Caroline Jones, a sophomore at King’s College, is using her lifelong passion for reading to inspire elementary school children and promote education. This self-proclaimed bookworm is dedicated to improving childhood literacy through her project, Read To Succeed. And while many of us dream about penning the next Harry Potter, Caroline has already written, illustrated and published a children’s book called One More Book, Please!
Caroline’s main goal in life is to be a role model for others, and we think she is well on her way! She is a natural leader who loves to be on stage, whether she’s performing in pageants, playing the piano, singing or acting. Her killer confidence has also helped her win two titles from the Miss America Organization. Whoever said women couldn’t have it all clearly hasn’t met Caroline!
Name: Caroline Jones
Age: 19
College: King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Majors: Double Major in Business Management and Marketing; Minor in Leadership Studies
Graduation Year: 2018
Hometown: Mountain Top, Pennsylvania
Twitter Handle: @carolinexxjones
Instagram Handle: @carolinemariesophia
Her Campus: What do you consider your greatest achievement to date?
Caroline Jones: One of my greatest achievements has been writing, illustrating, and publishing my own children’s book in English and Spanish. I have been able to sell over 500 copies of the English version of my book, One More Book, Please!, and all proceeds were donated to provide educational materials to children in need. I have read to hundreds of children in elementary schools, daycares and libraries throughout Pennsylvania. I am also donating my Spanish books to help Spanish children to read, and my Spanish books have made it to the Dominican Republic and Ecuador. I am also proud of being crowned Miss Northeastern Pennsylvania and Miss White Rose City, two pageants in the Miss America Organization. Having a title has allowed me to have a bigger voice in my community to advocate for my platform, the Read to Succeed Project. In school, my greatest achievement would be earning the Presidential Scholarship to King’s College! I love King’s and I am so grateful for that honor.
HC: What advice do you have for other ambitious collegiettes with a goal/dream?
CJ: First, never give up on your dreams! Write down what you hope to accomplish and do something every day that gets you closer to that goal. Second, work hard but also take time for yourself and make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy, exercising, and not being stressed. Third, volunteer and take every opportunity to help others because we are all here for a greater purpose. Last but certainly not least, surround yourself with friends and family who encourage and support you.
HC: How would you describe yourself in five words?
CJ: Passionate, hardworking, courageous, enthusiastic, creative.
HC: What are some of your other passions?
CJ: There are so many things I love doing; I’m never bored! Music is a big passion of mine—I have been playing piano for 14 years and I also play the guitar and sing. I am a fitness and nutrition enthusiast; you can always find me creating new healthy recipes and challenging myself at the gym. I love outdoor adventures including camping, rock-climbing, skiing and even skydiving! I also love volunteering in my school, church and community.
At King’s, I love to be involved in numerous activities, including being the President of my school’s social justice club, vice president of the Marketing & Management Association, and the founder of the King’s College Quidditch Team! I’m also an Admissions Ambassador and a Resident Assistant.
HC: What have you learned from your experience with the Miss America Organization?
CJ: The Miss America Organization has helped me develop my communication and speaking abilities, work ethic and time-management skills and confidence. I have developed wonderful relationships with so many people I have been fortunate to meet. My experience with the Miss America Organization has also taught me how to learn from both achievements and disappointments.
HC: Where can others learn more about the Read to Succeed Project?
CJ: Liking my Facebook page is the best way to learn more about the Read to Succeed Project—that is where I post the majority of my appearances and news related to my book. Always feel free to reach out to me with any questions!