Stephanie Jones: Educating our youth

By Brittany Murray, ENGL 336.003

Stephanie Jones is a 19-year-old sophomore majoring in Early Education. After moving around the state of Maryland, her family settled in Hagerstown, where she has lived since middle school. She has two older half brothers, a sister who is 21, and a nine-year-old brother.

Growing up, Stephanie and her sister enjoyed playing school. Stephanie loved going to school and would often be upset when it would close due to weather. A fan of the movie Matilda, Stephanie says, “I wanted to be Miss Honey.” Her favorite courses were Language Arts, English, and “anything to do with reading and writing.” Stephanie knew that if she was so passionate about school, she should become a teacher. Throughout high school, Stephanie was active in cheerleading, dance, softball, Best Buddies, National Honor Society, and Student Government. She was also the editor of her school yearbook and senior class president.

Although her sister attends Hood College, she was originally going to enroll at Frostburg. When her family came to visit the campus, “it was fall and very gorgeous.” Stephanie liked the small campus and the fact that everything is close. Other schools that she considered attending were overwhelming. Frostburg’s cheerleading program was something she wanted to be a part of, but it would not be her main college experience. At FSU, Stephanie would have “the chance to do both school and cheer.” Cheerleading has also given her the opportunity to travel to Walt Disney World for the College Cheerleading and Dance National Championship.

Stephanie loves music. She listens to “a little bit of everything,” but admits that she is not a fan of rap. Although her music tastes are diverse, “if I had to pick, country would be my favorite.” She is a very big fan of Keith Urban, but has not been to see him in concert. She is hoping to see him this summer at one of his numerous Get Closer tour dates.

Many people would be shocked to know that Stephanie was born three months prematurely, weighing about two pounds. Her mother’s difficulty in labor is why her parents waited 10 years to have another child. Despite the age difference, Stephanie is very close with her brother, but admits, “He’s a handful.” She says, “The hardest part of going away to school was knowing I wouldn’t be there to help him.” She is also close with her mother, who she says, “is like my best friend. I can talk to her about anything.” Her father, however, is “a little old-fashioned.” He may not know much about dance or cheerleading, but he was always at her softball games and gave tips, as well as support.

Perhaps a good relationship with her parents is why Stephanie is a well-grounded girl. She is not into partying, though she does sometimes like to make fun of how drunk others get. She has found that there is not much else to do in the Frostburg area, but cheerleading and school keep her busy.