a first year communications major with minors in marketing and dance. She’s over at the Founders Building, the oldest building on this campus. Donya, please take it away.

– Thanks for the intro, Alex. Hey, everyone. Here at JU, we’re a tight-knit community, always encouraging and challenging each other to reach higher. That’s why we call it the Dolphin family, which is especially true for me since I literally grew up here on campus. My dad was a professor here for over 30 years and I graduated from a preschool located right here on campus called Wilma’s Little People School. I was lucky enough to attend Wilma’s with my twin brother and have so many fond memories of growing up there. One of my favorite memories would be when my dad would take us to his office and let us get any snack we wanted from the vending machines in the break room. As a communications major and marketing minor, I spend most of my time in Davis College of Business. Over the years, I have built some great relationships with my professors, not only because they’re great people, but because I knew most of them growing up. Whether you spent your childhood on campus like me, or not at JU, you’re not just an enrollment number, you are family. Our 11:1 student faculty ratio means your professors will know you by name and they’re invested in your future. You’ll have access to leading experts in their field who will become lifelong mentors. You can call, text, and even eat lunch with faculty. JU President Tim Cost even gives his cell phone number to all incoming students and parents, and that’s what makes JU really feel like home. Looking back, it’s incredible to be standing right here where it all began. Coming here, you’ll be able to build and create relationships with students and faculty who care about you and want to see you succeed. They will push you through the challenging moments of your life and encourage you to become the best version of yourself. This is what it means to be part of our Dolphin family. Back to you, Alex.

– Wow, what a cool story, and I feel the exact same way. It is incredible to be standing here where it all began. I still keep in touch with many of my classmates and professors from JU. They played such a central role in my story too, and I wouldn’t be here without their encouragement and support. Well said, Donya, and thank you for sharing your story. Education isn’t one size fits all. You are unique and your college experience should be too.