ABOUT JIANNA
- From Latrobe, PA
- Member of the Class of 2028
- Majoring in construction management
- Tour guide
- Peer Success Mentor
Jianna's three words that describe Kent State: Safe, Beautiful, Cozy
TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A STUDENT AT KENT STATE!
I am an extremely bubbly and involved out-of-state student who also loves the joy of my own company and appreciating all of the small beauties that campus and Ohio have to offer. I first came to Kent State for the outstanding Architecture B.S program, as it stood out compared to schools in my home state. While I loved the program in my first year, I felt more drawn to the construction management classes, so I thought of adding it as a minor but ultimately decided to change my major to it. I haven't looked back. The professors, the Construction Management Student Organization (CMSO) and numerous opportunities that the program offers have made me feel so welcomed and fulfilled in my choice.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE KENT STATE?
Kent State is actually the only school that I had applied to. After my tour I felt sure that this was the place where I belonged. I was accepted into the architecture program on my birthday, which set the tone for a great college experience. But I also chose KSU because of the campus's hometown feel. Plus, I'm about two-and-a-half hours away from home; I can travel home if necessary but am far enough not to go home every weekend.
WHEN DID KENT STATE START TO FEEL LIKE HOME?
From the first day I visited campus, I felt at home. The environment, the people and the downtown cozy vibes made me feel whole and comfortable.
WHAT'S A COOL LEARNING EXPERIENCE YOU'VE HAD?
During my first semester on campus, I traveled to Boston, Mass., with the professional architecture fraternity, Alpha Rho Chi, for a firm crawl. I visited offices and met company executives. It was nice to see those real-world projects and office life compared to what I was learning and working on in studio.
WHO HAS MADE YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE SPECIAL?
Dr. Anthony Mirando, my passionate construction management professor and CMSO advisor, was huge in welcoming me into the program and has created an incredible learning environment and support for me as I grow within the program and in the field.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY?
I absolutely love Kent in the fall, so just enjoying the leaves change and the cool but sunny weather at the many outside tables or hammocking spots. Fall Fest is also great because of the local vendors and winning merch. I also love hiking and exploring trails near to campus and in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS, POST-GRADUATION?
My short-term goal is to establish a position at a construction management company, hopefully in the realm of sustainability or safety (and in my ideal location), and growing from there. My long-term goal is to start my own business and team, remodeling and renovating houses, as well as traveling to do reconstruction projects on structures affected by natural disasters.
WHY SHOULD OTHER STUDENTS CHOOSE KENT STATE?
Kent State has a multitude of student opportunities, incredible and professional staff and a comfortable and welcoming community and environment. There are truly people, places, communities and opportunities for everyone!