A flair for fashion, eager for engagement
Student spotlight: Briana Jenkins
November 17, 2016
By Lindsay Perrault,
Honors Communications Manager
Did you know the Honors College is built on four pillars?
In a series of student spotlights, we will be profiling students who exemplify our pillars, or primary tenets. We are now taking a look at community and global experiences.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. --- It doesn't take long to notice that Briana Jenkins has style. As a business student, she's expected to dress professionally, but you could never call her outfits business bland.
"I try to edge it up with different jewelry," she says. "Statement pieces, necklaces and earrings."
Style isn't a passing interest for Jenkins, she plans to start her own fashion business and is working toward it by getting heavily involved in her scholarly community and forming strong connections with honors faculty and staff.
Last year, as a member of the Emerging Leaders in Honors group, Jenkins consistently attended the weekly Duhme Community Dinner with Faculty Fellows and was at every Emerging Leaders in Honors activity.
At the same time, the business management major and aspiring entrepreneur was also juggling the responsibilities of her spring HONR course, Innovation Forum. The class put students in charge of conceptualizing, designing and overseeing the installation of a space to showcase innovative ideas.
"During the weeks leading up to the building dedication, Briana continued to contribute her time and energy to the now physical Innovation Forum," said Catharine Patrone, senior director of academic and student affairs for the Honors College.
"We got to see it come alive," Jenkins said. "We went to the different construction sites and phases of the project and saw them come together. It's nice to say we were part of this. We were the first SparkLab; we started this."
Community engagement keeps Jenkins well-informed of upcoming leadership programs, internships and other opportunities. This summer, she'll explore management roles with an internship at Ross Stores Inc., a chain of discount department stores.
Her advice for getting involved and making the most out of your community experiences?
Have a planner, go to events as a study break and get to know your RHP, she says. They are well-versed in upcoming opportunities and can be your wing-man or wing-woman, so you feel more comfortable in new situations.