Jayda's Story
NAME: Jayda Coons
HOMETOWN: Carlisle, PA
MAJOR: English
MINOR: International Studies
FAVORITE THING ABOUT SHIPPENSBURG:
The English Department is so helpful and motivating. I also love the interdisciplinary minors—I’m getting one in International Studies.
TWO INTERESTING THINGS ABOUT ME:
I’m the 2011 Outstanding English major at Ship and I’m learning how to play the guitar.
CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS/SPORTS/ACTIVITIES:
President of Sigma Tau Delta, Americorps VISTA Community Fellow, Writing Tutor on campus
INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE:
I have an appointment similar to an internship at the Franklin County Literacy Council, but it is actually an Americorps service learning project. I am there for this year, 2011-12, and currently I tutor young adults in basic literacy to prepare for the GED test. I also help with planning/organizing events sponsored by the Literacy Council.
STUDENT RESEARCH EXPERIENCE:
Recently, I presented at the Pennsylvania Association for Adult Continuing Education conference on an Oral History project I helped facilitate between the Franklin County Literacy Council and English classes at Ship. I have also presented two literary criticism essays in the past: one at the English Association of Pennsylvania State Universities (EAPSU) conference and one at the Celebration of Student Research Conference. I have also worked briefly as a Research Assistant for Dr. Harrow, doing mostly citation work for an upcoming book.
MOST MEANINGFUL LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT SHIP:
My participation in the Community Fellows program has shaped my interests and passion for English more than anything else. I have enjoyed being a writing tutor and attending my classes, but getting the chance to work with people who are not in college has given me real-world perspective on the different ways I can use my English degree for the benefit of the community.
COMMUNITY SERVICE/VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES:
I am in Americorps so I am committed to at least 300 hours of community service this year. Most of those hours are completed at the literacy council but I have also volunteered with the STAR mentoring program at the Shippensburg Intermediate School.
WHAT I DO FOR FUN:
I really love music, so learning new songs or discovering new artists is fun for me. I also like making jewelry, reading, and watching movies in my down time.
MY PLANS AFTER GRADUATION:
I was awarded a Teaching Assistantship in an English graduate program out of state and I am definitely taking advantage of the opportunity to further my education and teach English courses at the college level.