Jacob Villeneuve
Jacob knew he wanted to serve but he also wanted to get a college degree. He got the best of both worlds by joining the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) as a student here at UMass Lowell.
“I knew I wanted to serve but I knew I wanted to pursue higher education, so it seemed like a good combination of both. It's a lot of time, it's a big-time commitment, and it's a lot of stress at times but it's rewarding. It'll pay off and it's going to be worth it. Sometimes I don't enjoy it but other times I very much enjoy it. It helps me know and remember why I wanted to do it in the first place.” Jacob is studying Electrical Engineering and intends to get a minor in Sound Recording Technology. He see’s being first-generation as a clean slate. His parents are very supportive of his decision to go to college and helps him in any way that they can, especially through emotional support. “You’re setting your own family’s history. You are the first of a lineage to be going to college which has its disadvantages but can also be advantageous that you start that path for future generations and your family.” |
Jacob currently works on campus with hospitality event services as an AV Specialist which comprises of him running the audio and visual components for different events that happen on campus. He did similar things all throughout high school which inspired him to pursue Sound Recording Technology.
Juggling the college life along with the military life has not been easy, but Jacob has found a way to balance it all along with his extra curriculars.
“From my own experiences, trying to juggle like military life in parallel with college life is very different. It involves trying to be in the mindset of hanging out with friends who aren't in in ROTC and then switching gears when I am in uniform. Those in ROTC are just a small fraction of the other students who go here. It is a weird and unique experience to try and pursue the military life while also going to class.”
Along with being a member of AFROTC and RHSA, Jacob wishes to become a peer leader with RHSA, to help first-generation students just like him, and potentially be a campus tour guide.
It’s safe to say that Jacob is a very well-rounded individual whose passion for the things he loves will get him very far!
Juggling the college life along with the military life has not been easy, but Jacob has found a way to balance it all along with his extra curriculars.
“From my own experiences, trying to juggle like military life in parallel with college life is very different. It involves trying to be in the mindset of hanging out with friends who aren't in in ROTC and then switching gears when I am in uniform. Those in ROTC are just a small fraction of the other students who go here. It is a weird and unique experience to try and pursue the military life while also going to class.”
Along with being a member of AFROTC and RHSA, Jacob wishes to become a peer leader with RHSA, to help first-generation students just like him, and potentially be a campus tour guide.
It’s safe to say that Jacob is a very well-rounded individual whose passion for the things he loves will get him very far!