Meet Liberal Studies Alumna Jasmine Terwilliger

Individualized Major: Chemical and Nutrition Science

Minors in Chemistry and Mathematics, Concentrations in Health & Sport Sciences and Biology

Graduation year: 2016

How did your Individualized Major through the Liberal Studies Program prepare you for your next steps after graduation?

My major helped prepare me for graduate school and for life. I've already put some of my skills to practice by voluntarily teaching healthy cooking classes to single moms. My ultimate goal is to be a dietician, and my major that emphasizes science and health have gotten me one step closer.

Most memorable class you took as an undergrad? Why?

Probably Chemistry 209, which is a lab course. I met my fiancé there!

What is the most thrilling or adventurous thing you've ever done?

In the Summer of 2011 I traveled by myself to Europe. I went to Germany, Switzerland, and France.

Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you're committed to in your work and life? Tell me about them.

My mother is an exemplary and extremely inspirational woman. She is a psychologist who started her own counseling clinic for people with anxiety disorders. I work for her currently, and through the practice she has helped hundreds of individuals overcome their fears. Her desire to help others has encouraged me to do the same. My fiancé has also influenced me by supporting me changing to an individualized major. He has also encouraged me to pursue nutrition as a career.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Eating chocolate, hands down.

Advice for current Individualized Majors?

If there is one thing my individualized major taught me, it is that college is not just a series of courses you have to take. The courses I took through my major opened my eyes to the world around me and helped me understand people better. I feel like I have so much more insight. Don't take the college experience for granted. Each unique class you take has the potential to teach great things, but learning is all about the work you put in. Also, being different shouldn't be looked down on. Our differences are what makes us who we are. So be inspired by the uniqueness of your individualized major!