Before she came to JMU, current senior Communication Sciences and Disorders major Jocelyn Medeiros knew she wanted to participate in global learning and complete a capstone project. When thinking about options, she found the Honors College and realized it was the perfect place to pursue her interests.

Through her time in the program, Jocelyn has been able to explore new opportunities and develop new ideas. Her capstone research project explores how frequent military family relocations affect children receiving therapeutic services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy and applied behavioral analysis; and the challenges caregivers face in securing new providers and resources after each move.

Her interest in improving access to healthcare was sparked by an Honors study abroad program in the Dominican Republic she participated in during her first year. She said the experience was eye-opening since it allowed her to leave the country for the first time.During the service-learning trip, she participated in a medical brigade, taught English in schools, and helped build bottle homes. She even got to build a website with local students. Through working with youth in the area, she realized how much she liked working at the community level.

From finding her best friends to discovering her passion for research and working with the community, Jocelyn says she continues to find more ways Honors enhances her time at JMU. Her advice to students joining Honors is to put the best effort in, and to look for opportunities everywhere.

“The Honors College will give back to you,” she said.