Ćľ Ćľ ÄŒ %// '/+* 0 0! *%2!./%05 Deja Knight, Miss Jackson State University 2013-14, says incoming freshmen will be surprised by the atmosphere they’ll find on campus. “My first impression when I came here was so positive. The atmosphere is so friendly and welcoming,â€? says Knight, who will be a senior computer science major this fall. “New students will love it.â€? Along with excellent academic programs, the university offers a wide range of activities and organizations that make the college experience enjoyable and well-rounded. “I’d tell incoming students to be open-minded and get involved in campus activities early-on; tap into the university’s amazing resources. There are so many opportunities here to become involved.â€? The freshmen will also be met by a staff and faculty that “don’t just feed us academic information,â€? Knight says. “They nurture us, they make sure we’ll be successful.â€? Finally, Knight advises the new students not to neglect their studies while adjusting to being away from home and to a whirlwind campus social life. “They should work their hardest those first two semesters,â€? she says. “Those first two semesters serve as the foundation for their grade point average clear through to graduation.â€? Knight, a native of Jackson, was raised in Dallas. This fall, she plans to get involved in local middle and high schools to promote Jackson State to prospective students. “Local kids need to know what an amazing university Jackson State is.â€? She also plans to attend law school and become an intellectual property attorney.
ĆŤ Ćľ ĆŤĆľ ÄŒ 01 !*0 +2!.*)!*0 .!/% !*0 Charles Cathey III, a native of Chicago and the 2013-14 president of the Jackson State University Student Government Association, says he fully understands that being away from home can be difficult for some incoming freshmen. “There will be days when you may want to give up or get homesick. But stay true to your course,â€? he advises. “Press yourself to step outside of your comfort zone to make a new friend or two, and take the opportunity to reach out and connect with a member of the faculty, staff, alum or upperclassman. Ask them to become your mentor. I can ensure you that they will become your strongest ally, cheerleader and support system while here.â€? Cathey says he traveled the country visiting college campuses before deciding where he would attend. When he came to Jackson State, he immediately felt he was among family. “I strongly encourage you as incoming freshmen to take full advantage of the many opportunities that will be afforded to you while at Jackson State. It’s like no other place. Coming to JSU was the best decision of my life. “Remember, life at Jackson State University will be what you make it!â€? 8