Photo by: Ashley Alonzo
Born in Garden City, Kansas, Ottawa University student Jacyn Dawes found herself falling “in love with the atmosphere” after visiting the College’s campus.
Competing in the OU Top Scholar Competition and earning the Presidential Scholarship made her decision to attend Ottawa University easy. She enjoyed how she “felt welcomed which (was) very different from the large high school (she) attended.”
Dawes is a proud aunt for her two brothers’ sons and looks up to her brothers.
“They have always been role models for me because they are hard workers and have always been there for me,” Dawes said.
She spends her time between the speech and debate team, being a senior ambassador in admissions, involved in Women in Gold, a member of the dance team and DECA, and also competes in track and field. Jacyn could double as the face of the University.
She most enjoys forensics, or speech and debate. This activity has allowed her to travel the country, which is something she’s always strived to do.
“It has a real-life application. Public speaking and finding ways to communicate persuasive information will help a lot with my future career,” Dawes said.
When Dawes isn’t running around from organization to organization, she really enjoys reading, working out and spending time with her friends. Some would call her a woman who wears many hats. But most would agree she’s one talented, motivated and driven individual.