Nicole Jones
Meet Nicole
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Education
Year: Fourth
Hometown: Santa Rosa, CA
What are your campus involvements?
HUB, Native Student Mentor, Native and Indigenous Student Club
What is your favorite memory or experience at SSU?
My favorite memory at SSU is spending time in the HUB with the Beading Group every Tuesday. I have made some great friends in the HUB and had lots of laughs.
What has been the most challenging part of your college experience and what did you learn from it?
The most challenging part of my college experience was feeling like I didn't belong here at first. I learned that by continuing to show up and talk to other students about their experiences that many of us felt the same way. I feel like I have gained so much confidence from my experience here and I am inspired to give back to my community.
What brought you to SSU, and what motivates you to stay?
I was born and raised in Santa Rosa and have always wanted to go to college at SSU. I wanted to be an example to my nine-year-old son and show him that college is possible. I have been motivated to stay by making friends, participating in events, and because of encouragement from professors and mentors.
Who at SSU has influenced you and/or made a difference in your journey here?
Professor Ashley Hall has had a huge impact on my journey here. I began taking classes at SSU after not being in college for more than a decade. Professor Hall has a way of teaching that uplifts all of his students. Anyone who has taken his Native American Studies classes knows that he truly cares about seeing his students succeed.