My First Semester

Austin Jennings, May 2025, Boathouse Oyster Bar, Destin, Florida

I just finished my first semester of college, and I couldn't be more thrilled! While I don't have a full course load yet—unlike when I pursue my bachelor's degree—I'm still really proud of what I've accomplished so far.

I didn’t complete high school. My experience in school was quite challenging. The social environment at my original high school, Scottsboro High School in Scottsboro, Alabama, completely interfered with my ability to apply myself. I then transferred to Bob Jones High School in Madison, AL, a larger school in a more progressive area, and I enjoyed it. However, living with my uncle (who has since passed away) was not the best situation for me.

After that, I attended a private Christian academy, but it quickly became clear that the person running the "academy" was more interested in profit than in providing a proper education. Initially, I aimed for a career in journalism, and wanted to attend school at Vassar. I decided to drop out and get my GED when I was denied admission to Vassar because my current school wasn't accredited. 

Even though I scored very high on the GED test, I’ve always felt ashamed about not graduating from high school. I often have recurring dreams where I find myself back in high school, trying to finish my education as my current self (because dreams can be strange like that). This dream has made me realize how disappointed I was in myself.  While I have made a great career as a gigging solo musician, I still feel unaccomplished. 

Fast-forward to now: I just completed my first semester in the UWF GIS certification program, and I made the President's List!

Receiving the unexpected letter from Martha Saunders, the University of West Florida president, informing me that I made the President's Honor Roll for Spring 2025 filled me with excitement and pride like I’ve never experienced before.

I’m incredibly eager to continue my journey in higher education and start a new career in GIS and Data Science. I truly hope to keep up this momentum and maintain my 4.0 GPA throughout my college experience.

Onward and upward!