Alexzandria Quintero, a junior from Toms River, NJ, is majoring in English and minoring in Spanish. She recently presented her paper “Allegory, Girls, and Intra-Racial Conflict” at the JSU Student Symposium and, more recently, at the National Undergraduate Literature Conference hosted by Weber State University.

When did you know that JSU was the right school for you?

To be completely honest, I didn’t know JSU was right for me until well after I started studying. I felt a little uneasy in the beginning, but I’ve gotten involved in a lot of organizations and programs that have made JSU feel more like home each day.

What are some benefits of your major?

Critical thinking! In classes, we are always encouraged to look beyond the words and find the hidden meanings built into works of literature. It is such a rewarding process when you get your own interpretation that is supported by your analysis (and, sometimes, research). While it’s helpful with literature, critical thinking is a skill that can be applied to a variety of areas.

What is your favorite thing about JSU?

My favorite thing is definitely living in the International House. I always feel grateful to be part of this program, especially because it is not commonplace in the region. You develop such a strong bond with your housemates that you forget some call different countries home.

What clubs/organizations are you involved in?

I am a member of the JSU Ambassador team, ISO, NAACP, El Latido, Lambda Sigma Honor Society, the Honors Program, and the International House Program. I am also a mentor through the Mentor Collective program and am the Vice President of the JSU Spanish Club!

What is one way that you have grown during your time at JSU?

I have become more confident since I arrived at JSU. I feel like I always find myself doing things I wouldn’t have imagined in high school; I’ve stepped out of the bubble I’ve always kept myself in and it has been incredibly rewarding.

What is your favorite course that you have taken?

I would say my two favorite courses – because I can’t choose just one – are Latin American Short Story (SH419) and Shakespeare (EH406). I enjoy SH419 because I’m being exposed to Latin American writing and its progression, which had never happened in my entire academic career prior to the class. I thoroughly enjoy Shakespeare because it has far exceeded my expectations; I never liked reading Shakespeare in high school, but Dr. Lonsberry teaches in a manner that makes all the plays enjoyable and allows me to understand them in a way I haven’t beforehand.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

I’m not entirely sure right now. It would be great if I could get a job I can put my degree toward, but I am also starting to look at English and Spanish graduate programs. I would love to continue to study either.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

I took part in Miss Black and Gold during my freshman year and won Miss Black and Miss Congeniality!

What advice do you have for first-year students?

I think I would say stay organized and committed, and make sure to take advantage of what JSU has to offer. Mostly importantly, make sure to take care of yourself! College can be difficult and, as a student, you may not always remember to give yourself the opportunity to have fun and rest.