Jennifer Melton '13
Hometown: Wasola, Missouri
Major: Nursing
What activities are you involved in?
I volunteer at Birthright, and work at St. Luke's Hospital. I'm in the Student Nurses Association, PAIRS, Up 'Till Dawn and Children of Promise
Why did you decide to attend Coe?
I wanted a small school with small class sizes. I also wanted to be a few hours away from my family (so I wouldn't be tempted to drive home every weekend - now I'm nine hours away). Coe was everything that I expected and more. I just love the atmosphere here.
What does Coe mean to you?
Coe is definitely my home away from home. All I have in Iowa is Coe, so it's very important to me.
What is it like living in Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids is a lot like Springfield, Missouri (about an hour from where I live) so it seems familiar and homey even though it's completely new. My favorite part is the Collins Road Theatre - movies for just $4!
Have you had any internship, research or study abroad experiences?
Because I'm a freshman and a nursing major, the curriculum is very rigid. I haven't really had the opportunity to study abroad yet, but I do want to travel during the May term.
Why should a prospective student choose Coe?
The teachers here really do care about their students. And the free tutors aren't bad, either...ha!
How has Coe changed your life?
Coe has allowed me to experience a ton of new things that I hadn't encountered where I grew up. And for my future, I'll definitely be used to snow.
How was your transition from high school to Coe?
My transition was very rocky in the beginning. I slowly got used to all of college life, and it was a lot easier than I had originally made it out to be.
What advice would you give to a prospective student considering Coe?
Don't let anyone pressure you - this is going to be your home for the next four years, it's ultimately your decision. And, you are allowed to change your mind - even if you've always wanted to go to a specific college, you can still choose a different one.
What is your favorite place on campus?
The library - it has everything. There are quiet study areas, movie rentals, vending machines, tons of computers, and, of course, books.
What is a piece of history that you like most about Coe?
I like the story of how the Coe mascot was chosen. It was between Kohawks and Trojans, and Kohawks won by only nine votes. I can't even imagine being the Coe Trojans.
What is your favorite Coe tradition?
I really like the ringing of the victory bell. It seems kind of cheesy, but it holds meaning. It's where you start and end your career at Coe.
What is your weakness?
My weakness is definitely the art of procrastination. It took me a very long time to learn that papers that were done the night before were not okay.
What do you do for a campus job?
Through the work-study program, I work at St. Luke's Hospital. There, I work in the supply distribution area and the post-surgery recovery area.
What are your career goals after Coe?
I want to become a Neonatal Nurse, working in the Intensive Care Unit.
How was Coe in terms of scholarship support?
One of the main things I considered when choosing a school was how much I got from scholarships and how much I'd have in student loans. Coe was the best as far as scholarships are concerned.
