Author: Maggie Jones

Maggie Jones is a senior at the University of Mobile majoring in communication and minoring in music. She is a student ambassador as well as an intern for the university’s Office for Marketing and Public Relations. Maggie enjoys kayaking, watching movies and going on impromptu adventures around Mobile with friends.

7 Things Every UM Student Should Do Their First Year

by Maggie Jones

At the University of Mobile, there is so much offered for you to be a part of. As a college student, you will have a lot more on your schedule, but if you do these 7 things, you are setting yourself up for a great first year at UM! Take advantage of everything that is offered to you and enjoy every aspect.

1. Go to Ram Rush

Every event! Whether you are an extrovert who makes friends easily or an introvert who would rather just stay in your room, go to EVERY Ram Rush event. Starting off your very first days at college by getting out of your comfort zone and meeting new people and making friends is the best way to get comfortable at school.

This is something I was told before I began at UM: do not consider Ram Rush optional… just go to every event. I could not be more thankful that I was told that because it helped me jump in and start making friends.

2. Be considerate of your roommate

No one wants the roommate who wears your clothes or eats your food without asking. Be mindful of the person you are sharing a room with and ask before you borrow. Another thing to keep in mind is Matthew 7:12: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” Treat your roommate how you want them to treat you!

3. Go to class

Don’t start your college career with the bad habit of skipping class. Trust me, it is worth it in the end to just get up and go! Professors appreciate and respect the students who show up to class every day ready to pay attention, engage and learn.

4. Go to the gym — you’ll thank me later

Make getting exercise important. Walk to class. Go to the gym. This is the best way to fight that “Freshman 15” you’re always hearing about.

5. Don’t go home every weekend

Stay on campus and get out of the dorm and build relationships. This was very difficult for me my freshman year, but I would not change it because it pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me become more independent. If I had allowed myself to go home every weekend that first semester, I probably wouldn’t have the friends I have today.

“Home away from home” really does exist. Your friends become your family! You just have to put in the effort to find those people.

6. Get out of your room

Do not just sit in your room all day every day. You will feel less lonely and homesick if you just get out of your room and go spend time getting to know people and building friendships.

7. Work hard and do your best

That’s all anyone should ask of you. This is something I had to be told often. Your best is enough. Put in the time and effort and do your best at everything you do — it pays off in the end.

The University of Mobile offers so many opportunities for students to get involved on campus and provides great ways to make new friends. I challenge you to take every chance you get to leave your dorm room or house and participate in activities on campus or organized by our wonderful school. You’ve got this! Your first year and every year following can be incredible if you choose to let it be – Now, go have fun!

5 Forgotten College Essentials

by Maggie Jones

As you begin your time as a student at the University of Mobile, you should know that you have so many people around you ready to help. UM is special because we are a family, and everyone works together for the good of the students.

As a 2020 graduate, I look back on my time at UM and remember preparing for my very first semester of college. I had no clue what to pack, but friends and family members gave me their advice on things I wouldn’t want to forget. So, if you are a college freshman or transfer student, I want to welcome you to the University of Mobile and pass along the things I found very helpful during my time at UM.

1. Umbrella  |  The weather can be unpredictable in Mobile and the last thing you want to experience is walking to class in the rain without an umbrella. I have always carried a family size umbrella in my backpack for the days when it “isn’t going to rain” and it ends up pouring. The large size is great because it doesn’t just protect me, it also protects my backpack.

2. Calendar  |  Whether it is a paper calendar or an electronic one, get used to using it. Over time it will become your best friend. Trying to remember what is due and what you have scheduled may not seem like a problem that first semester, but as time goes on you will wish you had one instead of trying to keep everything straight in your head.

3. Mattress Topper  |  A comfortable bed and a good night’s rest can make the world of a difference in your daily life – from your mood to your studies, it can improve everything. So, go get yourself a mattress topper to add more comfort to your dorm bed. This will improve your sleep and make it feel more like home. Don’t worry, they don’t all cost $100 – you can get a nice, comfortable one from Walmart at a decent price that is just the right size for your bed.

4. Brita Water Pitcher  |  I don’t know about you, but I am not a huge fan of drinking tap water. At home my refrigerator has filtered water, but at school my mini fridge did not! So, if you’re like me, you will be tempted to purchase plastic, disposable water bottles all the time from Walmart – which can add up after a semester or an entire school year! There is another option, though. I would highly recommend getting yourself a Brita water pitcher or something like it so you can have filtered water while you’re at school. It is also beneficial because it saves you all the money you would spend on pack after pack of disposable bottles.

5. Foldable Drying Rack  |  This is one thing I never would have thought of. Thankfully, my mom told me I would want one and it is seriously so helpful. When your closet is full but you need to hang something to dry, this is the most useful tool. It is big enough to hang dry a good amount of clothing, but it also folds up nice and compact so you can slide it in your closet when you aren’t using it.

These are just a few things you may find helpful as you begin this new season of your life. Congratulations on saying “Yes!” to a school that loves you, works for you and will help you succeed. Welcome to the University of Mobile!

Known for Creativity: Julianne Patterson

by Maggie Jones
Julianne Patterson

The University of Mobile provides students with experiences which prepare them for every aspect of life after graduation. Julianne Patterson is one of many who express tremendous gratitude to UM and all of its professors.

“I will forever be thankful for choosing UM to be the place where I was able to grow and experience so many possibilities,” said Patterson. “I know it will impact my life as I continue to grow in my career and faith.”

Patterson graduated from UM in the Spring of 2018 and majored in Graphic Design. She is now working as a fulltime junior graphic designer at Mighty, a branding and digital agency in Mobile, Alabama. Patterson also runs Prints by Jules, a small custom art business she started her freshman year at UM.

“UM provided the perfect environment to experience faith integrated in every aspect of life, which was so beneficial and crucial for my growth,” said Patterson. “UM prepared me for my job by not only giving me the essential skills I needed to start out, but also by instilling in me the drive to learn and challenge myself.”

Along with her fulltime job and running her own business on the side, Patterson also leads worship at The Grove Community Church and helps run social media for Redemption Church’s Young Adults ministry.

Patterson’s time at UM greatly prepared her for life after school. She had the opportunity to be involved in local conferences and have trial interviews and portfolio reviews with professionals across the South.

Patterson said, “Megan Cary, my graphic design professor, was an extremely influential mentor in my life throughout college who constantly challenged and encouraged me.”

“I am thankful for UM for so many reasons,” said Patterson. “I’m thankful for the Christ-centered campus, classes and professors who allowed me to grow in my education and faith simultaneously.

“UM provided so many experiences that I strongly believe I wouldn’t have been able to have if I had chosen to go to school anywhere else.”

While she studied at UM, Patterson ran on the cross-country team, led worship for chapel services, and was a studio assistant in the art department.

Watch Julianne’s Be Known video here: https://youtu.be/mw5XX32jV9g

Trusting God on Journey from Alabama to Alaska

by Maggie Jones

A 5,000-mile drive, cabin explosion, and lack of a job did not keep Luke Jones from following God’s calling on his life – to move from Alabama to Alaska. The University of Mobile graduate was confident in one thing – that God had called him to be obedient, to trust even when he could not understand.

It all began in January of 2016 with a meeting in Mobile, Alabama. Jimmy Stewart, evangelism and church development director at the Alaska Baptist Resource Network, had traveled to Mobile to visit his daughter and look for students who were studying to be worship leaders. He knew the University of Mobile had an excellent worship leadership degree in the Alabama School of the Arts because two of Jimmy’s children are alumni of UM’s music department.

Luke was a senior worship leadership major when Dr. Andy Wood, assistant professor of worship leadership, arranged a meeting for him with Jimmy.

Luke heard Jimmy’s heart and vision for Alaska and knew the Lord was calling him there. Jimmy had a vision for putting young worship leaders in churches to try to reach lost young people as well as leading the Baptist churches of Alaska to reach the modern culture.

Jimmy told Luke, “If you will come to Alaska, I will find you a job.”

So, a few weeks after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Worship Leadership, Luke drove 5,000 miles from his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, to Wasilla, Alaska, hoping for an interview with a church there.

Just two days after Luke’s arrival, Jimmy was injured in an explosion at his cabin. The only person Luke knew in Alaska, the person who was supposed to help him find a job, was in the hospital fighting for his life.

“I had to trust God more, because at this point, I was on my own,” said Luke. “Growing up as a missionary kid, I was given a great example of what it truly means to trust God in all circumstances.”

Thankfully, Jimmy survived and, after a long road of recovery, is doing well. As for Luke, a month of working as an interim worship leader at First Baptist Church Wasilla led to a staff position as Minister of Worship Arts.

After a quick trip back to Alabama to marry his hometown sweetheart, Meredith, they began their life together in Alaska. Three and a half years later, Luke continues to lead worship at First Baptist Church Wasilla. He also consults for the Alaska Baptist Resource Network to teach and train other churches on how they can raise the bar in their worship ministries.

“Even though the process of getting to Alaska was a bit unhinged, I can see God’s hand in everything that led me here. I was confident in my call to go because God gave me an unexplainable peace,” said Luke.

“Watching people grow in faith, confidence, and musical ability as we’ve pushed for greater excellence in everything we do has been a huge blessing,” he said.

Luke expressed his gratitude for the faculty and staff who poured into his life while he studied at UM.

“I had people who really gave me the tools I needed to follow God’s calling on my life,” he said.

Many professors taught Luke the practical skills he needed to lead worship and teach others, in particular, Dr. Steve Bowersox, chair of the department of worship leadership and assistant professor of worship.

Luke said, “Dr. Bowersox not only taught me many skills in worship technology and how to begin modernizing a traditional church, but he also inspired me to have the tenacity to follow through even when things get hard.”

The lessons Luke learned at UM have encouraged him to seek excellence while working with churches of all sizes in Alaska.

“When I felt God calling me to ministry, I didn’t know where that call would take me – but I know He has led me this far and He will lead me on,” Luke said.

“Satan has certainly tried to keep me from following God’s call to Alaska, but he has not been successful. I know this is where I am supposed to be even when I don’t understand why or how God will work it out,” he said.

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A note from writer Maggie Jones: Luke is my older brother and I am so proud of him and all that God is doing through him. He and his wife are truly role models for what it looks like to step out in faith and follow what the Lord is calling you to do.

Five Ways to Improve Your New School-at-Home Life

by Maggie Jones

The change from being on campus to having fully online coursework hit a lot of us college students pretty hard. Don’t worry though, you are not alone. There are so many ways we can make this situation better and not let our grades take a hit. I don’t know about you but I’m really missing my friends and professors at the University of Mobile right about now. Here are a few things I would recommend doing to help you stay on top of your work, keep your grades up and not lose touch with your campus community.

1. Get into a routine  |  I know this is hard to do when you are at home and don’t have to wake up in time to drive to or walk across campus for that 8 a.m. class, but for some, a routine will be crucial. If you’re like me, being home usually means sleeping late and not thinking about school. Getting yourself into a routine is the best thing to combat this mindset. For me, I decided to follow a similar schedule to the one I was already doing at school to keep me on track. Whether that is what you decide to do, or if you choose to create a whole new schedule for this new season, just do what works best for you.

 

2. Add classwork to your calendar or to-do list  |  Whether this is something you do already or not, I have found this to be very helpful while at home. Add the due dates for your exams, assignments and papers to your calendar or create some form of master to-do list so you don’t forget about anything that is coming up. Also, block out times to get your work done so you don’t fall behind or worse, forget an assignment altogether. This goes into getting into a routine. Choosing to sit down from 10 a.m. until noon to work on a specific class or assignment will help you beat that procrastination instinct.

 

3. Find a change of scenery  |  While this may sound difficult to do when we are under quarantine and you cannot go to a coffee shop, there are ways to change up your scenery at home. You can change it up by going to a different room in your house – moving from your bedroom to the den or kitchen, for example – or you can go outside and sit on a picnic blanket. Move spaces so you can think better and find that motivation to get your work done.

 

4. Phone a friend  |  Some people work just fine on their own, others need a group, and still others need a happy medium of those two. If you study better with a friend or process information better by talking things through with someone, reach out to one of your friends or classmates. This not only will help you learn better, but it also helps us all feel like we aren’t so far apart. I know I like to talk things through with friends, so I have started FaceTiming people while I study to make it more fun and more beneficial. Being a student at the University of Mobile, I have pretty small classes so I know most of my classmates. I know this isn’t true for everyone, but we are all in the same boat here with this entirely online coursework. So, try reaching out to someone even if you don’t know them that well. Just ask them if they would mind talking through some material with you. Chances are, they will find that very helpful too.

 

5. Reach out to your professors  |  Listen, our professors know how difficult this change has been for us. It has been difficult for them, too. Can you even image trying to turn an entire class into an online course within a week? That could not be an easy task. So, if you are struggling, just reach out and ask for help. I know our UM professors care about us so much and don’t want this situation to impede our learning. They also miss having us in class and would likely love to hear from you anyway.

Whatever you need to do to make the rest of this semester successful, make it happen. We have so much technology available to us these days that we should not let quarantine be an excuse for falling behind. We can do this together!

To the College Graduates of 2020

by Maggie Jones

To every disappointed college senior,

While this transition may be rough and most schools are moving to classes delivered online for the rest of the semester, remember this – we can make the most of this experience. It is up to us to decide what we make of this pandemic situation.

I know this is hard. I am a senior, too, at the University of Mobile. But there are so many ways we can make this better. Just the other day, I FaceTimed with a classmate and dear friend for two hours. We studied, goofed off, and did research together for an essay we will be writing later on. It made me feel like I was back at school.

We are so fortunate to live in a time where we can pick up the phone and not just voice call a friend; we can video call them. So, take advantage of the technology around you and catch up with friends. Whether it is a group call or one-on-one – we can make it happen.

I will say this, my wonderful professors at the University of Mobile have been constantly reaching out to see how they can help make this online situation better, and also to see how I am doing. I don’t know if your professors are like this, but if they are, let them know they are appreciated – this is a hard time for most of them too.

The other day, one of my classes met via video-call (perks of the small classes we have at the University of Mobile!) to discuss papers and any concerns we had moving forward. I know this is nerdy, but I could not have enjoyed it more. Seeing all of their faces made me realize I am not alone.

Also, while you are home, take this time to make memories with your family. I know they can be annoying at times, but hey – that’s family. We will be moving all over the place come May, so make the most of this quarantine! Play board games and watch movies with your fam and enjoy these days at home.

Hang in there. Try to reorient your thinking to focus on how you can make this better. Have those study groups over FaceTime. Catch up with your roommates on a group call. We all already thought being the graduates of 2020 was cool – now we have the opportunity to make it cooler. Let’s turn a tough and strange situation into a good, influential experience.

Let’s choose to make this a time of joy and not a time of sorrow. Stay safe everyone! Wash your hands and stay home if you can. We will get through this together.

To the High School Graduates of 2020

by Maggie Jones

To the high school graduates of 2020, as a University of Mobile 2020 college graduate, I understand what you are going through. This is a tough time for all of us approaching the end of a season.

I know your prom, sports and other activities have been cancelled because of this crazy virus and that you are disappointed. But there is still so much more to come for you in the future!

If you have decided to go to college, that is right around the corner! For me, the University of Mobile was a new starting point, a place to make friends who would become like family. There will be more ahead, so don’t let this time of craziness get you down.

Begin planning for those new adventures to come at your school. When I started at UM, I had no idea what to expect or how much I would come to love the school and its people. Not only have I made wonderful friends through my peers, but I’ve also found friendship and mentors in my professors. I want to encourage you to look forward to the future! It will bring all new experiences and memories.

For now, take the time to make memories with your family and love on them. I know they can be annoying at times, but hey – that’s family. You will be going off to college in a few short months (if that is the path you have chosen to take) and eventually you will begin to miss those crazy siblings of yours. So, make the most of this quarantine! Play board games and watch movies with your fam and enjoy these days at home.

Are you beginning to miss your friends yet? Guess what! We have this crazy thing called technology – use it! FaceTime your friends and spend time talking with them. Don’t think that just because you are stuck at home you cannot see them and catch up on quarantine-life! While you may not be able to go out to the movies or a restaurant together, you can spend time with them.

Now is the time! Get creative with how you bond with those around you and those not so close by. Learning to continue your relationships with your friends from a distance now, will actually prepare you for college. You can go ahead and start discovering ways to keep up with one another even when you don’t see each other every day at school.

Remember this – everything comes and goes; it is up to us to choose what we make of it. You can make this corona-cation what you want! So, let’s choose together to make it a time of joy and not a time of sorrow. Be safe, wash your hands, and have some fun!

One more thing – the University of Mobile is offering some really neat benefits for 2020 Freshman to get ahead of the game. Go check these out at umobile.edu/freshman2020.

Alabama School of the Arts Presents ‘Night of the Classical Masters’ April 7

by Maggie Jones

MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile presents “Night of the Classical Masters” on Tuesday, April 7 at 7 p.m. at Fairhope First Baptist Church, 300 S. Section Street, Fairhope, Alabama 36532. Admission is free.

The university’s string ensemble will perform “Serenade for the Strings” by Tchaikovsky in the first half of the program, followed by University Singers and Chorale performing “Requiem for the Living” by Dan Forrest. The conductor for the evening will be Dr. Scott Wright, conductor of the Mobile Opera.

Wright said, “Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living does what compositions are supposed to do. Its beauty and poetry of sound grips you by the heart and makes you feel it.

“I am very proud of the members of the University Chorale and Choir at the Alabama School of the Arts who bring such talent, skill and dedication to this music so that all who hear it can experience the comfort and reassurance of this magnificent requiem,” said Wright.

For information about the Alabama School of the Arts, go to umobile.edu/asota or call 251.442.2383.

 

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.

For more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

The People Make UM “Family”

by Maggie Jones

I still remember the day I walked into my English professor’s office to ask her a question about a paper for class – and to my surprise it turned into so much more.

The University of Mobile is unique in so many ways, but one of the biggest things that sets it apart is our caring faculty and staff. English professor Rachael Counselman is just one of the many professors who wants to pour into student’s lives and truly get to know them.

Through the very first conversation I had with Mrs. Counselman, she began getting to know me and investing in me. She talked me through the frustration of not knowing what I wanted to major in and even helped me figure it out that day!

I had no clue when I went to meet with her that so much would come from that conversation. To this day, three years later, Mrs. Counselman is still one of my dearest friends. She and her family have invested so much into my life, and I could not be more grateful.

Just a few weeks ago, Mrs. Counselman and her family came by campus on a Sunday morning to pick me up for church because my car was in the shop and I did not have a ride. Tell me – what other university has professors who will go out of their way to pick up a student and take them to church? It is not something I had ever heard of before coming to the University of Mobile.

Ever since my freshman year, different professors and staff members have poured into my life – and I’m not just talking about in the classroom.

These people have taken time out of their own lives to take me to lunch and get to know me personally. I can pop into their office just to say hello, get life advice, get help on an assignment, or just sit and work on homework. I could not be more thankful for these mentors.

It is so encouraging to know that I am not just a number to the UM faculty and staff. From the maintenance crew and cafeteria folks to the professors and other staff – it is amazing to see how loved and treasured we are as University of Mobile students.

Featured Image (L to R): Emily Counselman, Maggie Jones, Grace Mattox, Rachael Counselman

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