Jordan Schoeneman recently graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Political Science, with a minor in Sociology, Spring 2023. She credits her accomplishments to growth among life’s challenges.
At right: Schoeneman on the balcony of Beck Family Heritage Hall at Texas A&M University-Central Texas.
In 2020, Schoeneman, her husband and their daughter made the move from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to Killeen, after her husband received a new duty assignment. “We had just had our daughter and gotten married mid pandemic. We were stationed down here and drove 21-plus hours with a two-week old. That was tough. And during the first year down here I was a stay-at-home mom,” she said.
At right: Schoeneman on a bench behind Warrior Hall at Texas A&M University-Central Texas.
“I had previously taken classes at the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to that, I was at the University of Westchester. I decided ... a year was long enough time away from school,” Schoeneman said. “And I didn’t have to miss those key life milestones because again, I was there the first year, so I saw the walking, the crawling, the babble and the first word.”
At right: Schoeneman in front of Warrior Hall.
Schoeneman says the decision “just made sense” because of proximity, the ease of transferring her academic credits, and the flexibility to her home life.
“I was able to pick up my daughter, drop her off. I was working as well. It was very flexible for the kind of life that I was looking to lead. As well as getting it done in terms of my education,” she said.
At right: Schoeneman in front of Warrior Hall.
When approached to become a Blue Coat Ambassador, the scholarship opportunities, involvement in campus life, and networking ultimately persuaded her to apply for the position which she began in the Fall of 2022.
Being a Blue Coat Ambassador has enhanced Schoeneman’s college experience “tenfold.”
“I didn’t really engage (with the campus) prior to becoming a Blue Coat. I think just the level of involvement and my engagement with students and faculty has definitely given me a ton of networking experience,” she said.
She was involved with campus events such as Trunk or Treat, the Warrior Week picnic, and leading campus tours which highlighted campus spirit.
At right: Schoeneman leads a campus tour.
The most difficult part of Schoeneman's journey toward higher education, according to her, was the guilt she felt when trying to balance her education and family.
At right: Schoeneman stares up at the Torch located in General Shoemaker Founders Hall.
“I think my biggest piece of advice is to ignore the guilt… My husband said ‘(Our daughter) is going to remember that you loved what you did and pursued your passion,” she said. “Because that’s what we want our kids to see: us to be happy and love what we do.”
At right: Schoeneman under the Torch in Founders Hall.
From being a Blue Coat to research opportunities, and an internship for the Office of the Texas Governor, Schoeneman absorbed the knowledge she would need to pursue her dream of working in government relations, lighting a path for her daughter, and making the world a better place.
“Step outside your comfort zone and meet a bunch of exciting people who are going to push you to be your best self. Not only academically, but in your professional life.”
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