Jenna Ju has been selected as one of five incoming Newman University freshmen to receive the St. John Henry Newman Scholarship. The scholarship grants recipients a full-tuition package renewable for four years and is Newman’s most competitive award.
“Ever since I discovered (Newman University), it’s as if I found the missing piece to my future puzzle,” Ju said.
Ju first became interested in Newman during high school; she graduated from Valley Center High School in 2024. She had a college visit in February 2023, but quickly gathered more than just information about the institution.
“When I stepped onto the sidewalk, I felt a sense of welcoming and inclusion. I felt as if (Newman) is where I belonged.”
In her application essay, Ju emphasized that the friendly and tight-knit community at Newman was a large component in her choice to attend. She cited the various clubs and organizations at Newman — “I fell in love with how inclusive they were, inviting everyone no matter who they were” — as well as the overarching collaborative spirit of Newman students that she witnessed as evidence that Newman was the right place for her.
“What makes Newman different is their animated and lively community,” she said. “I am not just getting a degree; I’ll be getting a supportive group of friends, with the opportunity to improve myself and build on my potential to transform society.”
Ju intends to major in biology with a pre-medical concentration.
She is excited to grow in her faith through the strong and supportive Christian atmosphere at Newman. Ju has been volunteering with the First United Church of Valley Center since she was young, and she looks forward to participating in the various religious services and events offered on campus.
“Newman has truly opened me up and sparked a new light in me that I never would have envisioned myself doing years ago,” she commented.
Ju will also join the Newman cheer and dance team and support the Newman Jets with performances during athletic events. She spontaneously joined the dance team at her high school during her senior year, but her commitment quickly blossomed into a large passion for the sport.
“I believe that I will fit perfectly (at Newman), bringing my vision and passion.”
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