ORANGE PARK – Depending on the time of day a visitor arrives at the St. Johns River State College Orange Park campus, they could be greeted by 19-year-old student worker Erneise Louis. She works in Student Services, assisting in admissions and enrollment, and enjoys when she gets the chance to share her personal SJR State experiences with prospective students.
Louis began her college classes as a dual enrollment student while attending Orange Park High. She admits that when she first heard of the College’s early enrollment opportunities, she did not consider applying to the programs. “At the time, I thought I wasn’t smart enough to get in, so I didn’t bother attempting,” she said. However, after scoring higher than she expected on her college placement test, she realized that dual enrollment classes were suddenly an option. “I was shocked and saw this as a true miracle, so I faithfully took the opportunity. This helped me decide to obtain my A.A. degree at SJR State,” Louis said. Erneise took a moment from her busy schedule to answer a few questions about her education.

How has SJR State has been most beneficial to you?
Louis: SJR State has given me a head start in college and saved me some money, time, and stress for a couple of semesters as a full-time college student. Professionally (as a student worker) and academically (as a student), I have gained much confidence, knowledge and maturity during my time here. I will always remember SJR State as the place I had the time to learn more about myself and felt safe due to the constant support, along with the confidence the instructors and staff have in me - more than I even have in myself at times.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Louis: Having the pressure from the quick transition of being a high school student to a full-time college student. Given that my senior year was cut short, and I began distance learning in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I didn’t have the chance to begin my college journey feeling as prepared as I had once thought I would.
However, through the frustration and confusion of it all, I eventually stopped thinking about myself and realized that there are millions of others facing either the same situation or much worse. I began to count my blessings and check my humility. This self-evaluation process taught me more patience and perseverance. Moreover, I began to settle into the role that I was called to be in. I learned how to work hard but remain healthy and to actually ‘enjoy the ride’ of my journey of higher education despite the circumstances.

Where will you transfer after you earn your A.A. degree?
Louis: I plan to transfer to the University of North Florida to obtain the Bachelor of Business Management degree, and then the Master of Business Administration degree.
While working toward my A.A. and taking business classes at SJR State, I have earned an Accounting Technology Specialist certificate. This certificate will help enhance my skillset when seeking employment and shows how versatile in the business field I can be.

Why did you choose business management as your major?
Louis: Because of how effective and common it is in every aspect of society. This concept is needed in every business, organization, project, team and much more. I know most businesses exist to either help or make a difference in the community, which aligns with my passion to make an impact in my community with the gifts I’ve been blessed with... Also, I, along with others, believe I have good management and administration skills.

How do you hope to make your biggest impact in the community?
Louis: When I hear the word ‘community,’ I think of those around me, which also includes family and friends. I am blessed to come from a hardworking and musical family and am inspired by the variety of unique gifts each family member has that impacts their community.
I also hope to impact the community in any way that I can with my degree and the God-given skills and talents that I continue to discover. Although I want to go into the business field, I am also looking into seeking a minor degree in psychology. I truly love how the descriptions of the three degrees of interest to me are general and universal in multiple aspects, which allows me to have a plethora of career options to choose from.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Louis: I never expected to achieve as much as I have so far, including being a student worker while obtaining my A.A. degree here at SJR State, and being able to share a bit of my story (through this student spotlight).
I will always remember SJR State as the place I had the time to learn more about myself. There is a time for everything but remaining doubtful for too long will only push you further away from reaching your true potential. Do not let your age determine your potential or success, as it is just a number in this case.
As one of my favorite Bible verses I refer to says, “‘What do you mean, ‘If I can’?’ Jesus asked. ‘Anything is possible if a person believes.’ MARK 9:23 (NLT). I hope my story encourages you however it applies to your life.”