Name: Jenna Layton
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Year: Junior
Relationship Status: In a Relationship
Major: Urban and Regional Planning and Public Administration
Her Campus (HC): What’s your major? What are the most important lessons you have learned from your major?
Jenna Layton (JL): I’m double majoring in Urban and Regional Planning and Public Administration, which has been a very interesting combination of courses. I’ve only been in this program for a few semesters, so I have a lot of courses that I’m eager to take, but I’m currently in an Urban and Regional Planning class that focuses on social and economic factors in urban planning. The most important thing that I’ve learned is to be prepared for class, and be able to contribute meaningful points in class discussions.
HC: Why is being involved so important to you?
JL: Let me first start off by saying this: getting involved is the key to having an amazing college experience. By getting involved, you not only get to meet people who could possibly become your lifelong best friends, but you also get to integrate and apply your learning in classes to help enhance your college experience. I learned that very quickly my freshman year. I went out on a limb and applied to the FSU Visitor Center and was hired as a University Ambassador. Little did I know, this experience would come to transform my life. This incredible group of people has helped me grow so much and taught me that my time at FSU is what I choose to make of it.
HC: In what other ways are you involved on campus?
JL: That same year, I decided to join Dance Marathon. Without a sorority to dance with my freshman year, I really had no clue where my place was in this accomplished organization until I stumbled upon the individual dancer team, which included about nine unaffiliated students. Walking into a room of 1,800 dancers all by myself was incredibly intimidating but quickly became one of my favorite experiences here at FSU. Then as a sophomore, I joined Chi Omega, which I found to be one of the best decisions of my life because this group of women has been my support system and my inspiration to grow into the leader I didn’t know I had in me. With their support, I found my role in the Panhellenic community as a Recruitment Counselor, which is pushing me to dig deep within myself and grow as a leader and as a Panhellenic woman. This past year, I’ve also served as a member of the CORE team for Dance Marathon as a Recruitment Coordinator, where we have focused on spreading DM throughout our entire FSU community and growing our movement.
Courtesy: Jenna Layton
HC: What led you to becoming a recruitment counselor?
JL: I was inspired to become a Recruitment Counselor after becoming close with my Rho Gamma during my week of recruitment. Throughout the week, she became a close friend and confidante and made sure that all of us were confident and supported throughout such a stressful week. As she handed me my bid, she whispered in my ear, “I’ll see you at home,” and that is still one of my favorite memories of becoming a Chi Omega. I got to run home with such an inspiring and incredible woman and role model and that is what being a Panhellenic woman is about. I’m so honored to now be in this position. I get to grow as a woman and a leader through this process and I am so excited to be that supportive person to a group of amazing women.
HC: I see that you’re a DM CORE Member, why is this important to you? What miracles have you seen as a result?
JL: Serving as a Recruitment Coordinator for Dance Marathon, I’ve been able to see the hard work and dedication that goes into making these miracles a reality. I applied for this position with a mission to make Dance Marathon more inclusive and spread our cause to groups on campus that have never been involved before. I’ve had the privilege to work with amazing organizations like the Marching Chiefs, ROTC, SSF, FSU Navigators and FSU Athletics and to help their organizations grow within DM. My personal goal was to grow our individual dancer team, Team Miracle, and help students find their home in Dance Marathon just like I did my freshman year. I wanted this team to become a family for students who are still working on finding their place at FSU, just like it was for me. I am constantly inspired by their motivation and passion, and seeing these students who are participating in Dance Marathon purely out of the goodness in their hearts is the reason why I DM.
HC: Do you have any advice for people that are looking to get more involved?
JL: Coming into a massive university like Florida State might seem intimidating, but your college experience is what you make of it. When I was a freshman, I felt like a tiny fish swimming in a huge pond. But the second you find your home on campus, whether it’s a club, IM sports or Greek life, the pond immediately gets smaller. Getting involved has transformed my college experience and for anyone looking for his or her place on campus this is my recommendation for you. Put yourself out there and apply for that position, go to a club meeting or the involvement fair. There are millions of opportunities to grow as a leader on this campus so don’t be afraid to take the first step.
HC: What are your plans for when you graduate?
JL: As of right now I’m not completely sure of where life will take me after graduation. Florida State has given me opportunities that have taught me skills that can’t be acquired in a classroom.