Melissa Jensen: 2012 Business Excellence — Two Year Program
Where is your hometown? I grew up in Boise, Idaho, but have spent most of my adult life living in either Juneau, Alaska or Hawaii. We are a Coast Guard family and we plan to retire in Juneau in about six years. We own a house there and love everything about Juneau.
What is your major? I am graduating with an Associates of Applied Science in Business Administration.
Why did you decided to attend UAS? I didn’t attend college right after high school…mostly because I really wasn’t ready…but I always had the desire to eventually attend and earn a degree. I chose to be a full-time parent while my children were small. Once our children were all in school, I felt ready to dedicate ALL my free time (and some of my not-so-free time) to gaining an education.
What is one of your favorite experiences at UAS? I loved being in the classroom! The first four semesters of my degree I attended classes on campus, and the final three semesters I had to take online due to an unexpected move. Although I am very grateful for the tremendous availability of online classes, I found that I really missed the interaction of being on campus and in the classroom. I love the smaller class sizes UAS offers. I always felt if I had questions or needed help the professor would know who I was and would be able to help me. I enjoyed the friendship of many of my classmates as well.
Plans for after graduation? For the moment, I am taking a short breather from school. We will be moving again next summer and I would really like to continue on with my bachelor’s degree once I am able to attend classes on a campus again. Online school is just not the way I learn best. I have been slowly building my own business and hope to expand my options in the future. For now, I am filling much of my free time volunteering as the president of a children’s organization near my home in Mililani, HI. Eventually, when my husband retires from the Coast Guard, we would love to run a bed and breakfast in Juneau.
Hobbies/Interests? I am working as a freelance photographer and design, create, and sell photography props and other handmade items. I enjoy reading, hiking, going to the beach, sewing, and being a “cross country/track” mom.
Anyone you would like to thank? I would like to thank my husband, Darwin, for being so supportive of me and my desire to earn a college degree. He stepped up to help in every way while I was submersed in textbooks, essays, deadlines, and general craziness. He did laundry, vacuumed, helped kids with homework, and cheered me on when I was having a hard time. My four children were also an immense support to me. They were understanding when I couldn’t be or do everything they were used to and gave me “knuckles” and high fives whenever I got good grades.
UAS' 2012
Juneau Commencement will be held May 6 at 2:00 p.m. at the UAS Recreation Center.
