AU students share their journeys as Jags

By Makenzy Veldboom | Staff Writer

College can be a time of great change, growth and a reflection of your time as a student so far. Four students at Augusta University are sharing their experiences from four different points of view in their academic career and giving advice for Jags beginning their journey at Augusta University.

Some students are beginning their time at Augusta University as college students. During this time, the college world is new and exciting and even a bit challenging at first. 

One of these students is Juanitra Moses who is a freshman majoring in a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in animation. 

“I really love art and I really love seeing pictures move, said Moses. “It has always fascinated me which is why I decided to go to school for animation.” 

She sees herself in five years doing work that she enjoys from the degree that she is earning. Moses says that she's also really enjoyed the freedom that college gives you as opposed to high school. 

College has come with some challenges too. For Moses, she says that she has struggled with procrastination. Through these challenges, Moses looks forward to the rest of her journey as a Jag and furthering her education. 

Juanitra Moses | photo by Juanitra Moses

Other students like Emily Bengston, a sophomore majoring in cybersecurity, have conquered their first year of college and are working towards the halfway point in their undergrad.

“I would like to start out working for the NSA or some other government-related job so that I can work and gain experience, but also still get more of an education through them and get immersed into the field,” Bengston said.

Bengston sees that in five years she will be working a steady job and have moved up from an entry-level position. She also wants to live in an apartment or a house with a few other friends and have a cat.

Bengston has also shared some challenges in college. She mentions that being away from her family has been an adjustment and that staying organized and submitting work on time can be difficult. 

“The first few weeks and even months were a bit rough,” Bengston said. “Not knowing anyone, studying for exams, just going to class. But eventually you’ll figure it out and you’ll start seeing people you know and you get into a rhythm.” 

Bengston is also enjoying her time in college despite the challenges that arise. She enjoys intramurals, making new friends and taking interesting humanities classes that she enjoys. 

Emily Bengston | photo by Lauren Hane

Some students are also over halfway through their undergrad and are quickly approaching their last year. One of these students is Hally Ledford, a junior majoring in history.

“I just love history, and I want to work in museums and do behind-the-scenes things so that I can help educate the public in the ways that I learned when I was a kid,” said Ledford.

She sees herself in five years working in a museum in a big city somewhere and pursuing her Ph.D. 

As for now, Ledford is enjoying her time as a Jag with her favorite activity in college being Campus Outreach. She enjoys CO because she gets to hear about Christ weekly and have a fun time with friends. In addition to the ups of college, Ledford has also faced the challenge of thinking about the future.

“It is really hard to focus on the present and doing well here when the future is looming ahead and coming quickly,” Ledford said.

Despite these challenges, she is also proud of her time here with a proud moment being her personal leadership and faith growing and the friends she has made. 

Hally Ledford | photo by Christy Ledford

For students such as Cecilia Maldonado, a senior nursing major, the last few semesters as undergrad are approaching and it is a time to reflect and look forward to the next chapter of life that is to come.

“I have always been interested in the human body’s ability to heal and the science behind it,” said Maldonado. “I love how the care nurses give is physical, mental, and personal…After college, I would love to work on a pediatric surgical floor!” 

As Maldonado’s last few semesters approach, she takes time to reflect on her time and share some advice with her fellow classmates. 

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Life is better when you let others help carry you. College is a lot and you need a support system,” Maldonado said to her younger self and to those fellow jags who may be just starting their journey. 

Maldonado has also faced challenges in her years as a student but is hopeful for the future and is really proud of her hard work and doing well in her classes while also being able to maintain her life outside of school. She also offers advice to her fellow classmen who are also graduating soon:

“Enjoy these last few months before we graduate. Go to the dinner, hang out with your friends and take the afternoon nap. This chapter is ending so quickly and we should make the best of it.” 

Cecilia Maldonado | photo by Dannielle Maldonado

College is definitely a time to make the best of it and no matter what chapter one is on in their journey, they can try to be hopeful for the future and work hard. 

We wish everyone the best of luck, no matter what stage, on their journey as jags!

Contact Makenzy Veldboom at kveldboom@augusta.edu