If you have to choose you college by mascot, which one would you choose and why?
Everyone loves college mascots who can do a front flip over five cheerleaders, or land a slam dunk while doing a back flip. As fun as it is to watch a sweaty college student dressed in an over-sized costume perform tumbling stunts, there is more to a mascot than making a crowd cheer. The meaning behind a mascot has always been more interesting to me than how well they can dance during the halftime show. If I chose the college I would attend by mascot, I would choose Brandeis University which is represented by an owl.
Owls are considered a symbol of wisdom and truth in cultures around the world. Often illustrated with graduation caps or dressed as a court judge, they are universally recognized with respect to knowledge. Not only do I love what the university’s mascot stands for, but I admire their motto “Truth even unto its innermost parts.” This encompasses my desire for pursuing a higher education. I want my college experience to be centered on learning truth and gaining experience so I can spread the light of knowledge with others. With social media new sources more focused on clickbait rather than true news, it’s important to find a place where trustworthy information can be shared.
Learning in an environment that encourages truth and exploring different opinions without bias is important to me. Brandeis’ owl mascot sends a clear message that this university not only cares about knowledge, but learning with integrity. I stand by this message because I think learning for the sake of enlightenment is much more beneficial than getting an education for power or money. I believe that those who truly understand the world around them have the best chance at changing it for the better. Ollie the Owl may be fun to watch during sporting events, but being associated with the values that an owl represents is why I would choose to attend Brandeis University.
Name: Jenna Hall
Current School: Utah Valley University
- Tell us about yourself.
I’m 19 years old and have lived in Utah my entire life. I’m finishing my Associate’s Degree in Behavioral Science, then going on a service trip for a year and a half. I love to read, meet new people, and learn about the world around me.
- What has been your best experience in school?
My best experience in school was my high school senior year creative writing class. I learned so much about myself and how important it is to be passionate about the things you pursue in life.
- What influenced your choice in major?
I chose to go into Social Work because I love seeing others progress and being a part of that would be amazing. Life can be hard, and everyone needs a little help to be their best selves once in awhile. My aunt and sister are social workers, and watching the good they contributed to people’s lives made me realize I wanted my career to be one that I feel makes a real difference. It would be so fulfilling to help those who are oppressed or downtrodden get back on their feet and live the best life they can.
- How do you envision yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I see myself married to a wonderful man, raising little ones in a loving family. By then I’ll have my bachelor’s degree in Social Work and hopefully be preparing to get my master’s as well. I would love to have a job in my field at that point, but I know my family will come first so I might be a stay at home cleaning cheerios off the floor and reading books to my children. Either way, I will be incandescently happy.
- What do you hope to learn from your school experience?
I hope to learn everything there is to learn. That’s a broad statement, but I love learning and want to soak all of it in. When I’m finished with my schooling I want to be able to form educated opinions and ideas without discrediting others or putting them down. I want to be able to always retain an understanding of how the world works and build on it as things change. More than anything I want to be able to teach my future children how to love learning so they can progress and find their own way to make their part of the world a little brighter.
- What extracurricular activities do you enjoy?
I love being outside, swimming, hiking, and playing lacrosse. I have an endless love for poetry and novels. When I’m not studying or working I look forward to spending time with my family and close friends.
