By Jon’Naya Harris, biology major
Hi, my name is Jon’Naya Harris, and I am a student intern for the Office of Marketing and Communications at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC). I am from Cleveland, Ohio. I am currently majoring in biology. I originally just came to The Woods to play basketball. When the time came for me to pick a college, all I was thinking about was basketball. So, when searching for a school and going on visits, I was only looking for schools that were known for their basketball programs. I must give all the credit for me picking SMWC as the college for me to Terre Bowe, associate vice president of diversity, equity, inclusion and human resources and head women’s basketball coach. I had never heard of The Woods until Coach Bowe reached out. After we talked, I did my research about the school.
When it was time for me to visit, I was having a tough time lining up me and my mom’s schedule as it was a busy time. When this problem appeared, I thought it was a sign to not come to the school. Then an online visit was brought to my attention. Even though it was different from an in-person visit, I took my chances. I was scared I made the wrong decision. I was leaving my family, and I was going far from home. I knew I was barely going to see my family, but something inside just told me to do it – give it a chance. I told myself if it was not right for me then I would leave but as the year has went on, I have learned that I made the best decisions I could have.
I have built great connections with the school and people here. I have built a family at The Woods. My basketball team, new friends, relationships with the staff such the athletic trainers (since I be around them daily) help me feel like I am home and helped me get through the rough times I had during the school year. I even got involved and serve as the Treasurer for the Black Student Association and most recently worked as a Student Reunion Worker. After earning my degree from The Woods, I plan to earn my master’s degree in Biology before applying to medical school. Even though I’m not sure where I want to continue school after graduating from SMWC, my plan is let God lead me to the right path.
Jon’Naya Harris is a current freshman at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Harris is originally from Cleveland, Ohio, and is majoring in biology. Also known to her friends and teammates as “Speedy,” she is involved in the Black Student Association, served as a student Reunion worker and plays on the SMWC Women’s Basketball Team. She loves to be outdoors and considers herself an adventurist. After graduating from SMWC, Harris plans continue her education by earning her master’s degree and applying to medical school.
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