Bluffton University

Jenía Freewalt

09/08/2021

Jenía Freewalt

MEET THE 2021-22 PRESIDENT'S AMBASSADORS

Jenía Freewalt
Art education major
Delphos, Ohio
Graduation year: 2024

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE BLUFFTON?

I chose Bluffton University because of its welcoming staff and students, beautiful campus, small size and it is close to home. I absolutely love living on campus and getting to hang out with my friends and go to classes that are in content areas that I find interesting. My advice to any student is to branch out and try something that may be out of your comfort zone or new! It is amazing the people I’ve meet and the opportunities I’ve had by simply smiling and talking to people!

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR? 

I chose to combine my love for art and teaching and major in art education in hopes that one day, I can teach K-12 art classes at a local school. My classes so far have been extremely helpful and interesting. I’m excited to continue to learn more about what it takes to be a good teacher and a successful artist.

Tell us about Bluffton’s faculty, staff and coaches.

Bluffton’s staff and faculty are beyond helpful. The professors not only care about my work in class, but in my life outside of class. Bluffton’s staff can often be found cheering on the sidelines at sports competitions and attending campus events such as chapel and concerts and are rarely seen without a smile on their face. Overall, Bluffton’s staff, faculty and coaches helped me set and achieve so many of my goals in my first year of college. 

Why is it important for you to be active on campus?

I love being involved on campus! As of now, I am a chapel volunteer and a Kit Guide. Starting this fall, I am a residents advisor and a Becoming a Scholar mentor. I am also working on founding and instructing a self-defense club here on campus.

Are you a student-athlete? If so, what is the best part of being on a team at Bluffton?

I am a member of the cross-country team, and I am the current captain of the girls distance track team. One of the best decisions I think I’ve ever made is running cross-country and track in college. The team really has become my family, and I even find myself treating some of them like my siblings. We spend hours talking on runs, watching movies, studying, playing BINGO, going to Marbeck, bowling, playing board games, going on bike rides, going to Luke’s or Dunkin’, and really just doing whatever we think of together!  

Have you completed an internship or other hands-on learning experiences? 

I have always wanted to be a cross-country coach, and last year I worked as my coach’s recruiting assistant. This gave me some experience in speaking with prospective students, contacting athletes via mail and going to scout at meets. This experience has made me think about a coach’s role outside of practice, and I look forward to becoming a coach in the future.