: Featured Scholar: Jason Wessell

Jason
Year: Junior
School: George Fox University
Major: History
Estimated Graduation Date: April 2008
Favorite Class: Classical Greece and Rome

Internship Experience
PGE, Corporate Writers Intern                           Summer 2006         
Portland Development Commission, HR Intern        Summer 2007

What’s been your biggest challenge and biggest success at college?
I would have to say my biggest challenge at college has been learning to ask others for help.  In high school I had a full-time aide to assist me, but in college I have had to rely on fellow students to help me with opening doors, using elevators, eating lunch, etc.  Becoming comfortable with this reliance has been my biggest success at college so far.

What have you learned from participating in internships?
The internship I completed at PGE taught me to believe in myself and be unafraid to try new things.  The work I was asked to do was completely new for me, but I used the knowledge I had and just went for it.  I figured out what I was doing fairly quickly and, when it was all said and done, my co-workers were very impressed with my work.

Tell us about your plans for after you graduate.
After I graduate, I plan on finding a part- or full-time job that I can truly enjoy.  I’m not sure what that job is yet, but I know it is out there somewhere!  I also might pursue a master’s degree at some point in the future.  No matter what I do, I want it to be a rewarding experience that helps me grow as a person.

What advice would you give students just starting their college career?
The best advice I can give to students starting their college careers is to enjoy the experience and take advantage of opportunities.  Four years of college may seem like a long time, but it goes by way too fast.  Take interesting classes (even if they may be challenging), get involved in extracurricular activities, and make time to socialize.  Most importantly just have fun, but don’t forget to study!