Crystal Park is where she is — teaching college journalism in Washington state — thanks in no small part to Jennifer Follis.
“I had the joy of getting to know Professor Follis in one of my journalism classes sophomore year and again my junior year,” says Park (BS ’12, journalism). “What stood out to me was her humble heart, gentle spirit and the twinkle in her eye when given an opportunity to mentor students in their academic or professional pursuits.
“My fondest memory of her was when I shared that I was a board member of a social justice organization on campus and tasked with finding guest speakers in the nonprofit world who could help raise awareness of injustices around the world to college students. She kindly stepped in as a guest speaker and served as a valuable resource for how to care for those in need, sharing about the social justice cause she’s been involved in over the years.
“As she presented in that lecture hall during our club meeting, I knew somewhere down the road, I wanted to be just like her — a professional instructor and advocate who helps college students become agents of change in the community through small acts of kindness and love, by living that example out herself.
“During my senior year, I received an offer letter from Columbia Journalism School, and she was among the first academic professionals that I shared the news with.
“Today, it’s no coincidence why I became a college journalism instructor and adviser.”
