Jessica Potts

Class of 2008

Norcross, Georgia

Career Goals

I am a history major and my primary interest is focused in the Civil War and the social history of the South.  This kind of history fascinates me, and at St. Andrews, I was able to focus my research and studies around the South.  I have had the opportunity to do an honors thesis in this concentration, which has broadened my horizons even more.  After my undergraduate experience, I think my major and learning experience here will allow me to turn to law, politics, or education in graduate school. 

Meaningful Experience

Being a horse person, some of my fondest experiences at St. Andrews revolve around the Equestrian Program.  I have watched this program grow into something fabulous and substantially larger than what it was in 2004 when I came, and to me that has been wonderful to be a part of.  Aside from the equestrian aspect of my life, I have really enjoyed being involved in my major and building relationships with my professors.  St. Andrews is a unique place and taking advantage of all that is offered is what makes it so special.  With all that said, I have to say that my best experience here was in my sophomore year when I was selected to be on the ANRC team.  I learned more about teamwork and determination than I ever had before, and the end result was a successful national competition held on our campus in which we came in second. 

Why St. Andrews?

Come to St. Andrews if you’re open-minded, enjoy a tight-knit community, and wish to be part of something special.  Although we’re small, the experiences you take from here and the education you’ll receive is of the caliber you’ll find anywhere else.  St. Andrews is the place where everyone knows your name, and if you’re interested in that, this is the place for you!

St. Andrews Faculty

Dr. David Herr has been not only a professor to me over the years but also a mentor.  He epitomizes what the school means about building a relationship with a professor at St. Andrews.  He truly cares about my academic endeavors, and has done so much to help me on my journey.  I am in the midst of my senior thesis, and I know that I would not have been nearly as successful as I have been without him.  Although the criticism is harsh at times, it is out of respect for me as a student and because I have the capability to write an excellent paper that he pushes me as hard as he does.

Extracurricular Activities

I am involved in a multitude of things on campus.  I am very active in the equestrian program.  For the program I ride on several teams including the IHSA team and the A Show Team and I also serve as the Vice President of Riding Council.  Aside from the barn, I am involved in activities such as the Honors Program and Honors Mentoring. I’m also an RA.   I also serve on the SGA as the Secretary and am involved in as a student representative on a faculty committee and on the student handbook review committee. 

Community Involvement

Last semester, through the equestrian program, I was involved in planning the sending of upwards of 300 shoe boxes to our troops overseas.  These shoe boxes were stuffed with items such as toys for the Iraqi children, wet wipes for showerless days, and stationary for letters home.  In addition to the shoe box project, I compete in the school’s Showing Under the Stars series, which donates canned food to local food banks and also in planning  SGA events to reach out to the community, like Knights Fest. 

Showing in Jacksonville, Fl. 2007.