Academic Rebounds
Finding a way to stay on track after tragedy strikes
Quinn was ready to begin their junior year at JMU, but an unexpected family tragedy made returning to life on campus incredibly difficult. Quinn sought out JMU’s Rebound program and learned new ways to adapt and make the most of their junior year at JMU.
When a financial surprise came, he had to figure out how to fund college
Gary was all set to be a full-time student at JMU after finishing at community college. But unexpected financial challenges struck, and he had to find a new way to make a JMU degree happen.
Changing plans meant challenges, but ultimately a triumph
After struggling with mastering trumpet as part of his music major, Micah Hodges switched instruments, but that meant extending his college career. Even so, he did it quicker than expected.
The role of family in a student’s setback
When a student faces a setback, it can be a setback for the family, too. And that means that makes the Rebound a family victory, too. That’s what Stefani and Michael Motley found as they helped their son, Phillip.
A difficult first semester at JMU ‘rocked my boat’
Failing a class during his freshman year forced Collin Ashley to redesign his study habits and to find new ways to succeed. The challenge also showed him a new calling and career path.
Failing a class added to her resolve to succeed
Lauren Springer did really well in high school, so failing a class in college was a new experience. The experience strengthened her resolve to succeed.
Self-Care Rebounds
Finding support when the stress of college became too much to bear
Karrington struggled with her transition to JMU, trying to balance her mental health with all of her new stressors. After Karrington ended up in the hospital, she realized she had to make a change. Karrington was introduced to the Rebound program and learned how to share her thoughts and feelings with others.
Finding a way to stay on track after tragedy strikes
Quinn was ready to begin their junior year at JMU, but an unexpected family tragedy made returning to life on campus incredibly difficult. Quinn sought out JMU’s Rebound program and learned new ways to adapt and make the most of their junior year at JMU.
When a financial surprise came, he had to figure out how to fund college
Gary was all set to be a full-time student at JMU after finishing at community college. But unexpected financial challenges struck, and he had to find a new way to make a JMU degree happen.
A misstep leads to mandatory community service that becomes a career path
As a student, Ritter Clevenger got in trouble and had to perform community service. He used it as an opportunity, though, and community service eventual led to a job, which led to a career path.
Finding a faith community built her endurance and gave her a support group
Leah Shewmaker was lonely even though she was surrounded by lots of other people. After connecting with students in a campus ministry, Leah found friends and a purpose.
Challenges led to stress, but fitness and a mentorship have helped
Phillip Motley faced a lot of stress during his freshman year. But he found stress relief through fitness training and he sought a mentor. Both have helped him come back from his freshman-year challenges.
Connecting to Community
When a financial surprise came, he had to figure out how to fund college
Gary was all set to be a full-time student at JMU after finishing at community college. But unexpected financial challenges struck, and he had to find a new way to make a JMU degree happen.
A misstep leads to mandatory community service that becomes a career path
As a student, Ritter Clevenger got in trouble and had to perform community service. He used it as an opportunity, though, and community service eventual led to a job, which led to a career path.
Finding a faith community built her endurance and gave her a support group
Leah Shewmaker was lonely even though she was surrounded by lots of other people. After connecting with students in a campus ministry, Leah found friends and a purpose.
She wasn’t sure her place at JMU, so she created it
Being a minority student initially had Aaliyah McLean doubting her place at JMU. But she turned that doubt around and created new opportunities for her and other women of color.
Working hard when you don’t believe you can do it
Dr. Josh Bacon is the dean of students at JMU, but getting to that position included numerous rebounds. Much of what he has had to overcome is that voice inside that tells us we can’t do something well. But he learned from his grandfather’s example and continued to persevere.
She just kept pushing through the challenges
Ashley Perez faced an injury while playing for the women’s basketball team at JMU that put her hopes of playing after college in doubt. She pushed through the injury, and now she uses that challenge to help others.