Photo courtesy of USFSP Connect
Quan Jones loves to be out on the water, kayaking through the Tampa Bay and experiencing the marine life.
Jones is a second year Students Transitioning into the Next Generation, Recognizing Alternatives for Youth (STINGRAY) student, a non-degree seeking program for students with intellectual disabilities. The students take one class per semester and have 3 mentors- an academic, and both a peer and community mentor. A STINGRAY student also started the service organization Bull Buds in 2012 which Jones started his first term as president of in the fall.
“We’ve been taking it by storm since it started,” Jones said
Bull Buds volunteers at MacDill Air Force Base and threw one event last semester and one this semester for Valentine’s Day.
Jones wants to work with animals in his future. Part of STINGRAY’s program is helping students make connections and find internships.
“Degree seeking students find a job easier than the non-degree students, but for us they help you earn connections. I had some with Fishing and Wildlife,” he said.
His first year in the program, he had an internship with the USFSP Waterfront. This is where he learned to love kayaking.
“For me to get into the marine life field will be very hard, but I want to get used to doing that outdoor stuff, so kayaking is a great experience,” he said.
Jones now currently works as a scorekeeper for Campus Recreation. He says he is happiest when he is with friends or when he accomplishes something.
“I basically feel happiest when I feel proud, like winning an award or when my teacher says I have improved growth. Not even knowing that I improved growth, I’m just doing the work so STINGRAY is a huge help with that,” Jones said.