This year, I completed my freshman year of college. My freshman year consisted of meeting new faces, challenging courses and studies, and adjusting to life as a college student. Throughout my freshman experience, I learned how to be an efficient student by learning how to manage time and schedule events accordingly. In addition, I also learned what I wanted my future path to look like. Although my freshman year did not end the way I thought it would, I would not trade this experience for any other experience.

Being a student at the University of Arkansas is a great honor and privilege. My favorite thing about being a student at this university is that there is an endless amount of opportunity. Furthermore, there is a great variety of student organizations for any student to join and become a part of. Additionally, the campus is full of students that are welcoming to others, so no matter who you are, you will always feel welcome. On top of that, there are campus events that occur daily; these events can range from small concerts to yoga gatherings. Overall, being a student at the University of Arkansas never has a dull moment because of the plethora of opportunities that surround the campus.

My favorite thing to do on campus is to gather all my study materials, settle down, and begin focusing on my coursework. I typically do this with a group of friends at Starbucks (on campus), my favorite place. Starbucks is my favorite place on campus because it is a relaxing environment where I have access to all my caffeine needs. This is my favorite thing to do because being surrounded by my friends and studying allows me to be effective in my schoolwork, while also spending quality time with my friends.

As an alumni scholar, I have been able to achieve a variety of accomplishments. Firstly, I had the opportunity to volunteer for several different organizations, such as: Beautiful Lives Boutique, Habitat for Humanity, FoodCorps Helpers, LifeSource, and Potter’s House. These organizations helped me gain insight on how small and simple tasks can impact a community positively.

Because of the alumni scholarship, I realized that volunteering as mall fraction of my time may impact the community in a great manner. In addition, having an alumni scholarship has opened new connections that have been helpful and will be beneficial in the future.

Jennifer is a Biology major from Fort Smith, AR