Villanova University Student Spotlight Interview with Fa’ryn Jones

Fa’ryn Jones majors in Psychology/Criminology with a Minor In Deaf and Disability studies at Villanova University. She will graduate in 2028.

1. What led to your decision to attend college in Pennsylvania at a private Catholic research university?

Villanova had been my dream school since my sophomore year of high school. I had become familiar with Villanova through Posse New Orleans and began my research into the private Catholic university and its programs. I still did not know why, but it always felt like the place for me. I had an admissions counselor travel to New Orleans to speak with me, Erica Woods. I was the only student in the time block to speak with her. Again, I was a younger student who didn’t know much about the college application or process, but she made sure to teach me everything I needed to know. This was the first time, before I made it to Villanova, that I felt its support. I can say that this has not changed whatsoever, and Villanova has continued to show nothing but support. Moving 18+ hours away from home, I knew I needed more than just friends. Here, I’ve been able to find friends that I view as family, opportunities, whether internships or service, but I’ve also been taught to be a better friend, student, employee, etc., through those values of Unitas, Caritas, and Veritas.

2. Can you describe what kind of support/communities exist as a student from your

background at Villanova?

a. In what ways can a student find a supportive community at Villanova and feel supported?

Here at Villanova, we have a bit over 300+ clubs and organizations. We also have countless resources across campus for all our students. Our community here is also welcoming, and you may find communities through the courses you’re taking, the neighbors from down the hall, or small spaces that we have around campus that welcome students. I have found community in all of these spaces. Whether these communities provide resources like our Center for Access and Student Achievement, a place to study like The Suite, communities of people who identify the same as me, like the Black Student Union and First-Generation Graduates, or organizations committed to its historic mission, like Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., I have found all these spaces and cherished all of them. I find new communities each day and pour in the values instilled in me by Villanova to keep these spaces strong. They are open, and all students are welcomed and kept familiar with those spaces.

3. What advice do you have for Juniors and Seniors in high school who want to attend

Villanova and…

a.....are interested in attending college in a large city and want their application to stand out?

Some advice I would have for juniors or seniors interested in attending Villanova University would be to be your authentic self. Be confident in who you are and all that you’ve done. Teach others about the things that you value and stand firm in them. In your application, don’t try to change things to fit a false perception of a “perfect application.” Understand that college will support you academically. You won’t know everything, and you won’t be expected to. So, teach them about who you are and the beautiful things you can bring to a campus, as well as what you can cultivate in the fields you are interested in going into.

4. What are some of Villanova most notable programs? (Programs of study,

extracurriculars, etc).

Here at Villanova, we are most notable for our top-ranked undergraduate and graduate programs in business, engineering, nursing, and communication. You’d also know us for our Nova Wildcats basketball team, winning NCAA Championships in 1985, 2016, and 2018. Jalen Brunson (Go Nova Knicks!) and Maddy Siegrist are both graduates of Villanova University.

5. What advice would you offer a student who is considering attending Villanova, but

is on the fence about it?

Advice I would offer to a student on the fence about attending Villanova University would be: don’t be afraid to enter new spaces or try new things. Also, continue to research. It takes one little thing to ignite a spark in you that will make this place feel like home.

6. One word to describe a Villanova student?

Driven!