Jacob Sturgill, alumnus of 2019, shared his nontraditional time as a student at Winthrop University.
Sturgill’s freshman year at Winthrop University started in August of 2016 and graduated in December of 2019. After taking a great number of credits each semester, he was able to graduate earlier than the traditional 4 years.
“I finished college early and feel that I did not miss out. I was able to get the full college experience while also getting my degree ahead of schedule.” Sturgill said.
During college, Sturgill was able to make friends and gain an education. The events held by Winthrop gave him a sense of community among other students.
“Some of my favorite events were yoga on campus green, Halloween tours in Tillman, and open mic nights in Digs. Some of my other favorite memories from Winthrop include hanging out on Scholars Walk with other classmates and exploring campus,” Sturgill said.
During his time at Winthrop, Sturgill was given the opportunity to meet Shanola Hampton, known as “V” from the show Shameless.
“She was very nice. She took a picture with me and told me I smelled delicious,” Sturgill said.
When looking back at the impact Winthrop left on Sturgill, he discusses the inclusivity of the students and faculty, and the safe space the community created on campus.
“My time at Winthrop impacted me by helping me discover who I am as a person. Winthrop helped shape my identity by providing me a safe place to explore who I am as a human and question the reality we live in.”
When reflecting on his classmates at Winthrop, Sturgill said,“The students were eager to learn and many of the students I encountered were supportive and understanding of others’ challenges.”
“I enjoyed hanging out on the lawn in front of Richardson. Many of the friends I made at Winthrop were met when they were studying in the grass by the dorms. We would all meet up on blankets outside to work on projects and spend time with each other,” Sturgill said.
Aside from being on campus, he enjoyed exploring Charlotte. His favorite places to go included Cool Beans Coffee Shop and the Art Museum downtown.
Looking back, there were a few things that Sturgill said he would change. He wishes he had double majored, attended more sporting events and joined a club.
“Winthrop offers so many opportunities to get involved and I was too hesitant,” Sturgill said. “If I could go back I would join more clubs or possibly a fraternity. I feel like if I would have put myself out there more, I may have made a bigger impact on those around me.”
One piece of advice Sturgill would give to current and future Winthrop students would be to work on time management.
“Time management helped me balance a steady social and educational life while living on campus. I was able to make new friends and stay on top of my work by working ahead and submitting assignments early,” Sturgill said.
Upon graduating with a degree in social work in 2019, Sturgill said his transition into the “real world” was difficult.
“Education becomes your world while you are in college, and then suddenly it is all over. I found it hard to adjust to not having constant work to do or having a test to study for. You have so much free time that no one tells you about once you in the real world” Sturgill said.
While in college, students meet people from all over the world. Oftentimes after graduation, those classmates and friends part ways. This aspect of graduating was hard to adjust to for Sturgill.
“Many of the individuals I met in college live all across the country and it was hard to cope with the idea of not seeing them for a long time,” Sturgill said.
Currently, Sturgill is working as a clinical social worker specializing in substance abuse counseling.
“On average I have 60 clients that I work with. I teach group therapy sessions and see clients individually each week to help them meet their goals and remain abstinent. My favorite part of my job is getting to plant a seed of empowerment to all individuals I work will; I have the opportunity to watch my client create change in real time and it’s amazing,” Sturgill said.
“My degree has impacted my life by providing me the opportunity to follow my dreams and work for vulnerable populations. As a social work major I was about to obtain a state license that allows me an abundance of opportunity in the job field,” Sturgill said.
Sturgill gives one last piece of advice to Winthrop students, “Do not wish your time at Winthrop away. One day after you graduate you may look back and wish you could do it all over again because I sure do.”
