Getting involved makes the difference for Brainerd student

“When I was touring St. Cloud, it just felt like home,” she said. “I didn’t feel like it was a college. It felt like I was going to make a difference and that this was my future home.”

She arrived on campus and met new people during Huskies First Four her freshmen year and made lifelong friendships on her freshmen floor in Sherburne Hall.

Now in her sophomore year, Jedlicka is learning to become a leader through her involvement in University Programming Board (UPB) and the Residence Hall Association.

Jedlicka is the Husky pride and spirit coordinator with UPB planning events for students on campus.

“It’s like a family away from home,” she said. “Everybody is so thoughtful, and it’s just a great experience to get involved, to meet new people.”

The sophomore was involved in organizations at Brainerd High School but said getting involved in college brings it to a whole new level.

Promoting your school at the college level means more because it’s the school you chose to go to and it gives you a chance to show people back home your pride and how your school is more than just getting an education, she said.

“It’s a family and to show your spirit and pride for your school is the best feeling in the world,” Jedlicka said.

UPB offers a variety of events students can plan whether it’s the weekly film or live entertainment, she said.

“It’s just a great opportunity to plan events on campus, to get your voice heard on what you want to see on campus,” she said.

Jenny Jedlicka is involved on campus through the University Program Board and Residential Life. Photo by Nick Lenz ’11

Jedlicka was introduced to UPB by her roommate in Case-Hill Hall.

“When I walked in I was greeted with a big smile — ‘how are you doing’, ‘what’s your name?’” she said. “It’s so comforting to go into some place where you feel like you’re wanted.”

Living in the residence halls your neighbors become your friends, you live a five minute walk from your classes and you have a community adviser who lives on your floor who you can go to if you ever have concerns, she said.

Jedlicka got involved in the Community Council in her freshmen hall, and she’s doing so again in her sophomore year in Case-Hill Hall. She’s also joined the Residence Hall Association, which brings together students who live in halls across campus to make decisions affecting students living across campus.

While she’s learning leadership skills and meeting new people outside of the classroom, Jedlicka is also finding herself through her classes.

She used her freshmen year to explore her interests. She came to St. Cloud State interested in majoring in nursing because she wanted to help people, but she found a better fit in social work.

“I feel like St. Cloud State has really allowed me to find who I am and explore all my opportunities, especially with my major,” she said.

This semester she delved into the first courses for her major.

“I can’t tell you how happy I am that I’ve chosen this major,” Jedlicka said. “I’m really excited to see where it goes.”

The major will give Jedlicka a few extra years to enjoy St. Cloud State as she’s planning to return to St. Cloud State for her master’s in social work once she completes here undergraduate degree.

“I’m so happy I chose St. Cloud State because it truly is like a home to me,” she said.