This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Winthrop chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
Name: Ali Jensen
Major: BiologyHometown: West Des Moise, Iowa
Why did you come to Winthrop?
I actually came to Winthrop initially because my first choice did not work out financially and Winthrop has a rolling admissions process. I got really lucky because I ended up going to an incredible institution that has made a huge impact on my life.
What made you want to get involved on campus?
The reason I wanted to get involved on campus was because I had two really amazing role models when I was a freshman. My Peer Mentor, Meaghan McMullen, really encouraged me to apply to be a Peer Mentor and Ashley Sineath, who was the president of my sorority at the time, got me involved with the Council of Student Leaders. Without these two women in my life, I’m not sure if I really would have become the person I am today.
I know you were an orientation leader, could you tell Her Campus a little about your experiences with that?
Oh gosh, I don’t think there are word to express how meaningful being an Orientation Leader was to me. In those two years of my life I grew more as a person than I had in the previous 20. I got to meet these incredible people, called freshmen, who taught me patience, understanding, and compassion. Getting to watch those same students grow up and really enjoy their college experience has been so rewarding. Orientation is hard, it’s long, and you get almost no sleep; but every single moment is better than the last and my students have definitely been worth all of the stress.
Besides being an OL, what else are you involved in on campus? And how have they influenced you?
I have been really fortunate in my college experience by being afforded the opportunity to be involved in lots of different departments. I currently serve as the Secretary of the Council of Student Leaders and the Orientation Intern. I have also gotten to serve as a Rho Gamma, the Student Director of the Peer Mentor Program, the Secretary of the Honors Association, an Event Chair for the Homecoming Committee, and a Student Appointee to the Judicial Council. This past year I had the privilege of getting to serve as the Head Rho Gamma for CPC and it was absolutely incredible. I got to train, bond with, and love 13 wonderful women who went on to aid in one of the most successful CPC Recruitments to date. They taught me what being a real leader is and they showed me so much love in return. I don’t think I have met a better group of people in my entire life and I am so thankful that they allowed me to be apart of their experience. Love all my Rho Gams :-)
What do you plan to do after you graduate?
I actually just accepted an opportunity to be the Graduate Assistant for Orientation at Western Illinois University for this upcoming semester! So I will be studying College Student Personnel and hopefully someday I will get to have my own Orientation Program! Go Leathernecks!
Do you have any advice for freshmen?
The most important thing I could ever tell freshmen is IT’S OKAY TO NEED HELP! We have so many resources available to students and we want you to use them. Needing help does not mean a person is weak or unintelligent, it means that you are dedicated to being the best version of yourself you possibly can be. My favorite quote in the world is, “Anyone can hide. Facing up to things, working through them, that’s what makes you strong.” It takes a brave person to recognize the need for help and I can guarantee Winthrop has something or someone out there that can help you.
How would you sum up your Winthrop experience?
The best way to sum up my Winthrop experience is home. In the past four years Winthrop has become a part of me. It has become my family, my home, and my support system. I can’t believe that it’s all coming to an end, but I’m so grateful for everyone here who has made my experience so life-altering.