Meet Jay Cannon, a business management student at Ensign College whose enthusiasm is contagious. When asked how he's doing, his response is always the same: "Best day ever!" Jay's journey from struggling high school student to thriving college learner showcases the power of a supportive educational environment.
From Skeptic to Success: Jay's Story
Like many high school students, Jay struggled in the traditional academic setting. "I barely passed high school," he admits, "and college was truthfully the furthest from my mind." However, after graduation, something changed. Jay set a goal for himself: to go to college and prove that he could do hard things.
The Ensign Difference: A Supportive Community
Jay's experience at Ensign College highlights how important a supportive environment can be for student success. From the moment he stepped on campus, Jay found himself surrounded by people invested in his success.
- Dedicated Faculty: Jay's teachers have been more than just instructors; they've been mentors and cheerleaders. "They have related to me because they've said, 'I've been in your shoes,'" Jay shares. This personal connection has made a world of difference, providing encouragement and showing Jay that success is possible.
- Peer Support: The friendships Jay has formed at Ensign have been a cornerstone of his experience. "The biggest reason I've stayed here at Ensign is the friends and colleagues I've had here at school," he explains. This network of peers provides both emotional support and academic collaboration.
- Tutoring Services: Jay is quick to praise Ensign's tutoring program, especially for challenging subjects. "The tutors have been a lifesaver," he says. "I don't think I could have passed those [accounting] classes without the tutors." This academic support has been crucial in helping Jay overcome subjects he finds difficult.
- Spiritual Integration: Each class at Ensign begins with a prayer, which Jay found surprisingly supportive. "I very much use the power of prayer to become a better student," he shares. This spiritual aspect has helped Jay feel more connected and supported in his academic journey.
Flexibility and Understanding
One of the standout aspects of Ensign's supportive environment is its flexibility. As Jay's life has evolved – getting married, working two part-time jobs, and even welcoming a newborn son – his teachers have been accommodating. "They've been very accommodating for my busy schedule and my new family life, but they haven't forgotten about me either," Jay notes. This balance of understanding and accountability has allowed him to continue his education despite life's changing demands.
Career-Focused Support
Ensign's career-focused approach has also been a key factor in Jay's success. He appreciates that his classes have practical applications, increasing his motivation to excel. This focus on real-world skills helps students like Jay see the direct connection between their studies and future careers, providing additional motivation and support.
Financial Support
The affordability of Ensign, combined with grants and scholarships, has been a significant source of support for Jay and allowed him to avoid student debt. By making education affordable, Ensign has removed a major barrier that prevents many students from pursuing higher education.
Growth Beyond Academics
The supportive environment at Ensign extends beyond just academic success. For Jay, it's been a journey of personal and spiritual growth. Taking a religion course each semester has kept him connected to his faith, while the integration of spiritual thoughts in business and accounting classes has shown him how his beliefs can be part of his daily life and future career.
A Message to the Unsure
If you're on the fence about college, Jay encourages, "Try it out. There's not a bad time to try out college." He sees himself as living proof that even those who struggled in high school can thrive in the right college environment. "I've come to learn that school can be for everybody," Jay reflects. "It just may take time and the right mentors."
The Takeaway
Jay's journey from a struggling high school student to a thriving college learner demonstrates the power of a supportive educational environment. At Ensign College, he found not just a place to study, but a community invested in his success.
The combination of dedicated faculty, peer support, tutoring services, spiritual integration, and career-focused programs has created an environment where Jay can overcome challenges and reach his full potential. This holistic support system has turned what could have been a daunting experience into one where every day is the "best day ever."
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