Jennifer Fernandez
Graduation Year: 2008
Major: Communication Studies with a minor in Public Relations
Hometown: Miramar, Florida
WHY ONEONTA?
Jennifer came to Oneonta with a goal in mind--to prepare for a career in event planning for a major hotel or corporation. After exploring a number of majors at different schools, she chose Oneonta and the Communication Studies program.
“I went to a large performing arts high school in Manhattan, and I wanted the smaller, more personal environment that Oneonta offers,” says Jennifer. “Oneonta had everything that I wanted: Several majors that interested me, an appealing campus, and friendly people. The other SUNY schools were too big, and private schools like Ithaca and Cornell were just too expensive.”
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCES:
Jennifer and Oneonta were a perfect match, and she found experiences both in and out of the classroom that fit her goals. She recalls in particular the internship that she had with the College’s Vice President for Community Relations. In that role, she spoke at major events, assembled material for publicity, and even coordinated the cook-off co-sponsored by the College and the local newspaper.
Jennifer cites her Creating Persuasive Campaigns class as her favorite. Her team’s work on their campaign led to the statewide alcohol-awareness educational campaign.
She was co‑author of the campaign, which led to an annual awareness event at the College.
ACADEMIC HONORS:
Jennifer received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence and was named one of Oneonta’s Best & Brightest. She was inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society and the National Residence Hall Honorary.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
Beyond classes, Jennifer served as President of the Terpsichorean Dance Company, events chair of the Communication Arts Society, and resident manager of the Morris Conference Center. She completed Oneonta’s Leadership Institute and applied her leadership skills in many positions on campus. She says that “Oneonta gave me the ability to recognize the leader in me.”
What was the best thing about Oneonta?
The relationships I’ve been able to form with faculty members and administrators. I know I will keep in touch with many of them for the rest of my life.
What achievement at Oneonta are you most proud of?
The fact that I was a part of so many activities throughout my four years here. It made me realize what I wanted to do and who I wanted to be.
Finish this statement: Oneonta has left me with…
memories of a lifetime.
What three words summarize your experience at Oneonta?
Exhilarating, satisfying, humbling.
What advice do you have for high school students considering Oneonta?
Get involved as much as possible. The people you meet while doing it will forever impact your life.
