A native of Mahopac, N.Y., Jenna Mayer graduated from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as an honors student with a double major in sport management and marketing.
Mayer was nominated for this series by Visiting Instructor of Sport Management Jim Kaden and Assistant Professor of Marketing Amit Kumar. In this profile, Mayer shares her favorite UD memories, challenges she has overcome and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Mayer: I have changed tremendously from my first semester to now. When I first got to UD it was a huge adjustment. I was nervous to get involved in different things and it made me skeptical if this was the right place for me. After the first semester I really found my footing both academically and socially, joining different RSOs and Greek life. Looking back at everything I have accomplished since the first semester, I would have never believed myself if I were told then everything I had done. From sophomore year on, I maintained a 4.0 GPA, became the vice president of my sorority, president of Order of Omega, and held some incredible internship experiences. I have grown in more ways than I thought was possible and I am much more confident in my abilities as a professional and an overall person moving onto the next chapter!
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Mayer: Other than the typical challenge of adjusting and getting comfortable with campus and college as a whole, I faced a lot of challenges in my personal life. My family faced a lot of difficult and emotional situations throughout my college experience. Being three hours from home really affected my mental health as my family was going through these challenges. I felt myself disassociating with my studies and my social life. I was experiencing grief and was frequently feeling down, and I would have never made it through without the support of professors and friends. I had to miss class often to rush home unexpectedly, and my professors were extremely understanding with deadlines and attendance. The support I received during this time is truly the only reason I made it out stronger. I likely would have had to take a leave from school if it were not for my peers, professors, advisors and best friends! I am so grateful for the support of Lerner.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Mayer: I think my favorite signature UD experience was joining Greek life. I was very hesitant to do so at first, but in the end, I got more out of it than I could have ever imagined. I got involved in two leadership positions, which helped me grow significantly. I served as my chapter’s secretary, and then the vice president. Having to lead a group of 250 strong women was really empowering and it was the highlight of my college experience. Not to mention I made lifelong best friends and formed meaningful relationships that I look forward to carrying with me into my post-grad career.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Mayer: Yes, two professors immediately came to mind that have had a tremendous impact on my UD experience.
The first is Professor Kaden, a professor of sport management. I had the privilege of having Professor Kaden four times. Not only is he a great teacher, but I also saw him as a mentor. He taught his students valuable life lessons to make us not only better professionals, but better humans overall. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to be his student.
The second is Professor Schinoff, a professor of management. I had Professor Schinoff my sophomore year for BUAD309. She truly cares about each and every one of her students and genuinely wants them to succeed. When it came time for me to take my last honors course at UD, I pitched an idea to the Honors College about potentially doing an independent study/thesis style course due to working a full-time internship and class times not working with my schedule. The Honors College said if I could find a professor that would sponsor me, they would consider it. This is where Professor Schinoff comes in. She was so willing to help me and ensure I got these last three honors credits. During my thesis experience, she challenged me to think deeper and learn more about myself throughout the process, which I definitely did. I am so grateful for her!
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Mayer: Being a Lifelong Lerner means everything to me. When I was deciding between schools four years ago, I chose UD mainly because of the reputation Lerner has. I had heard such great things about it and when I came for admitted students day I was sold. Lerner truly supports each and every student. With the amount of resources available between the alumni network, career center and so much more, I never felt lost during my time here. While it is bittersweet to transition from a student to an alum, I am excited to join a network of distinguished and successful alumni and look forward to giving back to Lerner! This school gave me the best education I could have ever gotten, and I will miss it so much.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming students to make the most out of their college experience?
Mayer: I would tell incoming students to say yes to every opportunity. You truly never know when you might meet your best friend, learn something about yourself or just have an incredible time. With this comes time management and being able to stay on top of academics. If you are able to do so, just do everything you possibly can. These four years will go by in the blink of an eye so challenge yourself, work hard, have fun and take advantage of every opportunity that you can. I remember being so excited four years ago around this time and now I can’t believe it’s over. Enjoy every second!!!
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Mayer: Following graduation I will be attending Pace University’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law. I will be pursing my J.D. and hope to concentrate in sports and entertainment law and/or contracts!