Helping children learn to swim led to Jaynie Ferguson's pursuit of an education degree

Jaynie Ferguson

Please introduce yourself.
My name is Jaynie Ferguson, I am from Temple, Texas, and I am a senior elementary education major.

What inspired you to choose your current major?
I was teaching swim lessons to kids in the summers. I had initially wanted to be a nurse or do something in the medical field, but working with all of the children doing swim lessons was something that was so much fun. Seeing their reactions to learning something new was so rewarding, and I knew this was the right path for me.

Why did you choose Henderson to pursue your degree?
I am a swimmer, and I absolutely loved the team, campus, and what this school had to offer for me. As the years have gone by, I have loved my time here at HSU, and I have gotten to be a part of so many events and campus activities. I am so grateful that I chose Henderson to be my home away from home.

Is there anything you wish you had known when you first started college?
I wish I had known how much more fun college is when you go out and meet new people. My first semester I just went to class and swim practice. My second semester, I started talking to people on campus and in my classes. Now I have connections to professors, students, and organizations that have given me so much help.

What has been your favorite class so far, and why?
My favorite is reading and writing in the content area class with Dr. McDowell. I learned so much and got to do so many fun activities and projects. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in this class, and I can’t wait to implement the things I learned into my own classroom when I graduate.

Are there any professors who have had a significant impact on your college experience?
I don’t think I could narrow it down to just one professor because every single professor I have had during my time here has made an impact on me in some way. Some have come to watch me at my swim meets, given me feedback to improve in my work, and check in with me weekly, and sometimes daily. They have shown me so much love and kindness I didn’t know I could experience going to school so far away from home. I am forever grateful for them.

Are you involved in any clubs, organizations, or extracurricular activities on campus?
I am currently chapter president of Alpha Xi Delta, and I have been a part of this sorority for almost three years. It has given me so many skills, friends, and opportunities I never thought I’d be able to have.

Please share something intriguing about yourself that many people don't know.
I love to travel when I can. Growing up, I traveled to several different states for swim meets. I have been to Mexico for vacation, and I got to go to New York City this summer to represent my sorority's chapter.

What advice would you give to incoming students to make the most of their experience at Henderson State?
Get out and get involved! Talk to people in your classes, go to the events hosted on campus, and make the most of your time here at HSU. Tutoring, the Writing Center, and the library are great resources. And, most importantly, ask for help if you need it!

What are your career aspirations or plans after graduation?
After I graduate, I hope to move back to Texas and get a job as an elementary school teacher. I would be fine teaching any grade in the elementary school. I don’t really have too much of a preference. I hope to take what I have learned from my time at Henderson and make an impact on the lives of many young students.