trailblazer
Trailblazer :: by Caitlin Probandt
M
ore young people are obtaining college degrees than in generations past, but Schreiner University still has a wealth of first-generation students who are striving to better their worlds through higher education. Jake Crawley ’14 is an example of that.
Crawley, a biochemistry major from Arlington, graduated in May as the first in his family to attend and earn a college degree. He plans to continue his education through a master’s program with Southern New Hampshire University. “Neither one of my parents graduated from high school,” he said. “I wanted a better life, and education was the key. I didn’t expect to come
16 Summer 2014 SCENE
to Schreiner University, but I toured with my friend, Hannah, and signed on that day.” Crawley said his parents are supportive of his decision to attend college— especially his mother. “No one in my family had gone to college until I did,” he said. “It was a different situation, and it was a big deal. I had no idea what it took when I started—the application process, the financial aspect and the culture shock once I started at the university.” There might have been initial shock when attending college, but Crawley adapted and decided not to pass up multiple opportunities to get more involved in college life. “I served as an resident assistant, as an ambassador for the university, student senate
president and Learning Support Services tutor for my peers,” he said. “I thought, ‘I’m here; I love this place and I want to give back to the university.’” Through his work with student organizations and classes, Crawley said he has grown so much during the past four years, and he is determined to never let anything stand in his way when it comes to following his dreams. “I am honored to have had the opportunity to attend college at Schreiner,” he said. “If I have children, they are going to college—it is a great buffer of time to mature, and it helps you become the type of person who can help others. Schreiner University is home, and I think a lot of people understand that and appreciate it.”